Philadelphia (CBS) — Frankie Beverly, a legendary R&B performer and Philadelphia native, has died. He was 77.
On Tuesday morning, his family revealed the devastating news on Instagram.
According to the article, Beverly, real name Howard Stanley Beverly, died on Monday, September 10.
“He lived his life with a pure soul, as the saying goes, and no one did it better for us. “He lived for his music, family, and friends,” the statement stated.
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A post shared by Frankie Beverly And Maze (Maze Honouring Frankie Beverly) (@frankiebeverlyandmaze).
The family has not disclosed any specifics about Beverly’s death and has requested privacy during this terrible time.
Beverly began his musical career early, performing as a soloist in church while growing up in Philadelphia’s East Germantown. As a teenager, he sang in “The Silhouettes” before forming his own doo-wop band, “The Blenders.”
In 1970, he created the ensemble “Raw Soul” in Philadelphia, which later became known as “Frankie Beverly and Maze.” Beverly then relocated to San Francisco, where he collaborated with legend Marvin Gaye, according to his website.
“The Motown maestro would take the group under his wing, and Gaye was the one who suggested they change their name. “Frankie Beverly and Maze were born,” the website said.
Beverly founded the band Frankie Beverly and Maze and served as its lead vocalist, songwriter, and producer.
Beverly, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, Councilmember Cindy Bass, and representatives of the neighbourhood gathered in May to dedicate “Frankie Beverly Way” in East Germantown.
“This is for someone who has made a significant contribution to the lives of Philadelphians,” Bass stated during the dedication. “Anyone who knows music knows that Philadelphia is a music town, and Frankie has made such a contribution.”
The music of Frankie Beverly and Maze gained popular in the Black community. With songs like “Before I Let Go,” “Joy and Pain,” and “Happy Feelin’s,” their tone and soulful manner became the soundtrack to cookouts, family reunions, and, for some, electric slide parties.
Beyoncé covered Beverly’s magnum opus “Before I Let Go” in her 2019 live album “Homecoming.”
Beverly and his band recently concluded their “I Wanna Thank You Farewell Tour” earlier this summer. His final performances were at the Dell Music Centre in North Philadelphia. Jalen Hurts, the Eagles quarterback, joined Beverly on stage and greeted him with a bunch of flowers.
Hurts, who is generally recognised for having an old soul when it comes to his musical taste, issued a statement on X about Beverly’s loss. “His timeless music, profound lyrics, and indelible influence. I am devastated to learn about this one. My thoughts and prayers are with the Beverly family and Frankie’s many followers around the world! His legacy will last forever. Rest easy, my friend. “Long live Frankie.”
His timeless music, profound words, and indelible impact. I am devastated to learn about this one. My thoughts and prayers are with the Beverly family and Frankie’s many followers around the world! His legacy will last forever. Rest easy, my friend. Long live, Frankie 🕊️
Fellow Philadelphian Questlove of The Roots paid tribute to the late music star with an Instagram story.
Patti LaBelle, a Philadelphia native, also paid tribute to Beverly in an Instagram post that showed her attending one of her performances.
“Love you, Frankie! Thank you for constantly lifting us up! “Rest in love and peace.” LaBelle’s post was read.
Basketball Hall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson also visited X to express how important the music great was to him and his wife.
Music fans all throughout the world are mourning a great loss today. I can’t begin to express how much I adored Frankie as a great musical performer and even more as a person. He was a lovely soul who always gave fans their money’s worth at each performance.
His timeless music, his powerful words and his lasting impact. I’m devastated to hear about this one.. My prayers are with the Beverly family and the many Frankie fans across the world! His legacy will live on forever. Rest easy my friend. Long Live Frankie 🕊️
— Jalen Hurts (@JalenHurts) September 11, 2024
Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) On September 11, 2024, Philadelphia radio DJ Patty Jackson lauded Beverly’s legacy in music, particularly her words.
“His music resonated. Consider the lyrics to ‘Joy and Pain,’ which say, ‘You’re going to have joy. You are going to experience pain. You are going to have sunshine. “You’re going to get rain, and that’s life,” Jackson added. “He was an exceptional artist, who proved
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