PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Frankie Beverly, the legendary R&B singer and Philadelphia native, has died. He was 77.
His family shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram on Tuesday morning.
According to the report, Beverly, whose real name is Howard Stanley Beverly, passed away on Monday, September 10.
“He lived his life with pure soul, as one would say, and for us no one did it better. He lived for his music, family and friends,” the post read.
The family has not shared any details about Beverly’s death and has asked for privacy during this difficult time.
Beverly got his start in music early, growing up in Philadelphia’s East Germantown neighborhood as a church soloist. As a teenager, he sang with an ensemble called “The Silhouettes” before forming his own doo-wop group, “The Blenders.”
In 1970, he formed the group “Raw Soul” in Philly, which would later become known as “Frankie Beverly and Maze.” Beverly then moved to San Francisco, where he worked with the legend Marvin Gaye, according to Beverly’s website.
“The Motown master would take the group under his wing and it was Gaye who suggested the group change their name. Frankie Beverly and Maze were born,” the website said.
Beverly was the lead singer, songwriter, producer and founder of the band Frankie Beverly and Maze.
In May, Beverly, along with Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, Councilmember Cindy Bass, and community members, gathered for the Street dedication of “Frankie Beverly Way” in East Germantown.
“This is for someone who has made a significant contribution to the lives of Philadelphians,” Bass said at the dedication. “Anyone who knows music knows that Philadelphia is a music city, and Frankie has made such a contribution.”
Frankie Beverly and Maze’s music became a staple in the black community. With songs like “Before I Let Go,” “Joy and Pain,” and “Happy Feelin’s,” their sound and soulful style became the soundtrack to barbecues, family reunions, and for some, electric slide.
Beverly’s magnum opus “Before I Let Go” was covered by Beyoncé on her 2019 live album “Homecoming”.
Beverly and his band wrapped up their “I Wanna Thank You Farewell Tour” earlier this summer. His final shows were at The Dell Music Center in North Philadelphia. Beverly was joined onstage by Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who greeted him onstage with a bouquet of flowers.
Hurts, who is known for his old soul when it comes to his taste in music, posted a statement on X about Beverly’s passing: “His timeless music, his powerful words, and his lasting impact. I am devastated to hear this. My prayers are with the Beverly family and the many Frankie fans around the world! His legacy will live on forever. Rest in peace my friend. Long live Frankie.”
Questlove, a fellow Philadelphia resident of The Roots, posted an Instagram story in honor of the late music legend.
Philadelphia native Patti LaBelle also honored Beverly in an Instagram post showing Beverly attending one of her performances.
“I love you Frankie! Thank you for always lifting us up! Rest in peace!” LaBelle’s message read.
Basketball Hall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson also stopped by X to share how important the music legend was to him and his wife.
Philadelphia radio DJ Patty Jackson said Beverly’s legacy extends to music and she particularly praised the lyrics of Beverly’s songs.
“His music connected. When he wrote ‘Joy and Pain,’ remember the lyrics: ‘You’re going to have joy. You’re going to have pain. You’re going to have sunshine. You’re going to have rain,’ and that’s life,” Jackson said. “He was a great artist who proved that he didn’t have to win all the big awards. It’s a huge shame he never won a Grammy.”
