Frankie Beverly, 'Before I Let Go' Singer and Maze Founder, Dies at 77: 'No One Did It Better,' Says Family

Mar. 15, 2025

Frankie Beverly in London in 1985.Photo:David Corio/Michael Ochs Archive/Getty

David Corio/Michael Ochs Archive/Getty

Frankie Beverly, iconic singer known for the song “Before I Let Go” and founding the group Maze, died on Sept. 10. He was 77.

“Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience,” opened the note. “During this time, as we are navigating feelings of sorrow, reflection, and remembrance we kindly ask for privacy and understanding, allowing us the space to grieve in our own way.”

Frankie Beverly in Washington, DC in June 2024.Brian Stukes/Getty

Brian Stukes/Getty

The family continued, “This period for is one of healing, and your respect for our need for solitude is appreciated as we honor the memory of our beloved Howard Stanley Beverly known to the world as Frankie Beverly.”

“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,” read the statement. “Love one another as he would want that for us all.”

Beverly’s cause of death is currently unknown. A rep for the singer did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

Born Dec. 6, 1946, Beverly grew up singing gospel music and formed a group called the Blenders while in high school, according toThe Philadelphia Tribune. The venture didn’t last very long, however, as he founded another group, the Butlers, in 1963.

The Butlers relocated to California’s Bay Area in 1971 and changed their name to Raw Soul, which fellow musician and tourmate Marvin Gaye suggested they alter again, per the outlet. The group then became known as Maze.

In 1977, the group released its first album,Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, which became their first of nine Gold-certified full-length releases. The group scored two No. 1 albums on theBillboardTop R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart throughout their career: 1985’sCan’t Stop the Loveand 1989’sSilky Soul.

Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly.Gems/Redferns

Gems/Redferns

Maze also notched nine top-10 singles on theBillboardTop R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart throughout their run, including two No. 1 hits: 1985’s “Back in Stride” and 1989’s “Can’t Get Over You.”

The group’s signature hit has proven to be “Before I Let Go” from the 1981 albumLive from New Orleans.The track charted at No. 13 after its initial release, and it’s become a staple at weddings and other gatherings, especially within Black culture.

“Before I Let Go” received a new life in 2019, thanks toBeyoncé’s cover of the song forHomecoming: The Live Album. Beverly toldBillboardthe cover was “definitely a blessing.”

“Other people have done my songs, but the way she did this was in a class of its own. I’m hearing from people I haven’t heard from in years. She’s done something that has affected my life,” he said at the time. “I haven’t even spoken to a publication like yours in quite a while. So it’s changed things around for me.”

Beverly continued touring until shortly before his death, having wrapped a string of concerts with Maze (featuring a new lineup) in July.

Frankie Beverly performs in London in November 1989.Ian Dickson/Redferns

Ian Dickson/Redferns

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In May, he was honored with a ceremonial renaming of the block where his childhood home sits in Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood as “Frankie Beverly Way,” perThe Philadelphia Tribune.

“I want to thank you all for coming along on this journey,” said Beverly during an event celebrating the moment, per the outlet. “Today is not a sign of a closing chapter, but a new beginning. There is more to come.”

source: people.com