With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of America's most beloved singer.

The founder of MAZE and the singer of “Before I Let Go” has died at the age of 77.

His family told everyone about his death on the band’s official Facebook page on September 11.

The statement from Frankie’s family said, “Losing a loved one is a very personal and emotional thing to go through.”

“During this time, we’d appreciate your privacy and understanding as we deal with sadness, reflection, and memories. Please give us time to grieve in our own way.”

“This time is for healing, and we appreciate your understanding that we need time to be alone as we remember our beloved Howard Stanley Beverly, better known as Frankie Beverly.”

“He lived his life with a pure soul, and no one did it better for us.” He loved music, his family, and his friends.

“Love one another as he would want us all to,” the message said.

There were a lot of tributes to Frankie on social media after she died.

“Another great person has gone to heaven.” No need to worry, Mr. Frankie Beverly. Someone wrote on X, “Thank you for being a part of my life through music.”

“All of our legends are reaching their time…” said another tweet. Rest in peace.”

“May Frankie Beverly rest in peace. “You will always be a legend,” a third X user told the musician.

Another tribute reading, “I am really sad about Frankie Beverly!” “So many of us grew up with his voice.”

FRANKIE’S STORY

Howard Beverly is Frankie’s real name. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on December 6, 1946.

In the early part of his career, the famous R&B singer started a number of musical groups. One of these was Frankie Beverly and the Butlers, who had some success in their home state in the 1960s.

When the group moved to California in the 1970s, things started to get better for them. They changed their name to Raw Soul.

Marvin Gaye, who helped the band, invited Raw Soul to go on tour with him as his opening act. This was their big break.

He also persuaded the band to change their name to Maze, which is his most important contribution to the band’s musical history.

Joy and Pain, Happy Feelin’s, and Before I Let Go are some of their most well-known songs. Frankie’s smooth baritone voice and stage charisma captivated audiences.

A tribute album to the singer was made by Frankie’s son Anthony in 2009. It was called Silky Soul Music…an All-Star Tribute to Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly.

Artists like Mary J. Blige, Kenneth Brian Edmonds (Babyface), and Mint Condition were on the record.

Frankie said goodbye to the stage with one last show at his hometown’s Dell Music Center in Philadelphia, after 50 years of shows.

Fans came from all over the country to see Frankie perform live on stage one last time during his Farewell Tour in July 2022. Over 5,200 people attended.

PBS News talked to hip-hop writer Nikki Duncan-Smith, who was also there. She said, “When I think about family, when I think about fun, when I think about Blackness, he’s so intricate into what Blackness is for me.”