MAZE'S FRANKIE BEVERLY, 1946-2024

R&B legend Frankie Beverly, best known as the frontman for Maze, died on Monday at the age of 77.

In a statement announcing his passing, the artist's family said “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.” Further details about Beverly's death were not disclosed.

Beverly began performing at the age of 12, bringing his high-register vocals to doo-wop hitmakers The Silhouettes, who were best known for “Get a Job.” As his voice matured into a mellow baritone, he struck out on his own with several ensembles. At first, he stuck with vocal group stylings as part of the Gamble/Huff stable, but eventually evolved into the Sly and the Family Stone-influenced soul-funk-rock hybrid Raw Soul.

That group caught its big break in 1976, when a sister-in-law of Marvin Gaye tipped the late singer off about their talents. Gaye changed their name to Maze and took them on tour, which led to a deal with Capitol in 1977 and a gold-certified self-titled debut album that spawned the hit singles “Workin’ Together” and “Lady of Magic.”

Maze notched nine gold album certifications over the next two decades, hitting #1 on the R&B charts with the singles “Back in Stride” (1983) and “Can’t Get Over You” (1989). Maze remained a powerful touring force well into the 2000s and earned respect from a younger generation of performers: Young Jeezy and Lil Boosie sampled their songs, and Beyoncé covered “Before I Let Go” on her Homecoming album.

Beverly announced his retirement from performing earlier this year and then embarked on the I Wanna Thank You Farewell tour, which wrapped at Dell Music Center in his Philadelphia hometown on 7/6.

His bandmates intend to carry on under the name Maze Honoring Frankie Beverly.