Frankie Beverly, R&B Singer and Philadelphia Native, Dies at 77, Family Announces
Legendary R&B Singer Frankie Beverly Dies at 77
Frankie Beverly, the iconic R&B singer and Philadelphia native, passed away at the age of 77. His family announced the heartbreaking news on Instagram, sharing that Beverly, whose real name was Howard Stanley Beverly, died on Monday, September 10th. The family has requested privacy and has not disclosed further details about his passing.
A Soulful Life Rooted in Philadelphia
Beverly’s musical journey began in his hometown of Philadelphia, where he grew up in the East Germantown neighborhood. He started as a soloist in his church choir before joining a group called “The Silhouettes” in his teen years. Later, he formed his own doo-wop group, “The Blenders.”
Formation of Frankie Beverly and Maze
In 1970, Beverly founded the band “Raw Soul” in Philadelphia, which eventually became the legendary “Frankie Beverly and Maze.” After relocating to San Francisco, Beverly caught the attention of Motown icon Marvin Gaye, who mentored the group and suggested the name change to “Frankie Beverly and Maze.”
Musical Contributions and Legacy
Frankie Beverly was not only the lead singer but also the songwriter, producer, and creative force behind Frankie Beverly and Maze. The group became renowned in the Black community for hits like “Before I Let Go,” “Joy and Pain,” and “Happy Feelin’s,” which became staples at family gatherings, cookouts, and social events.
Honored in His Hometown
Earlier this year, Beverly was honored by the city of Philadelphia with the dedication of “Frankie Beverly Way” in his East Germantown neighborhood. The dedication ceremony was attended by local leaders and the community, celebrating Beverly’s lasting impact on Philadelphia’s rich music scene.
Final Tour and Tribute
Beverly and his band recently completed their “I Wanna Thank You Farewell Tour” over the summer. His final performances took place at The Dell Music Center in North Philadelphia, where he was honored on stage by Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Frankie Beverly’s legacy in music will live on through his soulful contributions, with his song “Before I Let Go” being famously covered by Beyoncé in her 2019 live album, “Homecoming.”
