Soul singer Frankie Beverly, lead vocalist and co-founder of the soul-funk band Maze, has died at the age of 77.
Beverly’s family announced her death Wednesday in a Facebook post, but did not include details about the cause of death. Representatives for Beverly and Maze did not immediately respond to The Times’ requests for comment Wednesday.
“Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience. During this time, as we go through feelings of grief, reflection and remembrance, we kindly ask for privacy and understanding, allowing us the space to grieve in our own way,” the family said. “This is a period of healing, and we appreciate your respect for our need for solitude as we honor the memory of our beloved Howard Stanley Beverly, known to the world as Frankie Beverly.”
The family said the singer, known for his deep, high-pitched voice and the hits “Joy and Pain” and “Before I Let Go,” “lived his life with pure soul, as one would say, and to us, no one did it better. He lived for his music, his family and his friends.”
Maze frontman began his career in the 1960s with doo-woop group The Blenders and later formed soul group The Butlers. Maze, which was known as Raw Soul when it formed in Philadelphia in 1970, eventually moved to San Francisco to connect with soul icon and Motown great Marvin Gaye, who suggested the band change its name.
From 1977 to 1993, Frankie Beverly and Maze produced hits such as “Golden Time of Day,” “We Are One,” “Happy Feelin's,” “Southern Girl” and “Before I Let Go,” which was later covered by Mary J. Blige and Beyoncé at Coachella in 2018.
In February, Beverly announced the close of her five-decade career with the I Wanna Thank You Farewell Tour with Maze that kicked off in March at State Farm Arena.
