The lead singer of the R&B and funk group Maze, who opened for Marvin Gaye in the 1970s, has died at age 77. The cause of his death has not been released.
Frankie Beverly, the lead singer and co-founder of the R&B and funk group Maze, died Tuesday, his family announced on social media. He was 77. The cause of his death has not been released.
“We honor the memory of our beloved Howard Stanley Beverly, known as Frankie Beverly,” the statement said. “He was a pure soul. (…) He lived for his music, his family and his friends.”
Without having the same success as Earth, Wind & Fire or Parliament, Frankie Beverly and Maze composed several memorable pieces in the 1980s such as Back in Stride, Too Many Games, Before I Let Go et Can’t Get Over You.
Opening act for Marvin Gaye
Born in 1946, Frankie Beverly began his career in Philadelphia, performing in several doo-woop and soul groups. He then moved to San Francisco in the 1970s.
With his group Raw Soul, he had opened for Marvin Gaye. The singer had obtained them a contract with Columbia Records and convinced them to change their name to Maze.
Maze released their first album in 1977, driven by hits Happy Feelin’s, While I’m Alone et Lady of Magic. After five albums, Maze left Columbia for Warner. In 1989, the group recorded the song Silky Soulin tribute to Marvin Gaye.
Although Maze released his last studio album in 1993, his music remained popular and was frequently sampled by hip hop artists. Frankie Beverly continued to play with Maze before retiring last July.
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