Frankie Beverly

Howard Stanley Beverly (December 6, 1946 – September 10, 2024), known as Frankie Beverly, was an American singer, songwriter, and producer known primarily for his recordings with Maze, the soul and funk band. He formed Maze, originally called Raw Soul, in his hometown of Philadelphia in 1970. After Maze moved to San Francisco and was introduced to Marvin Gaye, they released nine gold albums creating a large and devoted following.

Early life and career Howard Stanley Beverly was born in Philadelphia He grew up in the East Germantown section of the city and was a graduate of Germantown High School (now defunct).

Music performed by The Butlers did not fit into the "Philly Sound" and after heavy touring, the group went to San Francisco. The unit was re-christened as Raw Soul and Marvin Gaye's sister-in-law noticed them.

In 2019, Beverly's hit single with Maze, "Before I Let Go" was covered by Beyoncé as a bonus track on her fifth live album Homecoming: The Live Album. Beverly told Billboard that the cover was "one of the high points of (his) life... in a class of its own" and it made him "feel bigger than ever! I feel like I have a huge smash out there." Keith Washington also covered "Before I Let Go", renamed, "We Need to Talk Before I Let Go", on his album "You Make it Easy" album in 1993.

Style Beverly's onstage attire (all white custom-designed and made casual clothing including slacks, a long-sleeved shirt, and a baseball cap) became his signature dress style over the years.

Death Frankie Beverly died on September 10, 2024, at the age of 77.

Honors In 2006, Beverly received the Rhythm and Blues Foundation Pioneer Award. At the BET Awards 2012, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award. On February 25, 2024, he received a TV One Urban One Honors Living Legend Award. On March 14, 2024, he received the NAACP Image Awards Lifetime Achievement Award. On May 18, 2024, Philadelphia City Council named the street in Germantown, Philadelphia on which Beverly grew up in his honor.

On October 6, 2024, he was inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame. On February 1, 2025, Beverly received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award joining other recipients including Prince, the Clash, Frankie Valli, Taj Mahal, and Roxanne Shante.