Frankie Beverly, legendary Philadelphia soul and funk singer and leader of Maze, has died at the age of 77.
“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,” his family said in a statement. “Love one another as he would want that for us all.”
After relocating from Philadelphia to San Francisco in the early 1970s, Beverly’s big break came when he met Marvin Gaye, who invited Beverly and his band to open for him on tour. It was Gaye who also suggested the band adopt the name Maze. In the years that followed, Beverly and Maze found considerable success, releasing nine gold albums and delivering chart-topping hits such as “Back in Stride,” “Can’t Get Over You,” and “Before I Let Go.”
Earlier this year, Beverly embarked on a farewell tour, announcing that Maze would continue performing with lead vocalist Tony Lindsay in his place. “The band will carry on as Maze Honoring Frankie Beverly,” he said. “It’s been a great ride through the decades. Let the music of my legacy live on.”