Frankie Beverly, Music Legend Of Frankie Beverly And Maze Has Died

I am so sad to hear that this iconic music artist is no longer with us. Yet, so glad that I took the time to go see him at his farewell tour. Little did the thousands at the Smoothie King Center realize, it would be the last time we'd ever see him alive. I will say, he went out singing his heart out. He left us, with great memories and a music legacy that will only get better with time.

The family of Frankie Beverly confirmed the devastating news that he passed on Wednesday morning September 11, 2024.

Beverly's musical career began when he founded the Blenders an a cappella doo-wop group heavily influenced by groups of the time like The Dells and the Moonglows. Their music stint was short-lived and he would form a new group Frankie Beverly and the Butlers, which would be the first group he recorded with in 1963. Tribune correspondent O.J. Spivey said, "After catching the attention of legendary songwriter and producer Kenny Gamble, the group had several releases under Philly-based record label Cameo-Parkway."

The group moved to California and changed their name to Raw Soul. Marvin Gaye liked the group so much that he booked them to be his opening act and took them on tour. It was at this time that Marvin urged Frankie to call his group Maze. Beverly agreed and made one last name change calling his group Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. The name stuck and the rest is music history. The legendary group recorded 8 studio albums and 2 live albums.

Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly dropped their last album "Back To The Basics" in 1993 and would go on to tour for 50 years right up until the time of his death. His last concert was the finale performance of his Farewell Tour in July 2024 in his hometown of Philadelphia. He passed away two months later on September 10, 2024, at age 77. His cause of death was not released.

We want to thank you Frankie Beverly for bringing us together in love. We want to thank you for reminding us that we are one. We want to thank you for the countless white parties, all the happy feelings your music has brought us, and the silky soul you leave us with. Go ahead and get your rest. We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and millions of fans around the world.

Louisiana will never forget you! Our special relationship with you will live on forever. It all started with the day Frankie Beverly and Maze came to New Orleans!