The news of R&B legend Frankie Beverly’s passing at age 77 today was a little like hearing a favorite uncle died for much of the Black community. His songs entertained and brought families together for generations — especially after Beyoncé covered his signature hit, “Before I Let Go,” in 2018 for her Homecoming Coachella concert film. Beverly himself said the rendition helped to revitalize interest in his career, and today, Beyoncé paid homage to the lost legend with a heartfelt message posted by her Parkwood Entertainment.
Thank you, Frankie Beverly, for bringing us all together with your music. You’ve written some of the most inspiring and uplifting songs for the world to enjoy. With your lyrics, you have humanized our experiences, through joy and pain. Thank you for teaching us about the importance of community, family, and togetherness. We will never forget you. May you rest in power.
Fortunately, Frankie was able to receive some of his flowers while he was still around to smell them. In March, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the NAACP Image Awards. And, of course, he got to see the cross-generational relevance of his biggest hit thanks to Beyoncé, saying, “She’s done so much, this is one of the high points of my life… I just thought it was a great little song, but I never thought it’d be all this… it’s one of those things this band will be able to carry on forever.”
Beyonce is an elusive presence these days. She doesn’t have Frank Ocean levels of mystery, but has become so lionized within pop music that it’s rare to see her make public statements. Queen Bey made an exception on September 11, however. Frankie Beverly, an R&B icon dating back to the 1970s, died, and the singer decided to issue a statement paying homage. Beyonce not only praised Beverly’s talents as a vocalist, but his ability to imbue his music with inspirational feelings.
Beyonce released her statement through her production banner, Parkwood Entertainment. She kept it short and sweet, while at the same time stressing how much Beverly meant to her. “Thank you, Frankie Beverly, for bringing us all together with your music,” she wrote. “With your lyrics, you have humanized our experiences, through joy and pain.” Beyonce also praised Frankie Beverly for the sense of bonding and kinship that was present in his lyrics. “You’ve written some of the most inspiring and uplifting songs for the world to enjoy,” the singer added. “Thank you for teaching us about the importance of community, family, and togetherness.”
Beyonce’s appreciation for Frankie Beverly is well established. The singer opted to cover Beverly’s classic single “Before I Let You Go” during her iconic Coachella set in 2018. The performance was then made iconic by the accompanying concert film, Homecoming. Beyonce’s cover actually plays during the closing credits to the film. It was a surprising yet powerful choice of song to cover, and gesture was not lost on Frankie Beverly. He told Billboard that he didn’t know about the cover until very late in the game, and considered it an honor.
Beverly also told the outlet that his friendship with Beyonce dated back years before she covered his music. “I guess she really liked Maze and the song even then, so her mother brought her to our show at the Houston Rodeo,” the singer recalled. “We wound up working together a few times since and she’s always been very, very nice to me.” Beverly also dubbed Beyonce an “amazing” talent, and cited her cover as one of his career highlights. “This is one of the high points of my life,” he asserted. RIP.
Frankie Beverly, best known for his work with the R&B band Maze (also known as Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly and Frankie Beverly & Maze), died on September 10. He was 77 years old.
Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience. During this time, as we are navigating feelings of sorrow, reflection, and remembrance we kindly ask for privacy and understanding, allowing us the space to grieve in our own way. This period for is one of healing, and your respect for our need for solitude is appreciated as we honor the memory of our beloved Howard Stanley Beverly known to the world as Frankie Beverly.
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.
Love one another as he would want that for us all.
Howard Stanley Beverly aka Frankie Beverly
12/6/46 – 9/10/24
The Beverly Family”
Beverly formed Raw Soul in 1970, and at the suggestion of Marvin Gaye, the band changed its name to Maze. The group would go on to release seven gold-certified albums between 1977 and 1993, all of which were at or near the top of the Billboard R&B charts.
The band received renewed attention in 2019 when Beyoncé covered “Before I Let Go” on Homecoming: The Live Album. Beverly reacted at the time, “I feel bigger than ever! I feel like I have a huge smash out there. It’s definitely a blessing.”
Beverly and Maze went on a farewell tour earlier this year, wrapping up in July 6. Beverly shared a statement with Billboard at the time the run was announced, saying, “I want to share with my lifelong fans and associates that I’ll be going out on the road one last time, then retire. Thank you so much for the support given to me for over 50 years as I pass on the lead vocalist torch to Tony Lindsay. The band will continue on as Maze Honoring Frankie Beverly. It’s been a great ride through the decades. Let the music of my legacy continue.”
Frankie Beverly, the legendary soul and funk singer known for leading the band, Maze, has died at the age of 77. His death comes after embarking on a farewell tour, earlier this year. The Beverly family confirmed the news in a statement on Instagram on Wednesday morning.
“Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience. During this time, as we are navigating feelings of sorrow, reflection, and remembrance we kindly ask for privacy and understanding, allowing us the space to grieve in our own way,” the Beverly family said. “This period for is one of healing, and your respect for our need for solitude is appreciated as we honor the memory of our beloved Howard Stanley Beverly known to the world as Frankie Beverly. 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. Love one another as he would want that for us all.”
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 3: Frankie Beverly and Maze close out the 2005 Essence Festival at the New Orleans Superdome on July 3, 2005, in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
In response to the post, fans flooded the comments section with tributes to the late singer. “He left this world just the way he may have wanted with a farewell tour as if he [knew] the day was near. You will forever be in our hearts,” one user wrote. DJ Premier chimed in to say: “We honor and praise your great existence!!! Thank you for everything you blessed us with.”
Frankie Beverly’s Family Confirms His Passing
Beverly’s career took off after he met Marvin Gaye in San Francisco in the early 1970s. The legendary singer brought him on tour and even suggested the name Maze for his band. Over the decades, he released nine Gold albums and numerous popular singles. Check out the statement on Beverly’s family on Instagram below. Be on the lookout for further updates on Frankie Beverly on HotNewHipHop.
Legendary R&B artist Frankie Beverly concluded his “Farewell Tour” in Philadelphia with two unforgettable performances alongside The Whispers at The Dell Music Center.
In a touching moment during Saturday’s show, The Black Promoters Collective surprised Beverly with a $25,000 donation to his Frankie Beverly Scholarship Fund. This fund supports minority students pursuing careers in the music industry, reflecting Beverly’s commitment to education and community.
“It’s an honor to tell you face to face, I love you. On behalf of my partners, The Black Promoters Collective, we had the opportunity to tour this man around the world, a Black producing promotion company. As we end this tour in our home city, we want to say thank you to a living legend,” said BPC’s Senior Talent Buyer & Partner, Walt Reeder Jr. This highlight of the night furthered the magic that this partnership has created with Frankie’s retirement after more than 50 years in the music industry, marking a monumental end to a notable career.”
Eagles’ quarterback Jalen Hurts and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker joined in honoring Beverly, celebrating his enduring impact on music and culture.
On the music front, Usher, Victoria Monét, Chris Brown, and Megan Thee Stallion won big. Usher took home the award for Outstanding Male Artist. During his acceptance speech, the “Good Good” singer showed that his ladies’ man persona started with his deep love for his mother, Jonnetta Patton.
U-S-H-E-R R-A-Y-M-O-N-D! We appreciate, honor and recognize you for your legendary contributions to culture!!
Victoria snagged two trophies at the awards (Outstanding New Artist and Outstanding Album for Jaguar II). Brown also pulled a double victory. His collaborative song with Ciara, “How We Roll,” won for Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional). As the lead artist, Brown’s breakout song “Sensational” featuring Davido and Lojay won for Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album. Megan Thee Stallion was also declared a winner. Her recent single, “Cobra,” won for Outstanding Hip-Hop/Rap Song.
Frankie Beverly was bestowed the Lifetime Achievement Award to honor his decades-long career.
Continue below for the full list of winners in the recording categories. To view all of the evening’s winners, click here.
Outstanding New Artist
FLO
Jordan Ward
Leon Thomas
October London Victoria Monét
Outstanding Male Artist
Burna Boy
Chris Brown
Davido
Jon Batiste Usher
Outstanding Female Artist
Ari Lennox H.E.R.
Janelle Monáe
Tems
Victoria Monét
Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album
All Yours – Kierra Sheard Father’s Day – Kirk Franklin Impossible – Pastor Mike, Jr. My Truth – Jonathan McReynolds The Maverick Way Complete – Maverick City Music
“Boyfriend” – Usher
“Cobra” – Megan Thee Stallion
“How We Roll” – Ciara
“On My Mama” – Victoria Monét “Sensational” – Chris Brown feat. Davido & Lojay
Outstanding Album
Clear 2: Soft Life – Summer Walker For All The Dogs – Drake I Told Them… – Burna Boy Jaguar II – Victoria Monét The Age of Pleasure – Janelle Monáe
Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album
Creed III: The Soundtrack
Godfather of Harlem: Season 3 (Original Series Soundtrack)
Metro Boomin Presents Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Soundtrack From and Inspired by the Motion Picture/Deluxe Edition) The Color Purple–Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
The Little Mermaid Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song
“All Things” – Kirk Franklin “All Yours” – Kierra Sheard feat. Anthony Brown
“In The Room” – Maverick City Music
“It’s Working” – Todd Dulaney
“JOY (Unspeakable) – Voices of Fire feat. Pharrell Williams
Outstanding Jazz Album
Brand New Life – Brandee Younger
Melusine – Cécile McLorin Salvant
Who Are You When No One Is Watching? – Braxton Cook
Phoenix – Lakecia Benjamin
Truth Be Told – Angie Wells
Outstanding Soul/R&B Song
“Back To Your Place” – October London
“Good Good” – Usher feat. 21 Savage x Summer Walker “ICU Remix” – Coco Jones feat. Justin Timberlake
“On My Mama” – Victoria Monét
“Lipstick Lover” – Janelle Monáe
Outstanding Hip-Hop/Rap Song
“All My Life” – Lil Durk feat. J. Cole
“Blue Eyes” – Vic Mensa “Cobra” – Megan Thee Stallion
“Palisades, CA” – Larry June & The Alchemist
“Sittin’ On Top of the World” – Burna Boy & 21 Savage
Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional)
Ciara feat. Chris Brown – “How We Roll”
Coco Jones feat. Justin Timberlake – “ICU Remix”
Dreamville, Bas & Black Sherif feat. Kel–P – “Creed III: Soundtrack”
Karen Clark Sheard, Hezekiah Walker, Kierra Sheard – “God Is Good”
Voices of Fire – “Joy (Unspeakable)”
Outstanding Original Score for TV/Film
American Fiction – Laura Karpman Rustin – Branford Marsalis The Color Purple – Kris Bowers The Other Black Girl – EmmoLei Sankofa Transformers: Rise of the Beasts – Jongnic Bontemps
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Frankie Beverly, along with Maze, gears up for their last tour together with the “I Wanna Thank You Farewell Tour,” commencing on March 22, 2024, in Atlanta, GA, at the State Farm Arena.
The tour will span major cities such as Mobile, Houston, Chicago, and Los Angeles, culminating on May 12, 2024, at the KIA Forum. After over 50 years of crafting classic hits, Beverly plans to retire later this year.
Produced by the Black Promoters Collective (BPC), known for their successful urban tours, this final journey celebrates Beverly’s illustrious career. Recently honored with the Urban One Living Legend Honor, Beverly will complete the tour with major city stops, including a street renaming ceremony in Philadelphia.
Despite Beverly’s retirement, Maze will continue to tour as Maze Honoring Frankie Beverly, with Tony Lindsay as the lead vocalist. Their goal remains unchanged: to entertain crowds and create an unforgettable live concert experience with their iconic hits.
3/22/2024 – State Farm Arena, Atlanta GA 4/6/2024 – Mobile County Fairgrounds, Mobile AL 4/13/2024 – Toyota Arena, Houston TX 4/27/2024 – United Center, Chicago IL 5/12/2024 – KIA Forum, Los Angeles CA
Over the years, many Frankie Beverly samples have made their way into Hip Hop. For decades now, the music the frontman of Maze made with the band has gotten a lot of love in the rap landscape. With his songs, producers and artists have repeatedly created timeless and nostalgic tracks through the art of sampling. Although he hasn’t released new material since the ‘90s, Frankie Beverly has significantly contributed to R&B, and by proxy, Hip Hop gems. Prominent rappers, including the likes of 50 Cent and 2Pac, have sampled the icon’s music at some point. Evidently, there’s a deep appreciation for the music of Frankie Beverly in Hip Hop. Here are some of his most unforgettable samples in the genre.
On October 11, 2005, “Hustler’s Ambition” was released as the lead single from the Get Rich Or Die Tryin’movie soundtrack. Upon its release, it didn’t take long for the song to gain traction and become a moderate hit. While it wasn’t a chart-topper, it became wildly popular and appeared on charts worldwide. At its core, “Hustler’s Ambition” provides a glimpse into 50 Cent’s life. Emphatically, it chronicles his struggles, ambitions, and relentless pursuit of success. The compelling and introspective track resonated with fans for its raw lyrics, evocative storytelling, and melodic production. Additionally, it contains one of the most popular Frankie Beverly samples in Hip Hop. It features vocal and instrumental elements from “I Need You” by Maze ft. Frankie Beverly. These sampled elements appear in several parts throughout the song.
“The Real One” – 2 Live Crew & Ice-T
As far as unforgettable Frankie Beverly Hip Hop samples go, “The Real One” is certainly one of those. The song was released on April 7, 1998, and is the title track of 2 Live Crew’s eighth album. While it was not a massive commercial success, it was a standout track from the album. “The Real One” was especially enjoyed for its sample of the iconic Maze & Frankie Beverly song, “Before I Let Go.” Besides the many times it has been sampled across genres, “Before I Let Go” has been famously covered by Beyonce and Mary J. Blige. For the sample on “The Real One,” 2 Live Crew used Frankie Beverly’s vocals. In addition, many elements of the original beat were retained as well, and can be heard throughout “The Real One.” 2 Live Crew and Ice-T ate their respective verses up, putting the sample to good use.
“Can U Get Away” – 2Pac
One of the greatest Hip Hop samples of a Frankie Beverly song was created on Tupac’s “Can U Get Away.” This soulful offering from the late icon is a track on his critically acclaimed third album, Me Against The World. While it was not released as one of the album’s singles, it is certainly one of its standout tracks. With evocative lyrics, the song delves into the concept of escaping from a toxic environment for the sake of love. 2Pac was also a full-blown romantic on the track, and he wore the hat proudly. Showcasing his storytelling ability, he vividly painted the picture of a woman trapped in a toxic relationship, and urged her to break free. “Can U Get Away” contains a sample of Frankie Beverly’s “Happy Feelin’s.” The sample, in combination with the beat, creates a soulful and melodic backdrop for 2Pac’s heartfelt lyrics.
While it’s been over a decade since Nate Dogg sadly passed away, his legacy powerfully lives on through songs like “These Days.” It was released as a part of the King of Hook’s debut album, G-Funk Classic, Vol. 1 & 2 (1998). Both Nate Dogg and Daz Dillinger deliver on their verses, and the iconic hook brings it all together. Of the many Frankie Beverly samples present in Hip Hop, the one on “These Days” is arguably the easiest to miss. However, this is precisely why it is so fun to point out and sticks with listeners afterward. Like 2 Live Crew’s “The Real One,” the sampled track on “These Days” is Beverly’s “Before I Let Go.” The sample comes in at the 2:41 mark on “These Days,” and only then. Go give it a listen now to hear what exactly Nate Dogg borrowed from Frankie Beverly’s song.
“Go Ahead In The Rain” – A Tribe Called Quest
A Tribe Called Quest released their critically acclaimed debut album on April 10, 1990. One of the tracks that make up the alternative Hip Hop masterpiece is “Go Ahead In The Rain.” Although it is not among the group’s most popular tracks, the song has been appreciated by listeners since 1990. It samples a special rendition of “Joy And Pain” by Frankie Beverly. The version that is sampled is from the Live In Los Angeles album Maze and Frankie Beverly released in 1986. About 30 seconds into “Go Ahead In The Rain,” the sample kicks in. The interesting vocal sample is taken from the 0:21 mark of “Joy and Pain (Live in Los Angeles).” Although no additional elements are borrowed from the song, that one vocal sample significantly contributes to “Go Ahead in the Rain.” It can be heard throughout the song.
