(NEXSTAR) – Singer and songwriter Frankie Beverly, who fronted the soul/funk band Maze, has died at 77, his family announced.
“Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience,” his family wrote in a message posted to the official Instagram account of Frankie Beverly and Maze. “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.”
Beverly, born Howard Beverly in Philadelphia on Dec. 6, 1946, founded the group that would become Maze in 1970. The group went on to release multiple certified gold albums, with dozens of the band’s songs charting on the Billboard R&B charts. Some of their most well-known hits include “Back in Stride,” “Can’t Get Over You” and “Before I Let Go.”
Maze, also known as Frankie Beverly and Maze or Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, was inducted into the Philadelphia Music Alliance’s Walk of Fame in 2008.
“We’ve made it this far because we love and respect ourselves and our fans. But, most importantly, we believe in what we do,” Beverly said, per a statement included with the Walk of Fame’s induction announcement.
Beverly’s family had asked for privacy after his passing.
“This period … 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,” the family’s statement continued.
“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.”