DJ Premier, Questlove & Pete Rock Mourn Frankie Beverly’s Death

DJ Premier, Questlove and Pete Rock are among those who have paid tribute to legendary soul singer Frankie Beverly following his death.

Beverly, who is best known for founding the funk and soul band Maze, passed away on Tuesday (September 10) at the age of 77.

His death was announced on Wednesday (September 11) by his family, who wrote on Instagram: “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.”

A cause of death has not yet been revealed.

Tributes quickly poured in from across the music world, including from numerous Hip Hop legends who were inspired by the silky soul of Frankie Beverly and Maze.

In a heartfelt post on Instagram, DJ Premier wrote: “To be raised on timeless talent and soul is why I never put an age limit on my career in music. I’ve seen @frankiebeverlyandmaze numerous times in Texas before I moved to NY to touch lives like they’ve touched mine.

“Frankie Beverly is one of those recognizable original voices and consistent maker of albums that you know the words to every song because it hits that deep. A true lyricist, performer and recording artist. I Salute you and your Iconic Legacy. Rest Peacefully and Thank You for leaving us your Soul Music to hold on to.”

Fellow producer Pete Rock shared a photo of Beverly on his own Instagram page and simply wrote: “Thank You” along with various emojis.

Questlove, a student of soul music who, like Beverly, also grew up in Philadelphia, waxed poetic about the singer, songwriter and producer in a lengthy tribute.

“Frankie Beverly was a legend way before Maze. Philadelphia Legend. This is our yacht soul. Our feel good music. This is the pinnacle of what passionate soul music was about,” he wrote alongside a video of Beverly performing “I Need You” in 1975, before he caught the attention of Marvin Gaye.

“This is the ORIGINAL IYKYK — cause only certain folk was up on the magic of Frankie Beverly’s music and yet EVERY show was sold out and some of the best feel good vibes black music has every produced in the 70s.”

The Roots drummer added: “This is for me the aroma of my Uncle Junie’s car with the tree air fresheners w plush seats and a grip of 8track tapes in the glove compartment felt like on a Sunday after church headed to somewhere fancy like Red Lobster or Houlihan’s or Sizzler.

“This is why EVERY dj rocks ‘Before I Let Go’ & ‘Joy & Pain’ at every function (someone told me ‘Before I Let Go’ was black people’s ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’–once played EVERYONE acts accordingly. This gentleman was the soundtrack to the perfect family bbq/reunion inside our heads & hearts. We will miss you and we thank you for what you left us Brother Frankie.”

With Frankie Beverly at the helm, Maze released nine gold albums between 1977 and 1993, as well as a string of hit singles including “Before I Let Go,” “Back in Stride” and “Can’t Get Over You.”

HipHopDX sends its condolences to Beverly’s family, friends and fans.

See the tributes below, along with others from Salaam Remi and Guilty Simpson.

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