Hollywood tributes are pouring in after the news of Frankie Beverly’s passing hit the internet on this week. The beloved singer-songwriter of the band Maze reportedly passed away on Sept. 10 at the age of 77. His family announced his passing via Instagram, with a message updating fans with the news.
Many in Black Hollywood have shared this sentiment, sharing their love for the music legend in social media posts. Beyoncé, who famously covered “Before I Let Go” for her “Homecoming” live album, had this to say through the Parkwood account.
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“Thank you Frankie Beverly for bringing us all together with your music,” it reads. “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.” The statement ends by saying that we will “never forget” Beverly, and for him to “rest in power.”
D-Nice also took to Instagram with a post, saying that this day is “truly a sad day in music.” The DJ and producer went on to write that Beverly’s music has been “woven into the fabric of our culture” and that his “legacy will live on in our hearts.”
Beverly’s impact on Black music and music at large is undeniable, with his smooth voice, skills as a guitarist, songwriter, and producer remaining an irreplaceable asset to the band Maze, which Beverly founded in 1970.
Throughout his career, Beverly graced us with some of the greatest hits for the culture, including his iconic hits “Joy and Pain,” “Love is the Key,” and of course, “Before I Let Go,” which is a staple at cookouts, family reunions and Black gatherings now and for generations to come. For so many of us, Beverly is the essence of Black music and gathering through music in this country, making his passing especially significant and difficult.
As fans online have pointed out, Beverly recently received his well-deserved flowers at Essence Fest this year. A staple at the annual event over the years, he received a tribute curated by Bryan-Michael Cox, which included performances from the likes of Anthony Hamilton and Tony Lindsay.
Fans took to social media with their own tributes as well, with one writing, “I always said Frankie Beverly’s transition would be a national day of mourning for Black folks and most white folks wouldn’t know who he was.” They added, “Thank you Frankie, for every Black wedding, family reunion and cookout I’ve ever been to.”
Another user wrote, “Thank God I grew up in a household where his voice & music was heard & loved by my parents,” going on to say that Beverly and Maze were the soundtrack to “every great piece of BBQ” they ever ate. “He brought different generations of black people together. A LEGEND. Rest in Perfection Frankie Beverly.”
Check out some of the reactions below.
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