Frankie Beverly's illness and cause of death explained: what happened to the Maze singer?

Frankie Beverly's illness and cause of death explained: what happened to the Maze singer?

Frankie Beverly’s illness and cause of death have remained private, prompting speculation and concern. While reports indicate he experienced throat issues during early 2024 performances, the official cause of death was never disclosed by his family.

Frankie Beverly attends the NAACP Image Awards Dinner and performs at the New Orleans Superdome
Frankie Beverly attends the NAACP Image Awards Dinner in LA, California and performs at the New Orleans Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Photo: Leon Bennett, Chris Graythen (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key takeaways

  • Frankie Beverly passed away on 10 September 2024.
  • His cause of death has not been publicly disclosed by his family or representatives.
  • No prior reports indicated illness or hospitalisation before his passing.
  • He completed his farewell tour just months before his death.

Frankie Beverly's profile summary

Full nameHoward Stanley Beverly
Date of birth6 December 1946
Age at death77 years old (at death)
Date of death10 September 2024
Zodiac signSagittarius
Place of birthPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Place of deathWalnut Creek, California, United States
NationalityAmerican
EthnicityAfrican-American
ReligionBaptist
Height6' (182 cm)
Weight170 lbs (77 kg)
Hair colourBlack
Eye colourDark brown
Siblings7
ChildrenAnthony Beverly
ProfessionSinger, songwriter, and producer
Music groupMaze

Read also

Who is Lauren Fried? The story of Jock Zonfrillo's widow

Frankie Beverly's illness and legacy in his final days

Although Frankie Beverly died in September 2024, no verified details have emerged regarding any prolonged illness. The singer’s family and management have been respectful but discreet, choosing not to share any personal health information. Part of the family's statement read,

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...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.

This has led to significant speculation online, with many wondering whether he had a private battle with an undisclosed medical condition.

Despite turning 77, Beverly remained active and vibrant. He concluded his I Wanna Thank You farewell tour earlier in 2024. Those close to him, including fellow artists, revealed that he showed no outward signs of failing health leading up to his final shows.

Read also

Who is Adam Pearson's wife? A look into his private life

Facts about Frankie Beverly
Frankie Beverly performs onstage during the Frankie Beverly & Maze Farewell Tour in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo: Paras Griffin/Getty Images (modified by author)
Source: Original

What happened to Frankie Beverly after his final tour?

Following the completion of his farewell tour in mid-2024, Frankie Beverly quietly retreated from public life. He made no public appearances in the months before his death, but his team did not issue any concerns about his condition.

In a touching farewell during the final tour, Beverly told Billboard,

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 performs at the Rosemont Horizon
Singer Frankie Beverly (Howard Beverly) of Maze featuring Frankie Beverly performs at the Rosemont Horizon in Rosemont, Illinois in 1986. Photo: Raymond Boyd
Source: Getty Images

Frankie Beverly’s funeral and public tributes

According to US Tonight, rather than a sombre event, Frankie Beverly’s funeral honoured his musical legacy through joyous dancing, white handkerchiefs, and heartfelt energy; a tribute perfectly in tune with his soulful spirit and the unity his music inspired.

Read also

The story of Jimmy Don Thornton: Billy Bob Thornton's late brother

It was an event marked with a vibrant New Orleans-style celebration filled with second-line dancers, brass bands, and thousands of fans lining Frankie Beverly Way.

Celebrity tributes poured in, with Beyoncé Knowles calling him the “soundtrack of my childhood” and Stevie Wonder performing Ribbon in the Sky, tearfully remembering him as “a brother.” His son, Anthony Beverly, described the event as a celebration “just as Dad would have wanted.”

Why did Frankie Beverly only wear white?

For decades, Beverly was known for his iconic all-white stage outfits, a symbol that came to define both him and Maze. While fans speculated it symbolised purity or unity, Beverly never publicly confirmed its meaning.

Frankie Beverly of Maze performs in concert at HEB Centre
Frankie Beverly of Maze performs in concert at HEB Centre on January 13, 2023 in Cedar Park, Texas. Photo: Gary Miller
Source: Getty Images

Frankie Beverly’s net worth and career reflections

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Frankie Beverly's net worth at the time of his death was $500,000.

From their hit Before I Let Go to sold-out performances, Beverly’s influence on the genre was immense, though under-acknowledged by the mainstream music industry. Maze’s catalogue remains one of the most cherished in soul music history.

Read also

All about Eric Mays: His net worth, political career, and Flint legacy

FAQs

Was Frankie Beverly cremated?

According to Find A Grave, Frankie was cremated. He also had two funerals, with a memorial happening in New Orleans.

Did Frankie Beverly have a wife and kids?

Frankie Beverly was never married, but he did have one child, a son named Anthony Beverly. Anthony has followed closely in his father’s musical footsteps. In a 2023 interview with Cheron Moore, he revealed that he began playing drums at the age of four, inspired by his father’s passion and career in music.

Anthony Beverly at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards
Anthony Beverly accepts the 2025 Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of Frankie Beverly on February 01, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Monica Schipper
Source: Getty Images

Was Frankie Beverly sick?

It remains unclear whether Frankie Beverly was hospitalised. His family did not publicly disclose any major medical conditions or confirm whether he had been hospitalised before passing away.

Conclusion

Frankie Beverly’s illness and cause of death remain a mystery, as his family continues to honour his privacy. Though his final moments are not publicly documented, his music and legacy live on through the memories of fans, his family, and the band he led with grace for over five decades.

Read also

Roger Cook's cause of death: what led to the 'This Old House' star's passing

READ MORE: Bernie Mac's cause of death explained: The rare condition he battled

Briefly.co.za shared an article about Bernie Mac's cause of death. He passed away in 2008 due to pneumonia complications after battling sarcoidosis for decades. His wife, Rhonda, recalled his final moments and the deep emotional toll his loss took on the family.

Although Bernie’s sarcoidosis had been in remission, doctors believe medications for the disease may have weakened his immune system. His legacy endures, not just through his comedy, but in the ongoing awareness of rare health conditions like sarcoidosis.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Rodah Mogeni avatar

Rodah Mogeni (Lifestyle writer) She is a content creator with more than 4 years of experience. She graduated from Chuka University with a BA degree in Journalism and Mass Communication (2023). She joined Briefly in 2019. Rodah has been working as a health/fitness writer at BetterMe (since 2020), London Brokers, The Hoth, and Ardor Content. In 2023, Rodah finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. Her email is rodahmugeni998@gmail.com

Tags:
USA
Page was generated in 2.7961230278015