R&B titan, soul legend, and the funk pioneer, Frankie Beverly is no more. His family announced the singer and songwriter passed away on Monday, September 10. No cause of death was given. The founder of the iconic band, Maze, and the creator of multiple generation-defining albums had an impact that transcended time hust as Magic Johnson described. Shaunie Henderson and Gabrielle Union were among the many who poured out their memories of Frankie Beverly and Maze upon this news. Their stories just as resonate with fans who grew up on his music.

Gabrielle Union was grateful about meeting Beverly in person as she wrote on X, “I’m so grateful I was able to give Frankie Beverly a big old hug this year & offer heaps of praise & gratitude for a career that offered pure joy, & togetherness. He was incredibly talented AND incredibly kind. Holding his family, friends, & fans in prayer and light. #RIPFrankieBeverly.”

Dwyane Wade’s wife also shared a fan’s tribute and a few of Beverly’s old performances on her Instagram Stories. The love and admiration from Beverly’s celebrity fans and otherwise reflects his family’s profound words about how much the late singer appreciated it. ““He lived his life with pure soul as one would say, and for us, no one did it better,” they said in the statement. “He lived for his music, family and friends. Love one another as he would want that for us all.” 

Union’s fellow (former) Miami Heat WAG, Shaunie Henderson may have grown up on Maze. She definitely went to their shows and has that soul and funk aesthetic. She vouched for that in her tribute to Beverly.

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Henderson expressed her gratitude with, “Thank you Mr. Beverly,” for the memories. She got to flex she saw Maze in person writing, “Frankie Beverly & Maze concerts were such a vibe.” 

Beverly was more than a hitmaker. The “Before I Let Go” singer took many artists and athletes under his wing and was an overall inspiring presence to his fans. The responses to his demise show that.

Mr. Beverly, thank you for the memories

Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts found comfort in his friendship with Beverly, a Philadelphia native. After his passing, he hailed Beverly’s, “timeless music, his powerful words and his lasting impact,” while expressing how ‘devastated’ he was.

The Eagles page shared a condolence on behalf of the organization and thanked Beverly for being there for Hurts. They also revealed that the NFL pro had a chance to meet him this summer.

Maze set the blueprint for several of our favorite R&B and pop bands, including Destiny’s Child. Kelly Rowland described that impact in a heartfelt post. “Thank you for your voice! Your spirit of bringing us all together! FAMILY, LOVE, and the always celebrating black culture! And that VOICE!! Man! Thank you for it all! Ascend! Sending my Love out to Frankie Beverly’s family MAZE family and all his LOVED ones!!”

Similar to Shaunie’s words, fans agreed with Rowland commenting, “His music is the soundtrack to most of our childhood!” The O’Neal fam and the Union-Wade kids will certainly have his music too like this fan who said, “Yaaass my kid and future kids will know his music.”

Magic Johnson and his wife, Cookie, not only grew up on Maze. They also counted him as a close friend and celebrated their anniversaries and birthdays with him. After Magic shared those special memories of Beverly, fans loved the reminder about how Beverly had a larger-than-life presence. “Thank you Magic & Cookie for such a wonderful and heartfelt tribute to such a wonderful human being!…I too am listening to his “goldies” starting with “Happy Feelins”…and may he forever rest in Paradise!!“