Frankie Beverly, founder of the legendary funk and soul band Maze, which released a plethora of gold albums in the 1970s and ’80s and scored a generational hit with 1981’s “Before I Let Go,” has died. He was 77.

Beverly — born Howard Stanley Beverly — died Monday, Sept. 10, according to a statement from the musician’s family. No cause of death was given.

“He lived his life with a pure soul, as one would say, and for us, no one did it better,” the family continued. “He lived for his music, family and friends. Love each other as he would have us all.”

The Beverly family also said, “During this time, as we endure feelings of grief, reflection and remembrance, we kindly ask for privacy and understanding so that we may have the space to grieve in our own way. This time 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 worldwide as Frankie Beverly.”

Beverly was known for his unique baritone, as melodic and sweet as it was agile and exciting. Born in Philadelphia, he began his musical career there with the band Raw Soul, but found greater success after moving to San Francisco. There, Marvin Gaye became interested, brought Raw Soul on tour, and encouraged them to change their name as well.

Beverly and Maze enjoyed a hugely successful period between 1977 and 1993, releasing eight studio albums and two live records. Eight of those ten projects were certified gold, and two — 1985’s Can’t stop the love and 1989’s Silky soul — at the top of the Billboard R&B Albums chart. Those two records also contained the group’s two No. 1 songs on the R&B Singles Chart, “Back in Stride” and “Can’t Get Over You.”

Like many other black funk and soul stars of the era — including Teddy Pendergrass and the Gap Band — Maze’s success never materialized into a mainstream crossover moment. Their singles occasionally dented the upper reaches of the Hot 100 — they even peaked at No. 25 on the Billboard 200 Albums chart. They were never nominated for a Grammy.

Beverly and the band have left an indelible mark on black music and culture, and that certainly applies to “Before I Let Go.” As the title suggests, Beverly wrote the song about the struggle to let go of feelings for a woman he wanted to be with, even though he knew the relationship wasn’t working. The original version, he said Essence in 2020, wasn’t exactly a ballad, but it wasn’t a “groove song” either: “When the band got it, we started rehearsing it and then it got the sound you hear now.”

In the four decades since its release, “Before I Let Go” has become a party classic. Perhaps as a nod to the song’s origins as a studio recording on a live album, Beyoncé recorded a cover of “Before I Let Go” for her 2019 live album, Homecoming. Beverly, in an interview with Billboardcalled the cover “a blessing,” adding, “She’s done so much, this is one of the highlights of my life.”

Of the song’s longevity, Beverly said, “Not many (artists) get something that’s that successful. When I wrote the song, it wasn’t in my mind to make it a hit. I was just trying to make a good record and have it be what it is. I think by the time we got around to recording it, it had a good chance of making some waves, but I had no idea it would be what it was. I mean, it just shocked me. I mean, when I even hear you say it sounds like the black national anthem, that’s more than I can comprehend. It’s too impressive.”

While Maze released their latest album, Back to basicsin 1993, the group has remained active as a touring band over the years. Earlier this year, Beverly announced a farewell tour, playing a handful of final shows in the spring and summer (Maze will continue with new vocalist Tony Lindsay.)

“It’s been an amazing ride through the decades,” Beverly said at the time. “Let the music of my legacy continue.”