Frankie Beverly performs with Maze during the 2009 Summer Soul Concert series at Newark Symphony Hall in Newark, NJ

Jemal Countess/Getty Images North America

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Jemal Countess/Getty Images North America

Frankie Beverly, a funk and R&B innovator, singer, songwriter, producer and founder of the band Maze, died Tuesday. He was 77. Beverly’s death was confirmed by his family in a message on the band’s Facebook page and Instagram accounts: “Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience,” the announcement reads. “This time is a time 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.”

Born in Philadelphia in 1946, Beverly found his voice in church and formed many R&B and doo-wop groups in the 1960s before refining his sound and forming Raw Soul in 1970, later renamed Maze. Comprised of highly skilled live instrumentalists and supporting vocalists, combined with Beverly’s strong, smooth lead vocals as a constant, the funk band got their big break after relocating from the East Coast to San Francisco in 1971 and being invited by Motown giant Marvin Gaye to tour as his opening act.

In 1977 the band released its debut album, Maze with Frankie Beverly, and gained fame with songs like the slinky and euphoric “Happy feeling.” From the band’s debut through the 1990s, Maze proved a reliable source for quiet storm and R&B hits, including “Golden time of the day“Joy and pain” And “We are one.” But it found its true calling card outside the studio, through exuberant live performances that Beverly called his personal priority. “That’s definitely my favorite part of this whole thing. I think there’s no doubt that whatever we do and whatever people like about us — I think they like what they see live the most,” Beverly told NPR in 2005. “When you cook, it starts to cook. It doesn’t matter how many people are in the room. It’s just something special. It’s probably the most powerful form of art.”

In 1981, Beverly and Maze released a song that would be hailed by some as an unofficial black anthem.Before I let go“, perhaps the most heartfelt and joyful breakup song in pop history, is featured on the band’s first live album, Live in New Orleans; it’s a potent distillation of Beverly’s star power, combining an upbeat groove with his sweet vocals and raw confessions of longing. The song peaked at No. 13 on Billboard‘s R&B chart and has since become synonymous with barbecues, block parties and other golden hour gatherings. In 2019, Beyoncé drop a lid from “Before I Let Go” in honor of the release of her documentary film, Homecoming, by combining the classic with other 80s classics like Cameo’s “Candy”, thus reviving the hit for future generations.

Earlier this year, Beverly announced his retirement from music and announced that he and Maze would be touring one last time. From March to July, the group toured several U.S. cities on their “I Wanna Thank You” Farewell Tour, featuring guest appearances by Chaka Khan and El DeBarge. Beverly seemed determined that the group and its music would continue in his absence.

“Thank you so much for the support I have received over the past 50 years as I pass the torch of lead vocals to Tony Lindsay,” Beverly said Billboard at the time of the tour announcement. “The band will continue as Maze Honoring Frankie Beverly. It’s been an amazing ride through the decades. May the music of my legacy continue.”