PHILADELPHIA — Famed R&B artist, songwriter and producer Frankie Beverly died Tuesday. He was 77.

Beverly’s family announced in an Instagram post Wednesday that the founder of the funk and soul band Maze has died. The cause of death was not immediately released.

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

Beverly, born Howard Stanley Beverly, is from Philadelphia but moved to the West Coast, where his group Maze found success.

The group is known for several songs, including “Before I Let Go”, which reached number 13 on the Billboard R&B chart in 1981.

The song was also covered by pop star Beyoncé in 2019.

“Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience,” Beverly’s family said on Instagram. “During this time, as we deal with feelings of grief, reflection, and remembrance, we kindly ask for privacy and understanding so 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.”