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

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Frankie Beverly, a funk and R&B innovator, singer, songwriter, producer and founder of the band Maze, died on Tuesday. He was 77 years old. Beverly’s death was confirmed by his family in a post on the band’s Facebook page and Instagram Reports: “Grief over the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience,” the announcement reads. “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 to the world as Frankie Beverly.”

Born in Philadelphia in 1946, Beverly discovered his voice singing in church and formed many R&B and doo-wop groups in the 1960s before honing his sound and forming Raw Soul, later renamed Maze, in 1970. The funk band, comprised of highly talented live instrumentalists and backing vocalists, coupled with Beverly’s strong, smooth lead vocals as a constant, got their big break after moving from the East Coast to San Francisco in 1971 and being invited on tour as an opening act by Motown giant Marvin Gaye.

In 1977 the band released their debut album, Maze with Frankie Beverly, and became known through songs such as the creeping and euphoric “Happy feelings.” From the time of the band’s debut through the 1990s, Maze proved to be a reliable source of quiet storm and R&B hits, including “Golden daytime”, “Joy & Pain” And “We are one.” But his real calling card probably came outside the studio, through exuberant live performances, which Beverly described as his personal priority. “That is hands down the best part of the whole thing for me. I think there is no doubt that whatever we do and whatever people like about us – I think they like what they see live more than anything else,” Beverly said NPR in 2005. “When you cook, it starts cooking. 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 was hailed by some as the unofficial black national anthem.”Before I let go”, probably the most sincere and happy breakup song in pop history, appears on the band’s first live album, Live in New Orleans; it is a powerful distillation of Beverly’s star power, combining a bouncy groove with his smooth vocals and unabashed declarations of yearning. The track reached number 13 on Billboard‘s R&B charts and has since become synonymous with barbecues, street parties and other golden hour gatherings. In 2019, Beyoncé dropped a cover of “Before I Let Go” to celebrate the release of her documentary, homecoming, The classic is complemented by other classics of the 80s, such as “Candy” by Cameo, breathing new life into the hit for future generations.

Earlier this year, Beverly announced that he was retiring from the music industry and announced that he and Maze would be touring one last time. From March to July, the group performed their farewell tour, “I Wanna Thank You,” through select U.S. cities, featuring guest appearances by Chaka Khan and El DeBarge. For his part, Beverly seemed determined that the group and their music would continue in his absence.

“Thank you for the support I have had for over 50 years as I pass the torch of lead singer to Tony Lindsay,” said Beverly Billboard at the time of the tour announcement. “The band will continue as Maze Honoring Frankie Beverly. It’s been a great journey through the decades. Let the music of my legacy live on.”