Frankie Beverly, the singer-songwriter best known as the frontman of the R&B, soul and funk band Maze, has died. His family announced the news this morning that the baritone singer died yesterday (September 10). A cause of death was not disclosed. Frankie Beverly was 77 years old.

“Grief over the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience,” Beverly’s family wrote. “During this time as we grapple with feelings of grief, reflection and remembrance, we politely ask for privacy and understanding so that we have the space to grieve in our own way. 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.”

The family continued: “He lived his life with a pure soul, as they would say, and for us, no one did it better. He lived for his music, his family and his friends. Love one another, as he would have wanted us all to.”

Frankie Beverly’s music in Maze has long served as an inspiration for artists drawn to his voice. Hits like “Back in Stride,” “Can’t Get Over You,” and “Golden Time of Day” earned Maze a legion of fans, while other standout singles showcased Beverly’s smooth lilt. The well-known fan favorite “Before I Let Go” was covered by Beyoncé on her live album. Homecoming.

Howard Stanley Beverly was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1946. He became interested in music as a schoolboy in church, singing gospel music in the pews and forming an a cappella doo-wop group with school friends. Beverly recorded his first official songs in 1963, when he was just 17, as part of the Butlers. Four years later, their soul standard “That’s What You Wanted” caught the attention of producer Kenny Gamble, who signed the group and helped release more Butlers material. The Butlers moved to California so their sound could find a more suitable audience and renamed themselves Raw Soul.

In 1971, Marvin Gaye noticed Raw Soul and invited them to open his tour. Gaye suggested changing their name again, this time to Frankie Beverly and Maze. In 1976, Maze signed with Capitol Records and released her debut album. Maze with Frankie Beverlythe following year. Maze released eight more studio albums, including R&B chart-toppers Love cannot be stoppedin 1985, and Silky soulin 1989. The band’s last studio album was in 1993 Back to basics.