R&B singing legend Frankie Beverly died Tuesday at age 77, according to an announcement from his family on Instagram. Beverly is known as the creator of the cookout anthem “Before I Let Go,” which is also known as the last song of the night at parties through the generations. The Philadelphia native started his career as a teenager in the ’60s when he formed his first singing group, The Blenders. By 1967, he had put together The Butlers and released his first single, “If That’s What You Wanted.” When Beverly and his band moved to San Francisco, Marvin Gaye’s sister-in-law took notice and introduced them to the Motown singer. Gaye suggested they change their name from Raw Soul to Maze and let them be his opening act. Their association with Gaye helped them get a record deal with Capitol Records and their first album, Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly, was released in 1977. “Happy Feelin’s” was one of their first hit records, and it helped the album reach gold status.
Maze went on to become one of the premier soul groups of the ’70s and ’80s thanks to songs like “Golden Time Of Day,” “Feel That You’re Feelin,'” “Southern Girl,” “We Are One,” “Runnin’ Away,” and “Can’t Get Over You.” They were legendary for giving some of the best live shows, and Beverly’s music became synonymous with African-American life. The cultural significance of his music was centered and celebrated for 15 years at the Essence Music Festival, where he was the closing act. The connecting ability of his music had attendees from around the country dancing together on the main floor doing the Electric Slide as if they were family members. Beyoncé covered “Before I Let Go” in 2019 and Mr. Beverly told Billboard it made him “feel bigger than ever.” Earlier this year, Mr. Beverly went on a farewell tour, and it was announced that Maze would continue to perform with new vocalist Tony Lindsay. Essence honored Beverly, who attended this year at the festival, and Anthony Hamilton, Doug E. Fresh, and Luke James performed.
