The R&B and Soul worlds of music lost an iconic and legendary member this week.

Famed singer, songwriter, and producer Frankie Beverly passed away on Tuesday at the age of 77, according to CNN.

His music, which became synonymous with black family gatherings and cookouts, transcended the years and served as an inspiration to multiple generations over the past five decades.

Family releases statement

In a statement posted to Frankie Beverly's official social media accounts on Tuesday, the Beverly family announced his death and said, "Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience."

"During this time, as we are navigating feelings of sorrow, reflection, and remembrance we kindly ask for privacy and understanding, allowing us the space to grieve in our own way," the statement continued. "This period for 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."

"He lived his life with pure soul as one would say, and for us, no one did it better. He lived for his music, family and friends. Love one another as he would want that for us all," the family added.

Decades-long career in the music industry

Born in 1946 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as Howard Stanley Beverly, Frankie Beverly grew up singing in church and formed multiple groups as a teenager before he created a band in 1970 known as Raw Soul, which caught the attention of legendary R&B singer Marvin Gaye and, on his advice, changed their name to Maze as they joined him on tour, per USA Today.

The band would go on to record nine gold albums and produce several hit songs from the 1970s through the 1990s, with arguably their biggest hit coming in 1981 with "Before I Let Go," which has been broadly described as the unofficial soundtrack of black family reunions and summer cookouts.

That song was covered in 2019 by pop sensation Beyonce for her "Homecoming" album and was performed live at the Coachella festival, which Beverly said at the time was an honor and "one of the high points of my life."

The Maze band was known for its relentless touring over the decades that only concluded earlier this year with a farewell tour and Beverly's announcement that he was retiring.

That announcement coincided with the NAACP granting Beverly a lifetime achievement award at the organization's Image Awards show in March.

Former members of Maze offer condolences

USA Today noted that members of the Maze band that supported Frankie Beverly have come and gone over the years, and several of the original members formed a side group last year known as The Music Forever, or TMF.

"We are saddened to hear of the passing of our Friend and Brother, Frankie Beverly," the new group said in a statement. "As TMF Formerly of Maze we shared many decades on stage, off stage and personally with him."

TMF added, "We would like to publicly share our deepest condolences with Frankie's family, his nearest and dearest friends, and with all the fans."