Music fans both here in Philadelphia and around the world have reason to mourn on Wednesday as legendary R&B artist, songwriter and producer, Frankie Beverly has died.

He was 77-years-old.

On Wednesday morning, Beverly’s family announced the founder of the funk and soul band Maze — who was born Howard Stanley Beverly — passed away the day before.

“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 family wrote in a message online. “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.”

The family’s statement continued to say that Beverly “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.”

Beverly was born in Philadelphia and attended Germantown High School, in his youth.