The song kicks off with an undeniable call to action. A quick, rhythmic stomp sets the stage before Frankie Beverly, the lead singer and songwriter of the iconic soul and funk band Maze, croons a compelling “woah-ohhh.” By the time he delivers the opening line, “You make me happy,” it's clear that gatherings—whether barbecues, family reunions, weddings, block parties, or music festivals—should already be in full swing.

Released in 1981 on Maze's fifth album, “Before I Let Go” reached No. 13 on Billboard’s R&B chart. Over the decades, it has become a defining anthem for both the band and Beverly. Known for his warm yet fervent vocals, Beverly turns the track into a collective celebration, especially in Black cultural gatherings.

During a podcast interview in March, Questlove hailed the song as “the national anthem of life,” praising its omnipresence at Black celebrations. With its jubilant energy and Beverly’s commanding performance, the song often serves as a grand finale—Maze frequently closed their set with it and it became a fixture of the Essence Festival.

Clint Smith, a best-selling author and poet, captured the essence of Beverly’s musical magic in his 2015 poem, “When Maze and Frankie Beverly Come On in My House.” He described the song as a celebration of love’s playful manifestations, noting how the harmony of instruments and Beverly’s voice create an enduring joy that lingers long after the music stops.

Beyoncé’s cover of “Before I Let Go” on her 2019 live album “Homecoming” introduced the song to a new generation, with her vibrant performance adding fresh dance moves for TikTok and Instagram.

Despite its upbeat vibe, the song’s origins are more poignant. Beverly, a self-described flower child known for his optimistic music, wrote it as a bittersweet farewell to a past relationship, reflecting fondly on their shared memories.

Raised in North Philadelphia and deeply influenced by 1950s and '60s doo-wop, Beverly adopted the stage name Frankie after Frankie Lymon. His work with Maze, however, was far from sentimental; it was raw, funky, and soulful. Here are five more essential tracks showcasing Beverly’s smooth, soulful sound:

**1. "Joy and Pain" (1980)**

The title track from Maze’s fourth album delivers a mantra-like chorus (“Joy and pain are like sunshine and rain”) over a seven-minute groove, urging listeners to embrace life’s highs and lows.

**2. "Happy Feelin’s" (1977)**

One of the band's early hits, this track features a laid-back groove designed to make you move. Beverly’s gratitude-filled lyrics and the song’s infectious rhythm make it a standout in their live performances.

**3. "Back in Stride" (1985)**

With its smooth blend of '80s synths and soulful tambourine rhythms, this mid-tempo hit reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Soul Singles chart and No. 88 on the Hot 100, showcasing the band’s commercial appeal.

**4. "Golden Time of Day" (1978)**

An ode to life's peaceful moments, this track highlights Beverly’s vocal prowess as he sings about finding oneself during the “golden time of day.”

**5. "Silky Soul" (1989)**

In this tribute to Marvin Gaye, who was an early supporter of Maze, Beverly honors Gaye’s influence with a track that samples Gaye’s classic “What’s Going On,” paying homage to “the voice with a velvet touch.”

These tracks further illustrate the enduring appeal and soulful depth of Frankie Beverly and Maze’s music.