He made us happy.

If you have ever been within earshot when Frankie Beverly’s baritone cut though the air at a cookout, block party, night club, lounge, after-hours joint or at any other social gathering where African Americans of a certain age are present, then you already know that. There is something about his vocals and the music of Maze that brought people closer together – to let themselves go for just a few minutes. Anyone who didn’t get up to dance to his signature song, “Before I Let Go,” is probably a person who doesn’t dance at all. It’s a song that’s proven timeless — just ask Beyoncé, who covered the 1981 hit a few years ago on her “Homecoming: The Live Album.”

Frankie Beverly and Maze toured extensively and they visited Richmond so often, he should’ve been charged property taxes. It wasn’t until March of this year when the singer announced he’d be hanging up his white cap for good and retiring from the band.

“His music has contributed to the soundtrack of our lives by enriching our experiences with his soulful melodies,” Black Promoters Collective’s Chief Executive Gary Guidry told Billboard Magazine at the time.

Frankie Beverly died on Wednesday at age 77.

But we don’t have to let go of his music or the memories. His songs will remain a vital part of African American culture, a reminder of the power of soul music to uplift, unite and make us happy.

As we say goodbye to this icon, let’s take comfort in knowing that somewhere, someone is stepping out onto the dance floor as “Before I Let Go” plays one more time.