Maze - "Before I Let Go"

This week's Throwback Thursday takes us back to 1981, when Maze featuring Frankie Beverly released one of their most beloved classics, “Before I Let Go.” Though it appeared on the band’s first live album Live in New Orleans, the track was recorded in the studio and released as the project’s second single. Written and produced by Frankie Beverly himself, the smooth yet infectious groove climbed to #13 on the Billboard R&B chart, cementing its place as a timeless anthem.
While many fans know “Before I Let Go” as a joyful party favorite, its origins came from a deeply personal place. Beverly originally penned the song as a ballad about his conflicted feelings for Delores Marie “D’Marie” Warren of the group Alton McClain and Destiny. He was in love with her while still in a relationship with another woman, and those emotions inspired the lyrics. Once Beverly shared the song with Maze, the band transformed it into a more upbeat, danceable track during rehearsals—creating the version that would become iconic.
Over four decades later, “Before I Let Go” remains a cultural staple, especially within Black American communities, where it continues to light up weddings, barbecues, and family gatherings. Its legacy grew even stronger following Frankie Beverly’s passing on September 10, 2024, at the age of 77. What began as a song of bittersweet love has become a joyous celebration of life, togetherness, and the enduring artistry of Frankie Beverly and Maze.









