Frankie Beverly, the legendary R&B singer, songwriter and producer, passed away on September 10 at the age of 77. His family announced the news early Wednesday morning with a heartfelt message on social media.

Beverly was well-known to the ESSENCE Festival crowd, donning his all-white stage outfits and rocking the crowd with his signature smooth vocals. He became a beloved staple of the event, headlining the festival multiple times and captivating fans with timeless songs and unforgettable performances.