Gerald Levert 1966-2006
Gerald Levert, son of one the classic soul era's most beloved group leaders - Eddie Levert of the O'Jays - died today at the age of 40. Levert suffered a heart attack that turned out to be fatal, and is believed to have died in his sleep at his home in Ohio.
Gerald Levert was born July 13, 1966, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. However, he and his siblings spent much of their formative years in Cleveland, Ohio. Growing up in a musical environment clearly had its advantages. Gerald and his brother enjoyed not only the encouragement of their father, but also had access to the Levert family's full equipped in-home studio.
Gerald, his brother Sean, and friend Marc Gordon got together, and in the mid 1980's the group got picked up by the independent record label Tempre. Their album "I Get Hot" and its lead single "I'm Still" gained regional popularity in the influential R&B markets of Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Consequently, the group came to the attention of Atlantic Records and was signed to that label. With the backing of a major label, LeVert became an instant success, hitting Number One on the R&B charts with the single "(Pop, Pop, Pop, Pop) Goes My Mind," from their Atlantic debut album, Bloodline.
The group's second album, The Big Throwdown, was released in 1987 and sold more copies than Bloodline. The album's lead single, "Casanova," reached Number One on the R&B charts and crossed over to the pop charts. They also earned even more mainstream exposure with the song "Addicted to You," from the soundtrack of the 1988 film Coming to America. "Addicted to You" also rose to Number One on the R&B charts.
In 1988 LeVert released Just Coolin', which featured rapper Heavy D and included a groundbreaking R&B/hip-hop combination on its title track. They also released Rope-a-Dope Style in 1990 and For Real Tho'; in 1992. In 1997, the group released The Whole Scenario, an innovative work that included both rapping and classical orchestral instruments. Several of the LeVert albums sold 500,000 copies or more.
By the late 1980's, Levert took measures to start on a solo career. As well, Levert began to notice that writers and producers began controlling the musical direction of artists, and to maintain control, Levert and Marc Gordon started their own production company - Trevel Productions. The production company worked with acts such as the O'Jays, Men at Large, Anita Baker, and Miki Howard.
Levert's debut solo album - "Private Lines" - was released in 1991. It was a success, reaching number two on the R&B charts. Four of the albums singles were played heavily on R&B radio stations through 1992. Levert's second solo album - Groove On - was released in 1994. He also appeared in the film "New Jack City".
Levert and his father Eddie recorded an album together called "Father and Son", for the East West label. The father/son duo also jointly formed a scholarship fund under the administration of 100 Black Men, a public service organization in which Eddie was an active member.
In the late 1990's, Levert had reached the pinnacle of his success, collaborating with such other famous R&B legends as Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill. He even toured with Patti LaBelle in 1999.
Into the 21st century, Levert continued his musical work. He released "Do I Speak for the World" in 2004, and "Collaborations" in 2005.
Levert died last night at the age of 40 years old. His music and his legend will continue on, but he will be very much missed by his fans, his family, and his friends.
How do you remember Gerald Levert? Leave a comment and let us, and the world, know just how much he will be missed.
Comments
i am truly devasted by this
i am truly devasted by this news. i an not over luther's and rick james' deaths and now this i am speechless and i dont know if any of the other yung'um singing today can or every will replace my love for this dynamic singer. my condolences to the family
he will be missed and never to be replaced
i truly am saddened by this moment in time
lucious
I am heart broken that my
I am heart broken that my favorite singer has left us. I just have no words to say it is really devestating that someone so young and talented with a very wonderful voice has went to god's arms. My heart is with the family and i will keep them in my prayers
Not Enough Time or Words
There are not enough words that I can find in the dictionary that can express how I feel about his passing. My heart goes out to his loved ones, and his family. He will be greatly missed, but I have the memories and recordings that can never be taken away. We have 1 more "ANGEL" that has been added to an "Awesome Angelic Choir", and his family has a "GREAT SPOKESPERSON CAMPAINING FOR THEM ". "WE GOTTA HOLD ON." I WILL KEEP HIS FAMILY IN MY PRAYERS. PEACE BE STILL.
My Deepest Sympathy
I know I speak for everyone in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania when I say how deeply sorry we were to hear the news about Gerald.
He will truly be missed, such a talent.
One thing we must remember in this life of ours is, God ALWAYS has a better plan. He places each one of us here for a purpose, and when your job is done, especially done as well as Gerald did his, then it is time to go home with our "Father".
May God Bless each of you and keep you.
"You Will See Him Again"
You just have to Love God's Blueprint on Life.....I know I do!!!
Carolyn Pollard
Memory of Gerald Edward Levert: 07/13/66-11/10/06
There isn't a day go by that I don't think about Gerald Levert.
I just wished that I have the opportunity to meet him, and seen him up close and person as the man with an infectious personality. Maybe I will get that opportunity when I get to heaven.
On another note, I did have the opportunity to meet his dad, Eddie Levert at a book signing last year, and he was gracious, appreciative, and down-to-earth.
I've attended a Levert concert in Washington, DC along with the O'Jays and the Whispers back in 1989; but, didn't get to meet Gerald closely.
He knows I'm a true fan in spirit. My continued thoughts and prayers are with the Levert family.
Love and miss you Gerald!!! RIP!
Brenda
Alexandria, VA
GPHIG Forever!
GERALD & SEAN LEVERT
~Our Irreplaceable You~
Within us we all carry a place for you that no other could ever touch.
You Gerald & Sean Levert are the hope & love that we have inside for you are the joy that has changed all of our lives.
You are forever the passion that fills our souls and you and your mosic has given us a peace like we've never known.
We got you both under our skin and we've got you deep in our hearts.
So deep in our hearts, that you're really a part of the whole world.
It's wonderful to know that we will never let you go. Gerald & Sean you are and have captured the hearts of the world.
You are daily the inspirations that we long to admire.
Our all, our everything, Gerald & Sean you both are.......Our Irreplaceable You.
Your love & friendship set our hearts free for your every song is the song we sing daily.
Our all, our everything, Gerald & Sean you are......Our Irreplaceable You.
The Father gave us a new beginning when
He brought The Magnificent Levert Brothers into our lives even though he took then back.so soon with giving us a chance to truly say good-bye.
Now, we are giving you back our hearts for you two are as close as a word of prayer or a look above to the heavens.
And in a moment we know that we from our heart truly love you.
Father, we just want to thank you for this miracle of Gerald's & Sean's love & friendship.
We thank you for your compassion as you washed our guilt away and our hurting hearts.
Father, we thank you for giving us two very precious brothers to love and remember for a lifetime for we would sacrifice anything come what might for the sake of having them back in our lives, performing, writing, producing and acting. Our all, our everything, Gerald & Sean you are......Our Irreplaceable You.
Father, your love and mercy is everlasting and we know that you will never change. Thank You for Gerald Edward Levert & Sean Edward Levert Sr. who iare now with you singing in your hravenly choir but who forever the are in the hearts of The World trough thier friendship, their love, their music, their Legacy.
You were and are the ones we couldn't just live with, you were and are the ones that we don't know how to live without. That is why we shall always Remember, Honor, Cherish, Celebrate & Preserve~The Legacy you both leave behind for all your Family, Friends, Fans & The World.
For we are each the love of someone's life that whatever our souls are made of, we are forever the same. To love another you have to undertake some fragment of their destiny. And remember your love by keeping their spirit alive in you and you will not need sadness. For an eternity you Gerald & Sean are and will be the Musical Composers to our lives. Our All, Our Everything, you are......Our Irreplaceable You.
Mi aime jou Always Family Friends Fans The World
MzGloria
July 13, 2008
Happy Heavenly Birthday Gerald Edward Levert (AKA - GBear, Teddybear, Mr Too Damn Good). Our hearts will forever more have a missing link that can neve be repaired. Your presence may be gone, but the love and memories will forever carry on. Because of you G friendship have been created, bonds have been made and work has been done in the Honor and Memory of You Gerald and Sean. The Levert Brothers are forever in our hearts never to be forgotten.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY DEAR.
Loving you always
Tricia L.
ANGELS ON MY SHOULDS DEDICATION TO GERALD & SEAN LEVERT
When your life is out of balance then call on the angel of balance to bring your life back to center. You call on the angel of balance on an unconscious level the angel will allow you to step back from all that is challenging you, take stock and find the balance you need. The challenge will be solved. Angels are all around you but they will never interfere with your free will unless you invite them. Some ways to get in touch with your angels is just to call out to them. Anyway you have a special guardian angel so just call out to that angel. Call loudly "Guardian angel come to me." or "Help me guardian angel." An angel who holds dominion over the rising sun, we pray to this illuminated one for the promise of new beginnings, innocence, renewal, awakening and enlightenment.Face the rising sun in the morning and pray to this angel for these spirit gifts and attributes.
Angels On My Shoulders: Dedication To Gerald & Sean Levert
Mr. Gerald Edward Levert~July 13, 1966-November 10, 2006
Mr. Sean Edward Levert, Sr.~September 28, 1968-March 30, 2008
Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is bliss, taste it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
There are no words ...what can we say?
At last Gerald Edward & Sean Edward Levert sweet souls winged its way.
To peace and freedom in the sky.
Where never again will they suffer or cry.
It's all part of The Father's great plan.
Which remains a mystery to woman and man.
We cannot understand His heavenly ways.
Nor can we count our earthly days.
But who are we to question and doubt?
The Father knows well what He's all about.
He knew they longed to go to sleep.
Where only heavenly angels, a vigil keep.
The pain of living grew just too great.
No longer could Gerald & Sean can stay and wait.
For they did not want to leave us, our dears.
But Gerald & Sean had finished their work down here.
So they closed their eyes and when they awoke.
These are the words the Master has spoke.
"Welcome, dear precious sons, you both are home at last.
And now the burden of living has past.
There's work for you both in My Kingdom, have no fears.
And you are so needed and wanted here."
So weep not, for Gerald & Sean has just gone on ahead,
Please don't think of them as being dead.
Their out of sight for just a little while.
And you all will miss their touch and their big hearty smiles.
But you know in your hearts that they are safe in the Home above.
Where there is nothing but continuous Peace and Love.
And surely you would not deny them peace.
And you're glad that Gerald & Sean have found eternal release.
Think of the brothers there as souls that are free.
And Home at last, where Gerald Edward & Sean Edward Levert wanted to be.
So do not stand alone, or by their graves and weep.
They are not there, for they do not sleep.
They are a thousand winds that blows.
They are the diamond glints in snow.
They are the sunlights on ripened grains.
They are the gentle autumn rains.
They are the swift, uplifting rush.
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
They are the soft stars that shines at night.
So please dear ones do not stand alone, or by their graves and cry.
For they are not there for they did not die.
With just a single thought you can and will forever carry them deep in your hearts!
From My Heart To The Levert Brothers: Gerald & Sean
Di daakes'-meaning: When things and times are the hardest, brighter times are near.
Mi aime jou & Tu me manques
Amor vitae essentia-Love is the Essence of Life
Loving Gerald & Sean To Infinity With Out End
MzGloria
Heavenly Father, Your infinite love for us has chosen a blessed angels in heaven and appointed them our guide during this earthly pilgrimage. Accept our thanks for so great a blessing. Grant that we may experience the assistance of our holy protector in all our necessities. And you, holy, loving angels and guide, watch over us with all the tenderness of your angelic heart. Keep us always on the way that leads to heaven, and cease not to pray for us until we have attained our final destiny, eternal salvation. Then we shall love you for all eternity. We shall praise and glorify you unceasingly for all the good you have done for us while here on earth. Especially be a faithful and watchful protector of our family, loved ones, friends, enemies and strangers. Take our place, and supply what may be wanting to us through human frailty, short-sightedness, or sinful neglect. Lighten, O you perfect servants of God/Allah/Jehovah or whomever you worship, our heavy task. Guide us all that we may become like unto YOU, may imitate YOU faithfully, and persevere till they attain eternal life.
Amen
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