Gerald Levert, R&B star 1966-2006

Jet, Nov 27, 2006 v110 i21 p60(2)
Full Text: COPYRIGHT 2006 Johnson Publishing Co.

 

The music world is shocked and saddened to hear of the recent passing of R&B great Gerald Levert who died in his sleep of heart failure at his home in Newbury Township, near Cleveland. He was 40.

Levert was known for passionate, soulful love songs and his energetic and sensual concert performances that were a big hit with his female fans.

Johnny Gill who teamed up with Levert and Keith Sweat in the hit group, LSG, told JET: "The pain is so excruciating right now. I can't make sense of all of this yet. I am at a loss for words ... Gerald is like my brother. We have always been brothers. Gerald said from day one, the day we met, 'You remind me of my father. You and Pops are so much alike.' And Pops said the same thing. Today, I am not only losing a brother, friend but a soldier. We always had each other's back."

The singer died in his sleep, family members say. A preliminary autopsy revealed that he had "mild to moderate heart disease." There were no signs of trauma or foul play, the report said.

His father, legendary singer Eddie Levert Sr. of the O'Jays said in a statement: "I love my son ... there is nothing more to say."

Patti LaBelle who often toured with him, said: "He was like a son to me. He was such a great entertainer. It's not real to me that he is gone. Nobody was prepared for this."

Aretha Franklin said: "Gerald Levert was a challenging, dynamic, young performer who surely made his Dad and family proud. He has moved on up a little higher now, and he's starring in the Heavens now. And we'll understand it better, by and by."

Tom Joyner recalled: "He had a way of making every audience member feel important and made sure they got their money's worth and more ... On a personal side, I've got some great memories with him and his dad. I've always loved the relationship G. had with Eddie and my heart breaks for him and the entire Levert family."

Born in Cleveland, Levert first gained fame in 1986 as a member of the R&B trio LeVert, which also included his brother, Sean Levert, and childhood friend Marc Gordon. They quickly racked up hits like Pop, Pop, Pop, Pop Goes My Mind, Casanova, Baby I'm Ready and Just Coolin' with Heavy D.

But Gerald Levert's voice, powerful and soulful, almost a carbon copy of his father, Eddie, was always the focal point. And in 1991, he made his solo debut with the album Private Line, which included the No. 1 hit, Private Line and the top-selling duet with his dad, Baby Hold On To Me. He and his father also recorded the hit album, Father & Son, featuring Wind Beneath My Wings.

In 1997, he teamed up with fellow R&B singers Johnny Gill and Keith Sweat for the hit group LSG. The group's self-titled album sold more than 2 million copies, featuring the smash My Body.

His other recordings included the hit single, Funny and the sensual 2002 album The GSpot. His last album was 2005's Voices, a compilation of duets with his father and other recording stars.

A sought-after producer and songwriter, Levert co-wrote and co-produced Barry White's 1994 hit Practice What You Preach.

Levert and his father, Eddie, had just completed a book, I Got Your Back: Our Bond As Father and Son with Lyah Beth LeFlore, set for publication in June 2007.

In addition to his father Eddie and brother Scan, he is survived by his mother, Martha Levert, four children, six siblings and a host of other relatives.

A public memorial was scheduled at the Music Hall in downtown Cleveland.

In lieu of flowers, the Levert family is asking that donations be made to the R&B Foundation and forwarded to Trevel Productions, Inc., 13816 Cedar Rd., University Heights, OH 44118.

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