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Losing
someone is the worst feeling in the
world. It’s deafening and saddening. It
impacts us more when that person has
touched our lives so greatly as with
singer/songwriter Gerald Levert.
What is
so profound about Gerald Levert’ memory
is that it connects generations. The
singer, who was the son of O’Jays lead
vocalist Eddie Levert, died on Friday,
November 10th from an apparent
heart-attack in his sleep. He was only
40 years old.
It was
an unexpected death as death is never
expected.
Gerald
was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
He would often accompany his dad, Eddie
Levert on tours with the O’Jays, who was
originally known as The Triumphs and The
Mascots before inducting the O’Jay name
which was a tribute to radio disc jockey
Eddie O’Jay. In 1963 they released
‘Lonely Drifter’ from their debut album
‘Comin’ Through’.
In 1984
Gerald formed a group called Levert,
which consisted of his brother Sean
Levert, Marc Gordon and himself. In
1985 the group released I Get Hot and
Bloodline followed in 1986. Just Coolin’
was released in 1987 receiving gold
certification. In the 90s, Gerald began
a solo career but released 3 more albums
with the trio including the greatest
hits album in 2001.
Gerald
Levert was also apart of the singing
group LSG comprised of Levert, Keith
Sweat and Johnny Gill.
Gerald
and his father Eddie Levert had just
returned from a 10 day trip to South
Africa where they had met with Nelson
Mandela and were treated like royalty.
Levert died in his sleep.
Gerald
Levert’ upcoming album is due early
2007.
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