| Public Gerald Levert Tribute Becomes Joyous Celebration |
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| Written by Ifè Oshun | |
 As we previously reported, today at 12 noon, Cleveland time, a public tribute for the late Gerald Levert began. However, in an amazing display of love for the singer, fans started lining up as early as 5 a.m.
The crowd wrapped up and down the street, waiting patiently to collectively remember the vocal powerhouse folks called "G-Bear."
Thousands of folks waited outside in the cold precipitation, hailing from all over the country, many clutching teddy bears. Those outside included R&B superstar Usher (video), who later said, "When I came here, I expected to mourn [but] I cried. I actually cried tears of joy." One of the thousands of patient fans shared her story of how she drove from Kentucky: "I had to take off two jobs," the smiling fan told WKYC's Obie Shelton. "I got in my car and I had to come. I had to come. I drove my mother out, she's 56. She had double knee replacement a year ago, but she came with me cause she knows how much I love him." Once inside, the celebration of Levert's life and career included jubilant performances and speakers such as Judge (aka Reverend) Mathis and Levert's children gave moving testimony to the wonderful life of Levert (video). Stevie Wonder held Eddie Levert's hand as he reminisced about joking around with Gerald regarding his "big belly." (video) Others speakers included Kim Whitley and Yolanda Adams (video), gospel singer Jeff Majors (video), and of course Eddie and Martha Levert thanked the fans for coming out to honor their son(video). An emotional Eddie Levert, legendary lead singer for the O'Jays, joined son Sean for a duet of the Luther Vandross song "Dance With My Father" as tears flowed freely. A beautiful full-color program (see copy here) was given to the thousands in attendance.
Previously, local Cleveland station WKYC held an exclusive interview with Levert's mom and sister (video). Mrs. Martha Levert, who rarely appears on television, said the outpouring of love from her son's fans is really helping the family get through this emotional time. In related news, Tom Joyner took his national show and broadcast it out of Cleveland yesterday (WZAC) in honor of Levert's memory (video). The city of Cleveland will also re-name part of E. 25th Street Gerald Levert Lane (video).
Many thanks to the extensive coverage at Cleveland's WKYC. |
