 Gerald Levert was commonly referred to as "R&B royalty," but the son of Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Eddie Levert, legendary lead singer of the O'Jays, was a success in his own right with hits such as "I Swear" and "I'd Give Anything," as part of the group Levert and as a member of LSG (Levert, Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill).
Also known as "G-Bear" for his warm, growling vocals, Levert was best known for huge hits like "Casanova," "Pop, Pop, Pop, Pop (Goes My Mind)", and "Mr. Too Damn Good to You." His ultra-soulful delivery and passion was indicative of the greatest R&B artists who'd come before him and reminded many of his dad's classic, and powerful, voice.
Levert father and son had recently returned from touring and performing in South Africa where they met Nelson Mandela. The two (who had the hit "Baby Hold On To Me") were reportedly working on the follow-up to their phenomenal 1995 duet album Father and Son. Unfortunately mere weeks after their return, Levert died at his home in Cleveland, Ohio, tragically suffering a fatal heart attack in his sleep. He had turned 40 this summer.
He was reportedly also working on a weight loss reality show and some of his last guest vocals can be heard on Styles P's 2006 album Time Is Money as well as Kelly Price's 2006 set this is who I am.
Levert leaves behind four children, including Carlisia who made her MTV debut on the reality TV series "My Super Sweet 16" back in January.
"He was one of the greatest voices of our time, who sang with unmatched soulfulness and power, as well as a tremendously gifted composer and an accomplished producer," a statement from Atlantic Records read. "Above all, he was an exceptional human being whose warmth and grace inspired us all."
Levert's memorial was a celebratory, star-studded event that was open to the public in his hometown. 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, 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," she said. "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 Mathis and Levert's children gave moving testimony to the wonderful life of Levert.
Stevie Wonder held Eddie Levert's hand as he reminisced about joking around with Gerald regarding his "big belly." Others speakers included Kim Whitley and Yolanda Adams, gospel singer Jeff Majors, and of course Eddie and Martha Levert thanked the fans for coming out to honor their son.
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. Mrs. Martha Levert, who rarely appears on television, said the outpouring of love from her son's fans really helped the family get through the emotional time.
Meanwhile, Tom Joyner took his national show and broadcast it out of Cleveland yesterday (WZAC) in honor of Levert's memory, while the city of Cleveland will also re-name part of E. 25th Street Gerald Levert Lane.
On December 7, 2006, it was announced that Levert, along with Chaka Khan, Yolanda Adams, and Carl Thomas were nominated for a Grammy in the category of Best R&B Performance by a Duo Or Group With Vocals for their collaboration on "Everyday (Family Reunion)," from the soundtrack of Madea's Family Reunion.
"It's very sad. He was an amazing talent, obviously," fellow crooner Will Downing said. "Gerald was a hard worker. He would go out there and do his thing, and be in places where the folks were. He would touch the people, and that's really what it's all about. When we would do shows together, we would get on stage and battle for the hearts of women. Every night, that was our thing."
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