Eddie Levert facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Eddie Levert
Levert performing at the 2010 Alabama Music Hall of Fame concert
Background information
Birth name	Edward Wills Levert
Born	(1942-06-16) June 16, 1942 (age 83) Bessemer, Alabama, U.S.
Genres	R&B soul gospel disco
Occupation(s)	Singer songwriter
Years active	1958–present
Labels	EMI Philadelphia Int'l Columbia Twenty Two Recordings

Edward Willis Levert (born June 16, 1942) is an American singer. He is most famous as the main singer for the music group the O'Jays. Eddie Levert is a father to his children Edward Jr., Gerald, Sean, and Ryan. His sons Gerald and Sean, who also became musicians, passed away in 2006 and 2008. His daughter Ryan passed away in 2024.

Eddie Levert's Early Life and Music

Eddie Levert was born in Bessemer, Alabama. When he was six years old, his family moved to Canton, Ohio. He went to church often and joined the church choir. As he grew older, Eddie became a well-known voice in the choir. He also sang in school plays and performed regularly on a gospel radio show.

Forming Early Music Groups

While in high school, Eddie Levert teamed up with his classmates Walter Williams, William Powell, Bobby Massey, and Bill Isles. They formed a group called The Triumphs. The Triumphs played music in their hometown of Canton. They often opened for other bands and performed at school dances called 'sock hops'.

The group later traveled to Cincinnati to meet with King Records. The president of the record company, Sid Nathan, changed their name to The Mascots. He then signed them to his music label. The Mascots became more popular as their songs were played on radio stations in Cleveland.

The O'Jays and Their Success

In 1969, Eddie Levert's group, now known as The O'Jays, signed with Philadelphia International Records. They started releasing many popular songs with this new label. Later, The O'Jays signed with EMI-Manhattan Records. Eddie Levert and Walter Williams began writing and producing their own music. Their first album with EMI, "Let Me Touch You", became a top R&B album. It included the song "Lovin' You", which was a number-one R&B hit in 1987.

Family Music and Collaborations

In 1984, Eddie Levert's sons, Gerald and Sean, were still in high school. They told their father they wanted to follow in his musical footsteps. They met Marc Gordon and formed their own group called LeVert. Four of their seven albums sold over a million copies each. In 1992, Eddie and his son Gerald recorded a song together called "Baby Hold On to Me". This song became a number-one R&B hit and also reached the top 40 on the pop music charts.

Honoring a Legacy

In 2006, after returning from a music tour in South Africa with his sons Gerald and Sean, Eddie's son Gerald passed away. In 2007, an album that Eddie and Gerald had recorded together in 2006, called "Something to Talk About", was released. They also published a book together called I Got Your Back. In 2008, Eddie's son Sean passed away.

Later in 2008, Eddie and his late son Gerald were given the "Best Duo or Group" Image Award. In 2009, The O'Jays received BET's "Lifetime Achievement Award". Eddie Levert was also honored with the "Heroes and Legends Pacesetter Award". On January 29, 2011, The O'Jays received the "Trumpet Lifetime Achievement Award". Throughout Eddie Levert's career, The O'Jays have released many successful albums. They have had ten albums that sold over 500,000 copies, and nine of those eventually sold over a million copies. They also had ten songs that reached number one on the music charts.

Eddie Levert continues to perform and tour with The O'Jays. He also performs as a solo artist.

Albums