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 blues gospel
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 lead singer of the group The O'Jays. His sons, Gerald and Sean, also became successful musicians.

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 a teenager, Eddie's singing talent grew. He became well-known in the choir. He also sang in school plays and on a gospel radio show.

Forming Early Bands

In high school, Eddie teamed up with classmates Walter Williams, William Powell, Bobby Massey, and Bill Isles. They formed a group called The Triumphs. The Triumphs played local shows in Canton. They would open for other bands and perform at "sock hops" (dances).

They later traveled to Cincinnati to meet Sid Nathan, the president of King Records. He signed them to his label and changed their name to The Mascots. The Mascots became more popular as their music played on Cleveland radio stations.

The O'Jays: A Music Journey

In 1969, Eddie's group, now called The O'Jays, signed with Philadelphia International Records. This was a big step for them. They started releasing many records under this new label.

Later, The O'Jays signed with EMI-Manhattan Records. Eddie Levert and Walter Williams began writing and producing their own songs. Their first album with EMI, "Let Me Touch You," was very successful. It reached number three on the R&B charts. The song "Lovin' You" from that album became a number-one R&B hit in 1987.

Family in Music

In 1984, Eddie's sons, Gerald and Sean, decided to follow their father into music. They were still in high school at the time. They formed a group called LeVert with Marc Gordon. This group released seven albums, and four of them sold millions of copies!

In 1992, Eddie and his son Gerald recorded a song together called "Baby Hold On to Me." This song was a huge success. It became a number-one R&B hit and also reached number 37 on the Pop charts.

Awards and Legacy

Eddie Levert has received many honors throughout his career. In 2008, he and his son Gerald were given the "Best Duo or Group" Image Award. In 2009, The O'Jays received BET's "Lifetime Achievement Award." Eddie Levert also earned the "Heroes and Legends Pacesetter Award" that same year.

On January 29, 2011, The O'Jays were honored with the "Trumpet Lifetime Achievement Award." The O'Jays have released ten Gold Albums, which means they sold at least 500,000 copies each. Nine of these albums later went Platinum, selling over a million copies. They also had ten songs that reached number one on the charts.

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

Albums