Gerald Levert facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gerald Levert
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Levert in 1988
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Gerald Edward Levert |
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| Born | July 13, 1966 Canton, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died | November 10, 2006 (aged 40) Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
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| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1983–2006 |
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Gerald Edward Levert (born July 13, 1966 – died November 10, 2006) was an American singer, songwriter, and music producer. He was famous for his powerful voice and for singing in the group LeVert with his brother, Sean Levert, and friend Marc Gordon. Gerald was also part of another supergroup called LSG, which included Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill.
Gerald Levert was the son of Eddie Levert, the lead singer of the famous R&B and soul group the O'Jays. Gerald released many albums on his own and with his groups. He also helped discover and produce music for other R&B groups like the Rude Boys, Men at Large, and 1 of the Girls. He was also a member of the group Black Men United.
Contents
Early Life and Music Beginnings
Gerald Levert was born in Canton, Ohio, on July 13, 1966. His father, Eddie Levert, was a well-known singer. Because of his father's music career, Gerald often traveled with the band.
He grew up in Shaker Heights, Ohio, near Cleveland. While in high school, Gerald's love for music became very clear. In 1983, he formed the group LeVert with his younger brother, Sean Levert, and their friend Marc Gordon.
Singing Career Highlights
The group LeVert released seven albums, and four of them sold enough copies to be certified gold. This means they were very popular!
In 1991, Gerald Levert started his solo career. His first solo album, Private Line, quickly became number one on the R&B music charts. The next year, he teamed up with his father, Eddie Levert, for the song Baby Hold On to Me. This duet also reached number one on the R&B charts.
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Gerald released many more successful albums. Some of his hit songs included "Thinkin' About It," "Taking Everything," "Funny," and "U Got That Love." He also recorded a version of R. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly" with gospel singer Yolanda Adams. In 2002, Gerald sang lead vocals on two songs, "Shotgun" and "Reach Out I'll Be There," for the film Standing in the Shadows of Motown. His tenth album, Voices, came out in 2005.
Gerald Levert was also a talented songwriter and producer. He wrote and produced songs for many other famous artists, such as Patti LaBelle, Barry White, Stephanie Mills, and New Edition. In 1994, he joined the group Black Men United for the hit song "U Will Know," which was featured in the movie Jason's Lyric.
In 1997, Gerald formed the supergroup LSG with fellow singers Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill. Their first album, Levert-Sweat-Gill, sold over two million copies. They released a second album, LSG2, in 2003.
Gerald also collaborated with other artists. He sang a duet with Teena Marie on her 2004 album La Doña. His last collaborations included the song "My Angel" with Jim Brickman and "Real S***" with rapper Styles P. After his passing, his voice was featured on songs by Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill.
Acting Career
Gerald Levert also had a short acting career. His first role was in The Jamie Foxx Show in 1998. He played Charles Young in two episodes. In one episode, his character wanted to marry Jamie's mother. In 2001, he appeared in the series finale, singing at a wedding with Gladys Knight and Marilyn McCoo.
His final acting role during his lifetime was in an episode of The Parkers in 2003. He played the father of a character named T and came to visit to start a new band with T.
Personal Life
Gerald Levert had three children: LeMicah, Camryn, and Carlysia. His daughter Carlysia, who is also a singer, appeared with him on the MTV show My Super Sweet 16 in 2005. Gerald's father, Eddie Levert, is a third cousin of basketball player Caris LeVert.
Gerald Levert passed away on November 10, 2006, at his home in Cleveland, Ohio. He was 40 years old.
Before he passed away, Gerald had finished working on his last album, In My Songs, which was released in 2007. He was also working on a book called I Got Your Back: A Father and Son Keep it Real About Love, Fatherhood, Family, and Friendship. This book explored the special relationship between Gerald and his father, Eddie.
Awards and Nominations
Gerald Levert received many awards and nominations for his music.
- Grammy Awards
- 2008, Best Traditional R&B Performance: "In My Songs" (Winner)
- 2007, Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group: "Everyday (Family Reunion)" (Nominated) with Chaka Khan, Carl Thomas & Yolanda Adams
- 1998, Best R&B Album By A Duo or Group: "Levert Sweat Gill" (Nominated) with LSG
- 1988, Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group: "Casanova" (Nominated) with LeVert
- Soul Train Awards
- 1988, Favorite Band, Duo or Group Single: "Casanova" (Winner) with LeVert
- 1988, Favorite Band, Duo or Group Album: The Big Throwdown (Winner) with LeVert
- 2003, Favorite Male Soul/R&B Album: The G Spot (Nominated)
- 1999, Favorite Band, Duo or Group Album: Levert.Sweat.Gill (Nominated)
- 1995, Favorite Male Soul/R&B Album: Groove On (Nominated)
- Image Awards
- 2008, Best Duo or Group (Winner) as Gerald Levert & Eddie Levert
- 2004, Outstanding Male Artist (Nominated)
- American Music Award
- 1999, Favorite R&B/Soul Band, Duo or Group (Nominated) with LSG
- 1993, Favorite Male R&B/Soul Artist (Nominated)
- 1988, Favorite R&B/Soul Single: "Casanova" (Nominated) with LeVert
- BET Awards
- 2007, BET Just Cool Like Dat: (Winner)
- 2007, Favorite Male R&B Artist: (Nominated)
In 2013, Gerald Levert was honored by being inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. The O'Jays, his father's group, were also inducted that year.
Images for kids
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Levert in 1988
See also
In Spanish: Gerald Levert para niños
