R&B legend Gerald Levert dies at 40

[timmy84]

Gerald Levert dies; R&B crooner was 40

OHIO - Gerald Levert, the fiery, passionate singer of R&B love songs and the son of O'Jays founder Gerald Levert, died of an apparent heart attack in his sleep in his home at Cleveland, Ohio at the age of 40.

Levert was said to have been working with fellow R&B legends Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill (of New Edition) on the third LSG album when he died. The singer began his music career in 1985 forming the trio Levert with brother Sean Levert and best friend Mark Gordon. In 1986, the group hit pay dirt with the single, "Casanova", which hit #1 on the R&B singles chart and hit the top ten of the Billboard pop singles chart. Between 1986 and 1994, Levert released six gold and platinum albums and spawn such hit singles like "(Pop, Pop, Pop) Goes My Mind", "Baby I'm Ready" and "ABC-123". Levert also had careers as a duet partner of his father Eddie, most prominently on the 1996 album, "Father & Son", which included their hit cover of "Wind Beneath My Wings" and a successful solo career which yielded hits such as "I'd Give Anything", "Baby Hold On to Me" with his father Eddie and "Mr. Too d**n Good". Levert also scored another top ten pop hit with LSG on the 1997 single, "My Body". He also wrote not only for Levert but for other acts he mentored including Men At Large and the Rude Boys, where he was prominently featured on the group's 1991 smash, "Written All Over Your Face", which he co-wrote and produced.

Levert and his daughter was prominently featured on the MTV show, "Sweet Sixteen" and was one of Levert's last televised appearances. His last album was 2005's "Voices".

Other than Eddie Levert, Gerald is survived by his kid brother Sean and four children.

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RIP, G. He truly is a legend in R&B. Thanks for the music, G.

[Diamond Girl]

R&B crooner Gerald Levert dies, 40 By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY, AP Music Writer
37 minutes ago



Gerald Levert, the fiery singer of passionate R&B love songs and the son of O'Jays singer Eddie Levert, died on Friday. He was 40. His label, Atlantic Records, confirmed that Levert died at his home in Cleveland, Ohio.

"All of us at Atlantic are shocked and deeply saddened by his untimely death. 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," the statement read.

Dan Bomeli, public relations manager at University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center in suburban Cleveland, said Levert had been brought to the hospital. Bomeli said Levert had died but he had no further details.

"It's very sad. He was an amazing talent, obviously," friend and fellow R&B singer Will Downing told The Associated Press. "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."

Over his two-decade music career, Levert sold millions of albums and had numerous R&B hits.

Levert first gained fame in 1986 as a member of the R&B trio LeVert, which also included his brother, Sean, and childhood friend Marc Gordon. They quickly racked up hits like "(Pop, Pop, Pop, Pop) Goes My Mind," "Casanova," and "Baby I'm Ready."

But Gerald Levert's voice — powerful and soulful, almost a carbon copy of his father's — was always the focal point, and in 1991, he made his solo debut with the album "Private Line," which included a hit duet with his dad, "Baby Hold on to Me." His father also recorded the successful album "Father & Son."

Levert was known for his sensual, romantic songs, but unlike a Luther Vandross, whose voice and songs were more genteel, Levert's music was explosive and raw — his 2002 album was titled "The G Spot."

"When we would do shows together, we would get on stage and battle for the hearts of women. Every night, that was our thing," Downing said.

Though Levert was successful as a solo singer, in 1997 he got into group mode again — joining with R&B singers Johnny Gill and Keith Sweat for the supergroup of LSG. The self-titled album sold more than two million copies, and their hits included the sensual "My Body." Levert also worked with other artists as a songwriter and producer.

His most recent album was 2005's "Voices."

Levert had four children.

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AP Regionals News Editor Sonya Ross contributed to this report.

Yahoo! News

[Diamond Girl]

Shocking is all I can say at this time, and deeply saddened

He really was a legend in his time, such a talent, such a loss

Thoughts and prayers are with his children, the rest of his family (God Bless you Eddie, don't know what's worse than outliving a child), his many friends and fans

You will live in all of the music you've touched

[timmy84]

Yeah, outliving a child is such a bad thing for any parent to go through.

[Emerald City]

Thanks for making the post ((Quick)) and Playgirl ...I couldn' bring myself to do it, I'm still shocked ... Gerald was one of the best singers of this era who gave us real R&B.. God bless Eddie and the family at this hard time...God Bless and Rest In Peace Mr Gerald Levert

[timmy84]

Exactly, a real SANGER too. He made you feel what he was singing. He was to this generation what Marvin and David were to theirs. The rougher version of Luther, much like his dad and the millennium version of Marvin all wrapped up in one package and even with those influences he was STILL Gerald. That's what made him special to me. He has done God's work and he is now ascending to the Heavens where I know Marvin, Barry, Ray, Rick, Sam, Luther, Donny and 'em are gonna welcome the brother with open arms in Soul Heaven.

[fantagurl]

I`m shocked and saddened. My heartfelt prayers goes out to his family. Gerald will be sorely missed.

[Diamond Girl]

Courtesy of TVOneOnline

www.tvoneonline.com/playlists/levert.wpl

[Emerald City]

Thanks for that link ((Playgirl))...Patti is the tribute queen

[Motown Honey]

Nothing I can say, still can't believe it
Peaceful journey, G

[Motown Honey]

Accidental Drug Mix Said to Kill Levert
By Associated Press
Sat Feb 10, 10:58 PM

CLEVELAND - R&B singer Gerald Levert's death last fall was an accident caused by a fatal combination of prescription narcotics and over-the-counter drugs, a coroner said.

The drugs in his bloodstream included the narcotic pain relievers Vicodin, Percocet and Darvocet, along with anxiety medication Xanax and two over-the-counter antihistamines, Geauga County Coroner Kevin Chartrand said. The official cause of death was acute intoxication, and the death was ruled accidental.

Chartrand said his office received a report Thursday from the Cuyahoga County coroner's office, which conducted the autopsy.

Levert, 40, son of O'Jays singer Eddie Levert, died Nov. 10 in his suburban Cleveland home. He was a member of the R&B trio LeVert, whose hits included "(Pop, Pop, Pop, Pop) Goes My Mind" and "Casanova." He sold millions of albums and had numerous hits over his career.

His soulful voice powered his appeal and in 1991 he made his solo debut with the album "Private Line." That included a hit duet with his dad, "Baby Hold on to Me."

Andy Gibson, a family spokesman, said Levert was taking the pain medication because of chronic pain from a lingering shoulder problem and surgery in 2005 to repair a severed Achilles tendon. The autopsy revealed that Levert had pneumonia.

Levert also took Xanax for anxiety attacks, Gibson said.

[timmy84]

Yeah I heard about that and wondered if y'all heard that. That's crazy. His daughter posted a touching poem of her dear old daddy. It was easy to say his children loved their father and that Eddie, Sr. loved his son.

[antceleb12]

RIP, , Gerald ... Always be missed.