Eddie Levert

Edward Wills Levert was born on June 16, 1942, in Bessemer, Alabama, and spent his formative years in Canton, Ohio, moving there at the age of six. His early musical development was rooted in the church, where he regularly participated in the choir, sang in school plays, and performed on a gospel radio show. During his high school years, he co-founded a group known as the Triumphs alongside classmates Walter Williams, William Powell, Bobby Massey, and Bill Isles. The Triumphs performed locally in Canton, opening for various acts and playing at ‘sock hops.’ Their career advanced when they traveled to Cincinnati to meet with King Records President Sid Nathan, who subsequently changed their group’s name to The Mascots and signed them to his label. The Mascots’ music gained regional recognition through Cleveland radio stations.

In 1969, the group, now known as The O’Jays, signed with Philadelphia International Records, marking a significant turning point in their career. Under this new label, they began releasing records that led to widespread success. Their collaboration with producers and songwriters Gamble & Huff yielded numerous chart-topping hits. The O’Jays later signed with EMI-Manhattan Records, during which Levert and Walter Williams began co-writing and producing their own material. Their EMI debut album, “Let Me Touch You,” reached number three on the R&B charts and featured “Lovin’ You,” which became a number-one R&B hit in 1987.

Levert’s career also extended to collaborations with his sons. In 1984, his sons Gerald and Sean formed the group LeVert, achieving platinum status with four of their seven albums. In 1992, Eddie Levert and his son Gerald recorded “Baby Hold On to Me,” which became a No. 1 R&B hit and reached No. 37 on the Pop charts. Throughout his career with The O’Jays, the group has released ten Gold Albums, nine of which eventually went Platinum, and achieved ten No. 1 hits. Levert continues to perform and tour with The O’Jays and as a solo artist, maintaining an active presence in the music industry for over sixty years.