In Memory of Gerald Levert: Program Available and Watch Service
 

It was just announced that singer Gerald Levert passed away due to a heart attack. In this thread we will remember his talent, humor and gifts to society. Share your favorite Gerald, LSG or Levert songs, memories and moments.

I just got back from lunch and was told this. I am really shocked. Just yesterday I listened to the Leverts Greatest Hits CD.
:( :( :(

RIP to a very talented crooner from my hometown.:(

1966-2006
 

http://images.1strowseats.com/300x18...0Levert300.jpg
Gerald LeVert began singing as a young child, heavily influenced by watching his father in action. Summers spent touring with The O'Jays allowed him to meet R&B legends like James Brown and one of his major musical influences, the late Marvin Gaye. "During those times, I knew that singing and performing was what I wanted to do. My dad tried to talk me out of it, but it was no use, my mind was made up," recalls Gerald.

After many years of mimicking his father's group, Gerald and his younger brother Sean, along with their childhood friend, Marc Gordon formed the group, LeVert.

"People think that because my dad was Eddie LeVert that it was easy, but it wasn't. He gave us guidance and advice, but that was it," says Gerald. The group made a name for themselves in the Cleveland area and in 1985 landed a record deal with an independent label, which helped them catch the attention of Atlantic Records, with whom they signed in 1986. LeVert's coupling with Atlantic Records proved to be very successful and resulted in numerous number one singles, six gold albums, two Soul Train Music awards and a Grammy nomination.

Though the group was successful, Gerald LeVert still wanted more, and in 1991 with full blessing from his group members, released "Private Line" his first solo album. "I was very nervous about the release of "Private Line," because I didn't know how people would receive it or react to me singing by myself." He did not have to be nervous for long. "Private Line" went gold and garnered two number one hits. In 1994, he released his second solo album "Groove On," which catapulted him into stardom. The album achieved platinum status and put Gerald at the top of the charts again, with the David Foster produced single, "I'd Give Anything."

Just when it seemed that there was nothing else he could do to top himself, Gerald did it again. After the success of "Baby Hold On To Me" (duet with his father, Eddie LeVert) from the "Private Line" album, people kept saying "you guys should do an album of songs together" and they thought about it and said "Why not?"

So in 1995, Gerald and his father released the critically acclaimed "Father & Son" album. The album became one of those rare musical moments that created an entirely new audience for Gerald, one where families could point to him as a new role model that symbolized the importance of family. "The whole thing took on a life of its own," says Gerald. "I think people saw through us the willingness to endure the scrapes that families go through, and still come out stronger than ever." One of the album's many highlights was a heart stopping version of the classic ballad, "Wind Beneath My Wings."

In between his work on his solo and LeVert albums, Gerald took time to produce a number of major artists (with Marc Gordon and current writing partner, Edwin "Tony" Nicholas), including The O'Jays, Stephanie Mills, James Ingram, Miki Howard, Troop, Anita Baker and Barry White. Through his company, Trevel Productions, which he co-owned with Sean and Marc, he oversaw the development of new artists from Cleveland such as the Rude Boys, Men At Large, 1 of the Girls, and Drama.

Always the one to keep his fans guessing on what he would do next, Gerald embarked on another musical adventure by joining forces with Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill to form the super group, LSG. The album stretched the boundaries of the collaborative process, including guest appearances that read like a who's who of the music industry. Guests included Busta Rhymes, LL Cool J, Faith Evans, Missy Elliott and CoKo of SWV.

"My Body," the group's first single, soared to the top of the charts and gave them their first platinum single. "The whole experience was great," says Gerald. "Those guys are legends, and they knew what it takes to get the job done. I gained so much from that process."

Notable songs include --

I'm Still
That's What Love Is
Baby Hold On To Me
School Me
Casanova
I Swear
I'd Give Anything
Mr. Too Damn Good
You Got Your Hooks in Me
Private Line
Can You Handle It
Nothin' to Somethin'
Application (I'm Lookin 4 a New Love)
Already Missing You
Thinkin' Bout It
That's the Way I Feel About You
Funny

I'm listening to Wind Beneath my Wings right now and I am :(

RIP Gerald Levert. Prayers for you, your family and fans.

I just head the news. This is very sad! :(

I just heard this as well but I was hoping it was a rumor.:(

I am utterly shocked.

I knew he was unhealthy and it's sad when a father outlives his son.

I just saw his daughter's Sweet 16 episode the other day and thought "I wonder what Gerald Levert has been up to."

i just posted a thread up too, but I can post my message here. My prayers go out to his family.:(

I am so hurt. :( They are playing his music on V-103 in Atlanta. What's even sadder is he was scheduled to perform at "Wanda Smith and Friends" next Saturday, and Wanda Smith is one of his biggest fans. He had plenty of fans, including myself.

I've only heard this from one unofficial source, but he was trying to lose weight on a reality show with some of his female fans.

May he rest in peace, and my prayers are with the family, friends, and fans.

To this day, the best concert I ever went to was The O'Jays and LeVert back in 1990 at The Front Row in Cleveland with my mom for her birthday. Slamming concert.

Favorite LeVert songs? My Forever Love, All Seasons, Smilin', and I've Been Waiting
Favorite Gerald songs? Baby Hold On To Me, Answering Service, Let the Juices Flow
Favorite LSG songs? My Side of the Bed and Drove Me to Tears

When stuff like this happens, deep down inside I'm waiting for the media to say there was a mixup or this is a hoax.

Right now, so am I. I am listening to the CD right now and feeling teary.:( :( :(

I was thinking the same way.

I heard about it about 20 minutes ago. I called our local radio station to confirm. I'm thinking it's an internet rumor. She said that they got the word from his record company. Unfortunately, it's no hoax or mixup.
I am too :eek:.
I saw him in Vegas with Luther, Angie Stone and Michelle Williams. He really put on a show. I saw him again at Essence. A great entertainer.

A sudden loss. My sympathy to the familly.
Yesterday it was Ed Bradley, now Gerald. Please, no one else. :(

Favorite LeVert songs? "Cassanova"
Favorite Gerald songs? "Made to Love You" and "Baby Hold Onto Me"
Favorite LSG songs? "It's Your Body Baby"[/QUOTE]

I just said this to a friend. But things tend to happen in 3s...morbid to say.

Playing right now :):(

Speaking of LSG- That group was phenominal! Both CDs were hot!

LeVert Song: Baby I'm Ready; Rope-a-Dope
Gerald: Duet with Mikki Howard-That's What Love Is;Private Line; School Me; a song from the G Spot (maybe Wear it Out); another song that escapes from that CD where he thought of an old love and the person happens to call. :confused:

I forget that was Levert and not just Gerald.

He was only 40? He looked older than that. Probably because of obesity and other health issues that age the body.

People: praise the Lord for health and strength. Take good care of yourselves as long as you have sound minds and able bodies!!!

I forgot about this song as a favorite. So many songs that I liked over the course of his musical career.

Remember the G Phi G Sorority in his honor?

I am in total shock! :(

Favorite Levert Songs: "Just Coolin'" and "My Forever Love"

I have too many favorite solo songs.

Favorite LSG songs: "My Side of the Bed" and "Curious"

I can't take two days of this sadness. No more!

I forgot about Just Coolin with AJ Johnson in the video and Heavy D!

Another song with her in the video, Baby You Are!

(whew) *long sigh*

Wait, is this serious?

AP and ABC News confirmed it not to long ago.

Too sad...
 

Y'all I am so sad right now. Ed Bradley now this. I saw Gerald last spring with Monique. He was so young.

There are too many songs to name that I loved:

Baby Hold on to Me
Good Ol' Days (Levert)
My Place (Your Place)-Levert

I'm so lost for words I can't even think of songs...just sad. :( :( :(

I don't understand....

That's my favorite too. :(

:eek: :(

My friend just called me at work and told me. I thought she was joking. This is too sad. I am still in shock from Ed Bradley. I just can't believe it...a heart attack? I didn't even know he had health problems, at least not serious. He was a great performer. He will be greatly missed. I will be praying for both the families of Gerald and Ed. RIP Gerald and Ed.

I'm still sad about Lutha!!! Ed Bradley, now Gerald!!! We are loosing pioneers and REAL singers! But to everything there is a season...

Actor Jack Palance died. Maybe that will be the third and last one for awhile.

I just read on another board that Gerald died in his sleep. I hope this was the case and he went peacefully.

I just saw that. :( R.I.P.

RIP Gerald. My favorite song was Casanova, due to the fact that it was one of my grandmother's (RIP) favorite songs and she did not like secular music at all.

When I was about to leave work today and was about to shut off the radio the Patti Jackson who gives the 411 that is posted on GC came on the radio and she was crying. There was no music playing, and she was saying I have some very sad news to announce, with her saying this and hear how choked up she was, I turned up my radio to hear what she had to say. She broke down and another DJ had to come in the room with her to comfort her. She got herself together to announce that Gerald Levert had died of a heart attack. I was in totally shock and asked my co-worker was she listening to the radio, and she wasn't so I told her what Patti had said she was like thagt has to be a rumor. I said I don't think it is because Patti is way to upset, and she then stated that they had checked facts, and this was a true confirmation. Patti at this time broke down again. I sat there in total shock because I had met him several times at concerts and he was jusgt so down to earth and personal. The last time that he had come to A.C. a few of us went and I'm telling you dude came out after the show and was chillin with all of us like he was a cousin that we hadn't seen in a while. My #1 group are the O'Jays and in seeing them a lot fo the time Gerald was on the tour with them, so I got to see him often as well.

I am still in a state of shock. At first Patti stated that he died at the hospital but late came on to say that he died at home in his sleep. As the evening went on Patti was able to talk a little more, but she was having a really hard time. Michael Baisden comes on after she goes off the air at 3pm......I don't like him so i always turn the station if I haven't left work when he comes on, well today they pushed him back to where he didn't come on until almost 4pm, and by 6pm they had taken him off and Patti was back on talking about Gerald and playing tons of his songs....I'm still in shock. They have been playing the song Answering Service since this was his first solo joint, and I had forgotten all about that song, so now I am going to have to go dig up that CD, and all my Gerald LeVert CDE's along with my LeVert Cd's and get to listening. They also reported that he was to have a new CD coming out in '07........I know I said this before, but I am still in shock like a motha....like so many have said already R.I.P. Ed Bradley and now Gerald LeVert....DAMN, DAMN, DAMN!!!!

Wow, this news really made me sad. I loved Gerald Levert!:( :(

I swear I feel like breaking a punch bowl like Florida Evans right about now. I mean he was young!! He was just 40 years old!!!

One of my favorite Levert moments was when I took my grandmother (now deceased) and my mother to a Gerald Levert, Ojays concert on Mother's Day. We were lucky to get front row seats and let's just say that Gerald is truly his father's child. I don't know who was more entertaining Eddie or Gerald. I have never been more entertained. The music industry has lost a true SANGER...that boy could SANG!

Another favorite moment is when he performed during the BET tribute to Smokey Robinson. He sang Ebony Eyes with Floetry and he killed that song and left it on the floor to be recovered!

Here, Doug Banks aired instead of Michael Baisden.

I saw it on CNN.com while I was at work and I said it can't be true. But I know it was becasue it was on CNN. I'm still recovering from Luther passing and now this.

RIP Gerald. You will be missed. :(

Yep. I suspect there are a lot of talented people in Heaven kind of like the "I Ain't Mad Atcha" Tupac video. Holding concerts with Jesus doing the funky four corners. Nonsecular, of course.