Also, she gave birth to their children, Gerald and Sean Levert in 19 respectively. Noticeably, Martha stayed in the background while supporting Eddie. During the marriage, Martha was also known as Martha Levert. He got married to his first wife, Martha Lee Byrd in 1966. that Levert chose to focus more on showcasing his career, not many are aware of his love life. The Musician Has Been Married TwiceĪ post shared by Eddie Levert Sr. Also, he became a regular perfromer for a gospel radio show. Eventually, his skilled singing made him standout during school plays. Reportedly, it was while singing in church choir that he honed his skill. Levert’s childhood was filled with church activities which would have an influence over his career choice. His family moved to Canton, Ohio when he was six and it was there that he grew up. He was born Edward Levert on Jin Besemer, Alabama but he did not grow up there. In all this, Levert remained an active member The O’Jays while launching a solo career that has led to the release of 4 albums. Since then, the group has remained active despite a change in its lineup. Over the next few years, the band released many songs including the chart topping Back Stabbers and Love Train among many others.
It would be recalled that the band was formed in 1958 in Ohio through a collective effort of Levert and four other high school classmates namely Walter Lee Williams, William Powell, Bobby Massey, and Bill Isles.Īt first they called their group the Triumps and when they started getting exposure, they changed the name. Levert is still an active musician who fronts The O’Jays band. How Many Children Does Eddie Levert Have?Ĩ1-year-old Eddie Levert is Still Singing with the O’Jays.81-year-old Eddie Levert is Still Singing with the O’Jays.is currently the CEO of Levert Entertainment, a record label headquartered in Los Angeles, California.Įddie Levert was interviewed by The HistoryMakers on August 28, 2013. Two years later, son Sean, also an R&B artist, died at the age of 39. In 2006, Gerald, an accomplished R&B singer, died at the age of 40. In 2009, BET awarded the group the Lifetime Achievement Award, and the group is still actively touring.Įddie Levert is the father of three sons-Eddie Jr., Gerald, and Sean-all of whom are/were currently active in the music industry. In 2005, they were also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The O’Jays have received the Rhythm & Blues Foundation’s Pioneer Award (1998), and were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. After Powell’s death, The O’Jays released their fifth album, Family Reunion, which reached number seven on the Billboard Top 200. In 1975, co-founder William Powell was forced to leave The O’Jays due to illness, dying of cancer two years later. In 1973, The O’Jays released Love Train, and the single became a number one hit on both the Hot 100 and R&B charts. Back Stabbersreached number one on the R&B charts, and number three on the Billboard Top 100 chart. While with Philadelphia International, The O’Jays recorded nearly thirty charting singles, and several number one songs. Under the new label, The O’Jays recorded their first big hit, Back Stabbers (1972).
Then a part of the production team at Neptune Records, Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff went on to create their own label, Philadelphia International, after Neptune shut down in 1971, taking The O’Jays with them. After a rocky start- including the withdrawal of Billy Isle from the group– The O’Jays met Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff.
Shortly after, The O’Jays signed with Imperial Records, and released their debut single, Lonely Drifter, with the released their first album, Comin’ Through following in 1965. That same year, the O’Jays began working with producer H.B. Because O’Jay was an essential in the group’s managing and mentoring, The Triumphs decided to change their name to The O’Jays, as a tribute. The next year, The Mascots recorded their first single, “Miracles”, which was deemed a local success, and drew the attention of famed Cleveland disc jockey Eddie O’Jay. In 1960, The Triumphs signed with Syd Nathan, owner of King Records, and the group was renamed The Mascots. Levert and Williams brought together fellow students Bobby Massey, William Powell, and Billy Isles, to form their first group, The Triumphs. As teenagers, the two were inspired to form a singing group after seeing a performance by Frankie Lyman and the Teenagers. At a young age, Levert and childhood friend Walter Williams began performing as a gospel duo. When Levert was eight years old, he moved with his family to the town of Canton, Ohio, where he attended McKinley High School. Singer, and member of the famed O’Jays, Edward “Eddie” Levert, was born June 16, 1942, in Bessemer, Alabama.
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