Happy Birthday to Eddie Levert, longtime member and co-lead singer of the legendary O’Jays, born June 16th, 1942.
By any measurement, the O’Jays (see our full biography of the O’Jays) must be considered one of the most important Soul Music groups of the past half century, Eddie Levert’s ferocious lead vocals – typically offset by the smooth tones of his forever singing mate Walter Williams – have established him as one of the most revered soul singer in history. First with Eddie Powell, then Sammy Strain and, for the past three decades, Eric Nolan, they’ve formed at trio for the ages.
Beginning with the smash 1972 song and album “Backstabbers,” The O’Jays helped open the decade of soul music dominance of Philadelphia International Records, the brainchild of songwriters/producers/executives Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff. They often received the best songs and the most creative Gamble & Huff arrangements, with far more hits than misses. Songs like “Love Train,” “For The Love of Money,” “Livin’ For the Weekend,” and the classic “Use Ta Be My Girl” all appeared to be a year or two ahead of what everyone else was doing, and made each new O’Jays release an event. And, as the vehicle for G&H’s social statements, the group released some of the most insightful, relevant album cuts of the decade.
Even after the halcyon days of the 1970s and early 80s, The O’Jays continued recording, scoring additional hits on other labels well into the 21st Century. However, the group members have faced their share of struggles, too. Levert suffered a parent’s nightmare, with the deaths of his sons Gerald and Sean in 2007 and 2008. And in 2010, Williams revealed that he had been suffering from multiple sclerosis for years.
But the O’Jays soldiered on, celebratung their 60th anniversary together and, in 2018, releasing a fantastic album with an equally powerful message. The Last Word recaptured that O’Jays magic on record, becoming one of the year’s best R&B albums. And, interestingly, all three members have recorded solid solo albums over the past few years, with Williams and Nolan also releasing a 2022 duet.
In 2022, the O’Jays went on one final tour before retiring from the road. They have certainly secured their place in music history and Eddie Levert has entered the realm of living legend. Happy Birthday!
By Chris Rizik
