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...was born on the 13th day of July in 1966 and departed this life suddenly on November 10, 2006. The Cleveland, Ohio native was the son of Eddie Levert, Sr., founder and lead singer of the legendary R&B trio The O'Jays. He was not only a talented singer, songwriter and producer, he was a man who was literally born into R&B royalty. He was deemed "the teddy bear" by his loving female admirers, for his cuddly, charismatic demeanor. Gerald's fascincation with music began as a child when he and his brothers often accompanied their father on tour. Gerald's introduction to music turned into passion and by 1985, Gerald along with his brother Sean, and best friend Marc Gordon formed the R&B group "Levert". Their debut album "I Get Hot", released on the independent Tempre Records and garnered the regional hit "I'm Still."  After landing a recording deal with Atlantic/East West Records, the group followed up with hits like "Pop, Pop Goes My Mind" and "My Forever Love" before landing their signature song "Casanova', penned by Reggie Calloway. Levert's success skyrocketed throughout the 1980's and produced hits such as "Pull Over", "Just Coolin'", "Baby I'm Ready" and "Good Ole Days".  In 1991, Gerald launched a solo career scoring huge success with his hit single "School Me" and the duet with his father ''Baby Hold On To Me." It was also during this time that Gerald founded Trevel Productions and began nurturing and producing acts like "The Rude Boys", and "Men At Large." As a gifted songwriter, he composed tunes for Miki Howard, Teddy Pendergrass, The Winans, Cindy Mizelle, Stephanie Mills and Rhonda Clark. In later years, he would score top ten hits for industry icons, the late Barry White, Patti LaBelle, and the O'Jays. In 1994, the Grammy nominated singer earned his first multi-platinum release "Groove On."  "Groove On" was followed by a duet release with his father, appropriately titled "Father and Son". As the decade closed, releases included a final Levert project, a chart topping collaborate effort with fellow R&B peers, Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill, collectively known as L.S.G; and the heartfelt solo release "Love & Consequences". Early in the new millenium, Gerald released "G" which held the #2 position on Billboard's Top 20 R&B albums charts for more than six weeks. "G." was followed by stints on the movie soundtrack "The Brothers", a compliation titled "The Best of Levert" and a rousing duet of "I Believe I Can Fly" with gospel diva Yolanda Adams.  "Gerald's World" released in 2001 reached Billboard's Top R&B Album Charts at #2 and Top Pop Album Charts at #6. Gerald followed up with the eargasmic set "G-Spot" in 2002. In 2003, he returned with LSG 2, a second installation with Sweat and Gill. He finished off the year with his own "Stroke of Genius" spawning the tracks "U Got That Love", and "Wear it Out". Additionally, Gerald showcased his acting ability by landing a recurring role on the Jamie Foxx Show during the 2001 - 2002 season; and in 2004 guest starred on the UPN sitcom "The Parkers". Gerald released his 8th solo album "Speak For the World" in late 2004. His last studio effort "In My Songs" was release posthumously on February 13, 2007. On February 10, 2008, Gerald Levert, won for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance for "In My Songs" at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards. It was truly one bittersweet honor. G. PHI G. is a sorority tribute to GERALD LEVERT, a legend who will be missed but never forgotten. -- written by Robjaye photos from yahoo.com, elektra records.com & image maker
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