In Memory - Gerald Levert

“As everybody knows, Gerald was a man who lived and breathed music. To his family and friends he was a man of strong character, who had an infectious personality and a zest for life. For his fans, his greatest love was touching the hearts and souls of all people through his music.” This is the statement released by Gerald’s family.

Friday at his home in Cleveland, Ohio, R&B legend Gerald Levert died in his sleep of a heart attack at the young age of 40. He was pronounced dead at Geauga Community Hospital on Friday, November 11, 2006.

Born on July 13, 1966 in Cleveland, “Teddy Bear,” as Gerald was called, was a singer, songwriter and producer on the Atlantic and Elektra labels. He sprung from the musical Levert family. His father, Eddie Levert, is the lead singer of the 1970’s group The O'Jays. Gerald Levert sang with his brother, Sean Levert, and friend Marc Gordon in the R&B trio LeVert. He also formed the musical group LSG, with Keith Sweat, Johnny Gill, and Levert - with four of their seven albums going platinum.

In 1991 Gerald went number one on the R&B charts with his solo album, Private Line, and in 1992 Gerald, together with his father, hit number one again on the R&B charts with the single, "Baby Hold On to Me".

He’s written, produced and collaborated with artists such as Stephanie Mills, Teddy Pendergrass, James Ingram, The Winans and The O'Jays, Barry White, The Rude Boyz, Men at Large, Johnny Gill, Keith Sweat and Gospel greats, Yolanda Adams and the Winans. His most recent album was 2005's "Voices."

Gerald was extremely busy in his final days. He had just completed a new album due for release in early 2007, and was working on a book titled "I Got Your Back,", along with Eddie Levert and Lyah LaFlore. He had also just completed a documentery with Eddie about the legendary O'Jays. Also in the works was a reality show where he and ten female fans would diet together - the fan losing the most weight would be the lead in his next video. He also had completed work on a debut album for his daughter Carlysia, who appeared on the MTV show, My Super Sweet 16.