gerald levert father and son album tracklist

So, after chasing the man down for days, I was able to get in my chat with him hours before deadline: it was an honor that I treasure to this day and remain proud of: we love the Leverts and miss both Sean and Gerald, so I hope you enjoy the (2007) chat.*įather’s Day will be a bittersweet event for seasoned soul man Eddie Levert Sr. “I don’t know about a book review, but if you can talk to him directly, we’ll take it.” When I pitched the idea to my editor, she was cool-to a point. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.*As a Cleveland native and soul music fan, I was crushed when we lost our teddy bear, Gerald Levert, and I wanted to spotlight the book he had written with his father, the legendary Eddie Levert Sr., when it was released months later. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at for further information. LYDEN: That's ALL THINGS CONSIDERED from NPR News. I don't want you to leave, keep saying I'm sorry. Let's me know how you doing girl with space and time. I'm gonna miss making love to you and even though you haven't gone yet I'm already missing you. I'm gonna miss your things that you do when you're sad and blue.

He was 40 years old.įATHER AND SON: (Singing) I'm gonna miss your face. LYDEN: Gerald Levert died yesterday at his home in Cleveland. He collaborated with other R&B artists - Keith Sweat, Johnny Gill - and he also did an album with his father, Eddie, called Father and Son.įATHER AND SON (Duo): (Singing) It's gonna be strange living without you. LYDEN: Though he was known as purely a vocalist, he was also a songwriter and producer. And his father was one of the lead singers of that group. I think he has a legion of fans, but I think that it's very difficult to grow up in the shadow of a group as formidable as the O'Jays. I don't know that Gerald reached that status. SMITH: The O'Jays are in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. SMITH: I think it did haunt him, frankly. And then there was the fact that his voice was virtually a replica of his fathers. LYDEN: He had a string of gold and platinum hits, but he never quite was able to attain the same crossover appeal as his father. A man that is hard to find, told you a thousand times. Later Gerald launched a successful solo career that included Knock Knock and his signature hit Baby, Hold on to Me. LYDEN: They had hits that included Casanova and ABC123. But I love, I love, I love, I love, I love you babe. LEVERT: (Singing) I can't find the words to tell you so. Gerald's career began in 1986 as part of the trio Levert, when he sang with his brother Sean and a childhood friend. LYDEN: Levert got his performance chops from one of the best in the business, Eddie Levert, one of the members of the legendary R&B group the O'Jays. I mean women are brining him roses and throwing their underwear onto the stage and hotel keys, and I mean he was something to see. I mean Gerald would drop to his knees he would strip off his shirt. DANIELLE SMITH: Let me tell you, on stage it didn't slow him down one inch. GERALD LEVERT (Singer): (Singing) I ain't much on Casanova. Rhythm and blues crooner Gerald Levert had a knack for making his female fans swoon despite his hefty build. His voice has been described as raw and seductive.

Before we end tonight's program, we note the passing of a young singer who you could say carried on the legacy of Mamie Smith.

Gerald levert father and son album tracklist