RIP Gerald Levert

[trane_fanatic]

Probably not some folks cup of tea on here, but I am a big R&B/soul head too, so this comes as sad news.

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Friday, November 10, 2006 · Last updated 2:35 p.m. PT

By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY

AP MUSIC WRITER

NEW YORK -- Gerald Levert, the fiery singer of passionate R&B love songs and the son of O'Jays singer Eddie Levert, died on Friday. He was 40. His label, Atlantic Records, confirmed that Levert died at his home in Cleveland, Ohio.

"All of us at Atlantic are shocked and deeply saddened by his untimely death. He was one of the greatest voices of our time, who sang with unmatched soulfulness and power, as well as a tremendously gifted composer and an accomplished producer," the statement read.

Dan Bomeli, public relations manager at University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center in suburban Cleveland, said Levert had been brought to the hospital. Bomeli said Levert had died but he had no further details.

"It's very sad. He was an amazing talent, obviously," friend and fellow R&B singer Will Downing told The Associated Press. "Gerald was a hard worker. He would go out there and do his thing, and be in places where the folks were. He would touch the people, and that's really what it's all about."

Over his two-decade music career, Levert sold millions of albums and had numerous R&B hits.

Levert first gained fame in 1986 as a member of the R&B trio LeVert, which also included his brother, Sean, and childhood friend Marc Gordon. They quickly racked up hits like "(Pop, Pop, Pop, Pop) Goes My Mind," "Casanova," and "Baby I'm Ready."

But Gerald Levert's voice - powerful and soulful, almost a carbon copy of his father's - was always the focal point, and in 1991, he made his solo debut with the album "Private Line," which included a hit duet with his dad, "Baby Hold on to Me." His father also recorded the successful album "Father & Son."

Levert was known for his sensual, romantic songs, but unlike a Luther Vandross, whose voice and songs were more genteel, Levert's music was explosive and raw - his 2002 album was titled "The G Spot."

"When we would do shows together, we would get on stage and battle for the hearts of women. Every night, that was our thing," Downing said.

Though Levert was successful as a solo singer, in 1997 he got into group mode again - joining with R&B singers Johnny Gill and Keith Sweat for the supergroup of LSG. The self-titled album sold more than two million copies, and their hits included the sensual "My Body." Levert also worked with other artists as a songwriter and producer.

His most recent album was 2005's "Voices."

Levert had four children.

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AP Regionals News Editor Sonya Ross contributed to this report.

Edited November 11, 2006 by trane_fanatic

[Patrick]

Sad news indeed. I attended the same high school as Gerald and Sean (two years ahead of Sean, and I guess one year behind Gerald). Don't recall crossing paths with Gerald in any musical activities there. 40 is way too young.

[HolyStitt]

Very sad news.

[relyles]

I have been a fan of his since the Levert days. I also had an opportunity at least once to hear him live. He was a very good performer. In a genre where many seem to be successful without any actual talent, Gerald had a very strong and recognizable voice. He will be missed.

[marcoliv]

this is very very sad

MCO