Celebrating Eddie Levert was originally published on blackamericaweb.com
1. Happy Birthday, Eddie Levert
Edward ‘Eddie’ Levert was born on June 16, 1942. He turns 72 today.
2. Happy Birthday, Eddie Levert
Eddie was born in Bessemer, Alabama but raised in Canton, Ohio. He is a singer, songwriter, Musician and producer.
3. Happy Birthday, Eddie Levert
While in high school, he met Walter Williams, Bill Isles, Bobby Massey and William Powell.
4. Happy Birthday, Eddie Levert
They were motivated to sing after seeing a performance of Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers. The group formed in 1958.
5. Happy Birthday, Eddie Levert
Originally, they were known as The Triumphs & The Mascots. They became The O’Jays officially after getting their name from DJ Eddie O’Jay.
6. Happy Birthday, Eddie Levert
Eddie was the lead vocalist of the group. He also plays the drums, piano and percussion.
7. Happy Birthday, Eddie Levert
Their first big hit was ‘Lonely Drifter’ and others hits followed such as Back Stabbers, Love Train and For the Love of Money.
8. Happy Birthday, Eddie Levert
Eddie also starred in the movie The Fighting Temptations and performed the song He Still Loves Me.
9. Happy Birthday, Eddie Levert
Eddie is the father of the late R&B great singers Gerald Levert who passed away in 2006 and Sean Levert who passed away in 2008.
10. Happy Birthday, Eddie Levert
In 2009, he and his group won the BET Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2005, they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
