They proceeded to craft a bevy of timeless classics, million sellers and massive chart successes such as “Back Stabbers,” “For the Love of Money,” “Love Train,” “Family Reunion,” “I Love Music,” “Use Ta Be My Girl,” “Cry Together,” “Darlin’ Darlin’ Baby, “Livin’ For the Weekend” and “Stairway to Heaven.” By the time The O’Jays were signed to Philadelphia International Records (PIR) in 1972, the fivesome had downsized to a troika. The guys auditioned and went right into the studio to cut records. The quintet sang in the park and coming home from school until a Greek store owner in their neighborhood approached the young men, asking if they knew of anyone that could sing.Īlmost instantly, the five members started practicing more and were shopped around to various record labels in New York until they landed at the Cincinnati-based imprint, King Records, home of James Brown. The group’s initial incarnation, The Mascots (later The Triumphs), consisted of Levert, Williams, Bill Isles, Bobby Massey and William Powell. The O’Jays’ decision to retire encourages Levert to flashback to some pivotal memories, reminding him of the trio’s unprecedented ascension into popular music. “We didn’t get a chance to work with them ,” Levert says, “but it’s the song that’s going to keep this album going for a long, long time.” The Rock & Roll, R&B Music and Vocal Group Hall of Famers whose name was inspired by iconic Cleveland disc jockey Eddie O’Jay weren’t physically in the studio with Mars or Monahan, but they knew the song’s lush string arrangements and subject matter were special when Hollander presented them with the material. The Latin-inspired “Enjoy Yourself” was penned by Grammy-winning hitmakers Bruno Mars and Train lead vocalist Patrick Monahan. “Above the Law” interrogates racial prejudice and social injustice. “I Got You” advocates for community, solidarity and unity. “Stand Up (Show Love)” is a toe-tapping, percussive and piano-heavy gospel number rich with harmonies, while “Pressure” showcases the group’s blues influences. The Canton, Ohio natives’ nine-song collection heavily critiques the Trump administration and comments on contemporary world affairs. Tickets are $60 and are available through Ticketmaster by calling 410-547-SEAT or visiting produced by Betty Wright, Steve Greenberg, Michael Mangini and Sam Hollander, The Last Word is a 36-minute nostalgic reminder of why The O’Jays are vocally superior crusaders for humanity. We wanted to put this music out there and have fun doing it."Īnd father and son will undoubtedly look sharp, singing and sweating under the hot stage lights.Ĭheck out the Father and Son tour starring Eddie and Gerald Levert at Constitution Hall, 18th and C streets N.W. Before, we had other projects going on and everything. Gerald says, "With a lot of people passing in the business, like Barry White and Rick James, good friends of ours, we wanted to be able to say we did something like this. (Gordon, by the way, isn't in the show.) The tour comes nearly 10 years after Gerald and Eddie collaborated on the platinum-selling Father and Son album. The new tour is a musical family reunion of sorts during which the singer and Eddie revisit evergreens by the O'Jays and Levert, the hit '80s R&B trio of Gerald, Sean and Marc Gordon. But gradually, I got my audience who wanted to hear my songs." "In the early days, people would come and want me to sing his songs in the shows. "Until I got to my third solo album, I felt like I was under the shadow of my father," says the artist, who has three children of his own, ages 14, 13 and 5. "Oh, I always represent," the singer-songwriter says between throaty bursts of laughter. And the women (black, white, old, young, ugly, gorgeous) absolutely lose their minds the moment he hits the stage. I've been to several Gerald Levert concerts over the years. But he proves that you don't have to sport a six-pack a la Usher or L.L. I give him his props because, like me, the 38-year-old artist has some extra meat on his bones. The tailored pastel suits, flowing shirts, fine shoes, slacks with creases sharp enough to cut a ham - Gerald's look is always so fresh and so clean. But beyond the grits-and-grease histrionics and classic hits, beyond the forcibly magnetic showmanship, there's the brotha's elegantly understated style. Takes after his pops, the underrated Eddie Levert of the O'Jays. He is, without a doubt, the most stirring soul singer of his generation. I'VE ADMIRED Gerald Levert for a long time.
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