R&B star Gerald Levert dies at 40
Source: bbc.co.uk
Levert's most recent album was 2005's Voices
Grammy-nominated R&B star Gerald Levert has died aged 40, his record company
has confirmed.
The singer, who was the son of O'Jays vocalist Eddie Levert, first found
fame with the R&B trio LeVert, and scored a UK top 10 single with Casanova
in 1987.
He also recorded as a solo artist, and worked with soul legends such as
Anita Baker, Barry White and Patti LaBelle.
"Nobody was prepared for this," said LaBelle. "It's not for real to me that
he is gone."
LaBelle, who said Levert was "like a son" to her, added that she hoped to
perform at the singer's funeral.
Pop royalty
Levert was born in Philadelphia, and often accompanied his father on tour.
He set up his first band in 1986 with brother Sean and childhood friend Marc
Gordon, naming it LeVert.
The trio were particularly successful in the US, scoring two gold albums in
1987 and 1988 before Levert left to pursue a solo career.
In 1992, he had an unexpected number one R&B hit, Baby Hold On To Me, with
his father, which led to an entire album of duets, Father And Son, in 1995.
Levert also received a Grammy nomination for writing Barry White's comeback
single, Practice What You Preach, in 1994.
"He was one of the greatest voices of our time, who sang with unmatched
soulfulness and power," said record company Atlantic in a press statement.
"It's very sad," his friend and fellow R&B singer Will Downing told the
Associated Press. "Gerald was a hard worker... He would touch the people,
and that's really what it's all about."
Levert's family, including his four children, released a statement asking
for privacy "at this very difficult time".
Levert - Casanova (UK No.9 August 1987)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeDQKzjlWGM
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