R&B Crooner Gerald Levert Dies at 40

Singer Gerald Levert has died at his home in Newbury, Ohio, according to his record label Atlantic Records.

His family tells local news sources that it appears Levert died in his sleep, possibly of a heart attack. He was 40 years old.

Levert, who was the son of Eddie Levert, the lead singer and a founding member of the O'Jays, had his most famous hit with "I Swear," penned by David Foster. Gerald sang with his brother Sean and Marc Gordon in the R&B trio LeVert, with whom he had several number one singles on the Billboard R&B charts, including "Casanova," and had a hit duet with his father, "Baby Hold on to Me."

Tags: gerald levert, GeraldLevert

Reader Comments

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61. May God be with his family and loved one's. The world has lost a powerful songbird.

God rest his soul.

The Allen's in Milwaukee

Posted at 2:35PM on Nov 12th 2006 by Faye Allen

62.
I feel really sad that another one of the greatest singers of our time is gone? am still not over the death of Luther Vandross and now this, and also so very young without any warning. My thoughts are with his family and i pray that he is in a better place, rest in peace Gerald Levert , may the Almighty God give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

Posted at 8:11PM on Nov 12th 2006 by onyechi

63. Another wonderful voice stilled. He just made you smile and swoon when you saw him come on stage . You knew you were in for a great performance. My heart goes out to his family and parents, its just so unbelieveable. I always felt he would be an extention of his fathers voice (he sounded just like Eddie to me), but you just never know what God's plan is. Rest in peace Gerald- and thanks for all those wonderful songs and performances- you will be sorely missed...

Posted at 8:45PM on Nov 11th 2006 by Linda

64. to family grief ill not remove your good memories
sympathy
ponce

Posted at 8:35PM on Nov 11th 2006 by ponce

65.
We will ALL miss you so much Gerald, he was a kind,gentle man and a great artist who loved to entertain. I love you Gerald. My condolences go out to the family

God Bless, Cynthia

Posted at 1:17AM on Nov 12th 2006 by Cynthia

66. I was just shocked at 12 midnight Friday night when CNN Headline News announced that Gerald Levert had died. No other news outlet had reported it. Gerald was a wonderful singer and I loved his solo efforts, his music with Levert and his songs with Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill in LSG. What I will also remember is that he produced some songs off Patti LaBelle's 1997 album Flame, even performed some duets with her on stage. I loved the songs he produced/written for other artists, such as LSG, Men at Large, Rude Boys, even wrote a song off a Keith Sweat's album, He was known to release an album almost every year, was always recording. He was more comfortable with R&B, was never concerned about a massive genre-bending hit like others. His vocal style was smooth and soulful. I plan on getting and hearing some of Gerald's and Levert's CD's in the next couple of days to hear his talents. We lost a dynamic, superb singer far too young........

Posted at 4:56AM on Nov 12th 2006 by Preston

67. What's weird is that I heard one of Gerald's hits, Closure, just a week ago. And now he's gone. Gerald was one of my favorite singers and he deserved the same kind of recognition that big-time stars like Usher, R. Kelly, Babyface and others have gotten. But he was comfortable with his kind of music. I remembered voting for him for best male singer in 1992 in a Rolling Stone magazine Reader's Poll ballot. Out of any male singer that year, he stood out. That's how timeless his music is today. When I first heard Pop Pop Pop Goes My Mind with his group Levert in 1986 (though it came out in 1985--they waited a year too late to release the single in falll '86), I knew that he would be a major star, and he did. This was the 20th year that I listened to Gerald, be it solo or a group. I'm sure that he produced hundreds of songs. His partnership with Tony Nicholas with producing many songs were superb. May he rest in peace and my thoughts go out to his family.....

Posted at 5:11AM on Nov 12th 2006 by Preston

68. Gerald will be miss so much be me personally it seem likes yesterday when mty husband and I seen him in the play Confession, Gerald made the crew feel well at home. He will truly life on in all his fan heart. Eddie and Sean God will always be a listening hear for you both. My God Bless you all and his children my family will keep you and your family in our prayer.

Posted at 6:53AM on Nov 12th 2006 by Charmaine

69. My prayers goes out to the family. God is carrying you thru your sorrow times. Remember that He makes no mistakes. Remember all of the good times that you shared and hold on to those. You have alot of people praying for your strength.

Posted at 12:53PM on Nov 12th 2006 by Teresa

70. TO GERALD LEVERT FAMILY AND FRIENDS MY DEEPEST SINCERE CONDOLENCES.GERALD WAS A GREAT R&B ARTIST. GERALD WILL BE MISS. TO THE FAMILY, KEEP FAITH IN THE LORD.GOD WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU IN YOUR TIME OF SORROW.HOLD ON. MY PRAYER ARE WITH YOU ALL. GERALD WILL ALWAYS BE WITH US IN MIND AND SOUL. LOVE BELINDA

Posted at 8:40PM on Nov 15th 2006 by belinda taylor

71. You will be truly missed. God will give your family the courage to go on. Just keep beliving.

Posted at 10:35AM on Nov 12th 2006 by Sharon

72. I will truly miss him. He had a warm spirit, he was a great performer and he had a witty sense of humor. I enjoyed his performances and his conversations on the Tom Joyner morning show. I Love you Gerald, thank you for doing what you did best, rest in peace my brother.

Mary B.
VA

Posted at 9:44PM on Nov 27th 2006 by Mary B

73. thank you 4 blessing us with your soulful music, i have grown to love your music over the years and you were my inspiration in many ways when it comes to music!
One Thing Is For Sure- Your Music is Your Legacy!!
FAREWELL, BIG "G" !!!
Much Love !!!!

Posted at 12:52AM on Nov 16th 2006 by RHULANI THOTHELA, Johannesburg,SOUTH AFRICA

74. To the family of Gerald Levert my prayers and deepest sympathy goes out to you.
Gerald was a wonderful entertainer and was remarkably talented. His smile could light up any room and his voice comfort a hard day.

He will be missed but he will definitely never be forgotton for he lives in our heart and soul. Stay close together and stay strong.

Posted at 12:47AM on Nov 16th 2006 by Mary

75. I am hurt. I just cannot express the emotion I am feeling right now. He is an icon.
I am from Cleveland, Ohio too, and to know that Gerald grew up here as well, how could I not send my condolences to his family. I will be praying for his family. Sometimes we question the Lord when stuff like this happen. Death is unexpected regardless, but of all people, who would of thought.....Gerald Levert, gone. He was so young. I loved his music, his performances....I didn't know him personally, but just being from same hometown, and how he showed so much
love for his hometown, and fans, ...-he will be missed

Posted at 9:19AM on Nov 13th 2006 by Khandi

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