Father Of Gerald Levert, Eddie Levert, Sr. And The O'Jays Release Statement On Son's Passing

Gerald Levert will be Honored with a Musical Tribute on Friday, November 17, 2006 at the Music Hall in Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland, OH (November 15, 2006) -- R&B Superstar singer, writer, producer Gerald Levert departed this life at the age of 40 on Friday, November 10, 2006 at his home in Newbury Township in Ohio. Gerald was born in Canton, Ohio on July 13, 1966 and is the son of Eddie Levert, Sr., co-founder and one of the lead singers of the popular legendary O'Jays R&B singing group.

Preliminary results of an autopsy done Saturday in Cleveland by the Cuyahoga County coroner's office revealed mild to moderate heart disease. It may take up to eight weeks to complete toxicology and microscopic studies before a final ruling can be made. Gerald was pronounced dead at 1:50 p.m. Friday, after a relative found him unresponsive in bed at his Newbury Township home.

Gerald first gained fame in 1986 as a member of the R&B trio LeVert, which included his brother, Sean, and childhood friend Marc Gordon. They quickly racked up hits like "(Pop, Pop, Pop, Pop) Goes My Mind," "Cassanova," and "Baby I'm Ready." Gerald Levert's albums also include Father & Son, which he recorded in 1995. Under the Atlantic Records label, his most recent album was 2005's "Voices." Over his two-decade music career, Levert sold millions of albums and had numerous R&B hits.

Gerald Levert is survived by his parents; Martha Levert and Eddie Levert, Sr., four children, 7 siblings, many loving family members, dear friends and dedicated fans.

The family of Gerald Levert has released the following statement through their spokesperson, Patti Webster, regarding the death of their beloved son, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin & father:

"I love my son.......there is nothing more to say," states Eddie Levert.

"We are overwhelmed by the generous outpouring of love, condolences and support from the many friends, fans and admirers of Gerald¹s life and legacy. As everybody knows, Gerald was a man who loved and breathed music. To his family and friends he was a man of strong character, who had an Infectious personality and a zest for life. For his fans, his greatest love was touching the hearts and souls of all people through his music. At this very difficult time, we thank you for your prayers and hope you will understand our need for privacy."

"We are deeply hurt by the sudden loss of our son, nephew, and close friend, Gerald Levert. We watched him grow up and he developed into a fine young man, writer, producer, and entertainer in this extremely tough world and business. God has Blessed the Road Gerald traveled", says Walter Williams, Sr., co-founder of The O'Jays, he adds, "we may have lost him along the way, but he will forever remain in our hearts."

O'Jays member, Eric Nolan Grant, states; "I LOVED Gerald as much as I love my daughter...I have known him since he was 16, he's the reason why I got to audition for the O'Jays...he's my lil brother, he was ALWAYS there for me...ALWAYS!...and I'm gonna miss him EVERY DAY of my life."

Andy Gibson, CPA, co-manager of the O'Jays, business manager and first cousin of Gerald Levert, states, "Gerald is more than a cousin, he's always been like a brother to me. We have been through the fire together for so many years, both personally and professionally. Losing Gerald leaves a huge hole in my soul that will not be easily repaired. I loved him madly."

Co-Manager of The O'Jays, Rosalind R. Ray, Esq., states, "This is a loss to our entire O'Jays family...we all loved Gerald, he was one of a kind, a comedian at heart who made you laugh and he made an incredible contribution to the music world and will be missed."

The O'Jays management, O'Jays Gigs Inc. and the O'Jays band and crew; "Already Missing You".

Fellow music industry peers also shared heartfelt words during this difficult time;

Acclaimed actor, comedian and singer Jamie Foxx states, "Gerald Levert ...the world won't be the same without his spirit, his soul, his voice. I know God is pleased to have him in heaven. A new soloist for a choir of angels."

Queen of soul Aretha Franklin states, "Gerald Levert was a challenging, dynamic, young performer who surely made his Dad and Family proud. He has moved on up a little higher now, and he's starring in the heavens now. And we'll understand it better, bye and bye".

A Musical Tribute honoring Gerald will be held at 12:00pm on Friday, November 17th at The Music Hall located at 500 Lakeside Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44114. The Tribute will be open to the public on a first come first serve basis. The family has requested that the guests and fans wear purple in remembrance of Gerald. Close friends such as Stevie Wonder, Johnny Gill, Angie Stone are expected to be a part of the Musical Tribute.

In lieu of flowers, the Levert Family is asking that donations be made to the R&B Foundation. Checks should be written in the name of the R&B Foundation and forwarded to:

Mr. Andy Gibson

Trevel Productions, Inc.

13816 Cedar Road

University Heights, OH 44118

Eddie Levert, Sr. / O'Jays Media Contact:

Priscilla Clarke, Clarke & Associates, 240-476-9643

Donnell Clarke, Clarke & Associates, 202-723-2200

Gerald Levert / Family Publicist:

Patti Webster, W&W Public Relations, Inc.: 732-469-5955

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