Obituary: R&B star Gerald LeVert dies of heart attack at age 40
(BlackPressMagazine .com) -- Gerald LeVert, a native of Cleveland, OH, died on November 10, 2006 of a heart attack. He was 40.
"I feel so honored to have met Gerald LeVert and interviewed him on a few occasions at the various BET Walk of Fame events. Like every other female journalist, he mesmerized me with his swagger and talent," said DC Livers, managing editor for the Historical Black Press Foundation. "I often couldn't believe how down-to-earth, approachable and real he was. Sure, he battled his own demons just like the rest of us, but he was one of the most sincere celebrities I ever met and interviewed. The Black community has lost a true American icon. He was an incredible songwriter and he will definately be sorely missed."
His record label, Atlantic Records, described him in a statement as an "exceptional human being."
"All of us at Atlantic are shocked and deeply saddened by his untimely death," the statement said. "[He] sang with unmatched soulfulness and power. Gerald has been a member of our family for two decades, both with the group LeVert and as a solo artist, and he will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure and privilege of working with him through the years."
Sylvia Rhone, who headed Elektra Entertainment during LeVert's tenure there, said she is "stunned and deeply saddened by the news."
"He was a brother to me; a trusted confidante, a loyal friend, a real soulmate," she said. "But most importantly, he was a loving son and father who blessed us all with his indelible musical presence and leaves us with so many wonderful lifelong memories."
LeVert, who had music is in his blood, was best known for his sultry voice and big, teddy bear image.
From his penetration into the business with the 1985 release of Casanova – with the late 80's trio LeVert - one could see that Gerald was a singer with talent, but it wouldn't be until his 1991 debut release "Private Line" that R&B fans would gain a prolific view of the soulful skills of Gerald LeVert.
Since then, the Grammy-nominated crooner has delved his works into numerous projects all depicting a strong sound and at times outspoken lyrics. He's honed his skills and collaborated on several projects some of which have contributed to works of Teddy Pendergrass, Patti LaBelle and The Winans In 1996, he celebrated the multi-platinum success of "My Body," a sensual single formed from the LSG collaboration with fellow R&B songsters Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill.
Last month, Rhino Records released Levert’s Voices, the premiere soul group of the late '80s and early
'90s, Gerald was the driving force behind a host of Top 10 hits. This
single-disc set is his first-ever duets collection, which features
three brand-new recordings as well as old hits. Highlights include
tracks with Mary J. Blige, Kelly Price, Faith Evans, Missy Elliott, and
others.
Gerald has always strived to improve himself as a singer and writer and with his latest release nothing as been short changed. The artist prides himself on growing as an artist through the years - and with his latest project he offers the public a more prolific voice as he touches on real-life subjects rarely addressed with candor by those in the entertainment industry.
With the approaching end of his latest tour - also divvied with his father O' Jays crooner Eddie LeVert, one can only wonder what latest surprise Gerald has in store for fans. In due time, its certain this endowed vocalist will shower airwaves again with his inner most thoughts - and no doubt, all ears will be listening.
