Eddie Levert Biography
Known as the legendary lead vocalist of the iconic R&B/soul group The O’Jays, Eddie Levert has wowed audiences with his powerful, emotive vocals for over 60 years. Forming The O’Jays in 1958 while attending high school in Canton, Ohio, Levert set the foundation for the group’s gritty, socially conscious signature sound that would later define the “Philly Soul” movement of the 1970s.
With Eddie Levert as frontman, The O’Jays scored over 30 charting singles on the Billboard Hot 100 between 1972-1991, including timeless #1 hits like “Love Train” and “Back Stabbers” as well as poignant tracks like “Give the People What They Want.” Levert’s vocals played a key role in shaping their success, imbuing even their most political songs with heart and soul. His dynamic range coupled with his clear articulation resulted in 4 Grammy wins for the group during their heyday.
Outside of The O’Jays, Levert pursued collaborations with artists like Patti LaBelle while also nurturing his sons Gerald and Sean to later form the R&B trio LeVert in the 1980s. Tragedy struck when Sean died at just 28, but Eddie commemorated his son by naming The O’Jays’ 1991 album “Emotionally Yours” after a LeVert original tune. Later in Eddie’s career, Gerald would sometimes perform as lead vocalist for The O’Jays during his aging father’s live performances, demonstrating the deep musical legacy cultivated by Eddie Levert across generations.
Now in his late 70s, the legendary “Eddie Levert” continues to record new music and tour the country backed by a devoted multi-generational fanbase – his smooth vocals having long solidified him as one of the most distinguished voices of classic soul and R&B.
Eddie Levert Age
Eddie Levert is currently 80 years old, having been born on June 16, 1942 in Canton, Ohio. He formed the legendary R&B/soul group The O’Jays at just 16 in 1958, serving as the lead singer across six decades of music and counting. Now in his early 80s, Levert continues recording and thrill audiences with his powerful vocals to this day.
Eddie Levert Wife
Eddie Levert has been married twice over his long career:
First to Martha Levert, his high school sweetheart, from 1961-1991. They raised four sons together including late R&B artist Sean Levert.
He then remarried Raquel M. Levert in 1991 shortly after divorcing Martha. Raquel brought a son to the marriage, and they’ve since had three daughters over 30+ years. Raquel has been Levert’s steadfast wife as he continues touring into his 80s with The O’Jays today.
Eddie Levert’s Family
Eddie Levert’s musical genius was shaped by a robust family life. He married high school sweetheart Martha in 1961, fathering four sons including late R&B artist Sean. After divorcing in 1991, he remarried Raquel, gaining step-son Bryan and three daughters – Brittany, Carlysia and Landra. Both marriages and his six grandchildren deeply inspired Levert’s six-decade career with The O’Jays. Sons Gerald and Marc often tour with him today, keeping it all in the family.
Eddie Levert Songs
Here is a list of some of the most popular and acclaimed songs Eddie Levert has songwriting credits on over his career with The O’Jays:
- Love Train (1972)
- Back Stabbers (1972)
- Survival (1975)
- Rich Get Richer (1975)
- Give the People What They Want (1975)
- Let Me Make Love To You (1975)
- Use ta Be My Girl (1978)
- Forever Mine (1975)
- Don’t Give Up on Me (1983)
- Happy Faces (1976)
- I Love Music (1975)
- For the Love of Money (1973)
- Sing a Happy Song (1975)
- Stairway to Heaven (1975)
- Emotionally Yours (1991)
Major songwriting collaborators include Walter Williams, William Powell, and prolific Philly soul producer Kenny Gamble. Though not the primary songwriter, Levert’s talents extend beyond his legendary vocals.
Eddie Levert’s Net Worth
As legendary frontman of The O’Jays for over 60 years, Eddie Levert has amassed an estimated net worth around $5 million as of 2023. Thanks to continued touring and royalties from classic hits like “Love Train”, the soul icon’s fortune may range as high as $10-20 million when including music ownership, real estate and other assets.