10 Fascinating Facts About the Legendary Gerald Levert
Introduction
Gerald Levert was an American singer-songwriter and producer who had a significant impact on the music industry. He was known for his soulful and powerful voice and his incredible songwriting abilities. He was born on July 13, 1966, in Cleveland, Ohio, and passed away on November 10, 2006. In this blog post, we will share 10 fascinating facts about the legendary Gerald Levert.
Fact #1: The Start of His Musical Career
Gerald Levert started his musical career in the 1980s as a member of the R&B group, LeVert. The group consisted of Gerald, his brother Sean, and childhood friend Marc Gordon. They released their debut album in 1985 titled “I Get Hot,” which featured their hit single “(Pop, Pop, Pop, Pop) Goes My Mind.”
Fact #2: His Solo Career
After achieving success with his group, Gerald decided to pursue a solo career. In 1991, he released his first solo album, “Private Line,” which featured hits like “Private Line” and “Baby Hold On To Me.” He went on to release several more successful solo albums throughout his career.
Fact #3: Gerald Levert’s Awards
Throughout his career, Gerald Levert received numerous awards and accolades for his music. He won a Grammy Award in 2007 for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance for his hit single “In My Songs.” He also won several Soul Train Music Awards and was nominated for several others.
Fact #4: His Collaborations with Other Artists
Gerald Levert collaborated with several other artists during his career, including Johnny Gill, Keith Sweat, and LSG, a group comprised of himself, Sweat, and Johnny Gill. He also collaborated with his father, Eddie Levert, on several songs, including “I’ll Give Anything” and “Already Missing You.”
Fact #5: His Songwriting Skills
In addition to his incredible voice, Gerald Levert was also an accomplished songwriter. He wrote many of his own songs, as well as songs for other artists, including Keith Sweat and Patti LaBelle. He was known for his ability to write powerful and emotional lyrics that resonated with listeners.
Fact #6: His Charity Work
Gerald Levert was known for his philanthropic efforts and his commitment to giving back to his community. He supported several organizations, including the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, the American Diabetes Association, and the National Kidney Foundation.
Fact #7: His Personal Life
Gerald Levert was married to his wife, Mikkii Howard, for several years and had three children, two sons and a daughter. He was also a father figure to his stepchildren. He struggled with addiction throughout his life but was able to overcome it and continued to perform and make music until his untimely death in 2006.
Fact #8: His Legacy
Even years after his passing, Gerald Levert’s music continues to impact the lives of many people. He was a trailblazer in the R&B genre, and his music paved the way for many other artists. His soulful voice and emotional lyrics have helped people through heartbreak and inspired them to love and appreciate life.
FAQs
Q1. What was Gerald Levert’s first hit song?
A1. Gerald Levert’s first hit song was “(Pop, Pop, Pop, Pop) Goes My Mind,” which he released as part of the R&B group LeVert.
Q2. Did Gerald Levert win any awards during his career?
A2. Yes, Gerald Levert won several awards during his career, including a Grammy Award and several Soul Train Music Awards.
Q3. Did Gerald Levert collaborate with other artists?
A3. Yes, Gerald Levert collaborated with several other artists, including Johnny Gill, Keith Sweat, and LSG.
Q4. Was Gerald Levert involved in any charitable organizations?
A4. Yes, Gerald Levert supported several charitable organizations, including the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and the National Kidney Foundation.
Q5. Did Gerald Levert struggle with addiction?
A5. Yes, Gerald Levert struggled with addiction throughout his life, but he was able to overcome it and continue to make music.
Q6. How many children did Gerald Levert have?
A6. Gerald Levert had three children, two sons, and a daughter, and was a father figure to his stepchildren.
Q7. What is Gerald Levert’s legacy?
A7. Gerald Levert’s music continues to impact the lives of many people, and his soulful voice and emotional lyrics have inspired and helped people through heartbreak and tough times.
Conclusion
Gerald Levert was a musical legend whose impact on the industry is still felt today. He achieved great success both as a member of LeVert and as a solo artist and was known for his soulful voice and emotional lyrics. In addition to his music, he was also a philanthropist who dedicated his time and resources to supporting charitable organizations. Despite his struggles with addiction, he continued to create music that touched the lives of many people. Gerald Levert’s legacy is a powerful one that will continue to inspire and move people for generations to come.
