By Carita Miller

Few musicians have ventured beyond their famous beginnings to create their own legacy in the R&B industry, where ancestry frequently throws an overpowering shadow. One such exception was Gerald Levert. Gerald had every right to be intimidated by the pressure of expectation, as he was the son of Eddie Levert, the distinctive voice behind The O'Jays' classic singles, including For The Love of Money, I Love Music, and Stairway to Heaven. He left a lasting impression on R&B history, though, by not just embracing but also extending his musical background.

Gerald captivated audiences with his heartfelt songs and deep tenor from the moment he first appeared on the scene. Along with his brother Sean Levert and their close friend Marc Gordon, he co-founded the group, LeVert. (Pop, Pop, Pop, Pop) Goes My Mind, Baby I'm Ready, Addicted to You, and the crossover song Casanova were among their joint chart-topping hits. They were one of the most iconic R&B artists of their time because to their quick ascent to fame.

However, Gerald's talent and drive were too great to be confined to one group. He started a lucrative solo career, releasing hit songs and working with other artists that helped him stay at the top of the charts. To further highlight his flexibility and impact in the industry, he even formed the supergroup LSG alongside Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill. Soul music was ingrained in the Levert family's DNA, as seen by the #1 hit he and his father recorded along the way.

Gerald never lost sight of his Cleveland, Ohio, roots, even as he accumulated gold and platinum albums. He mentored up-and-coming artists because he saw the unrealized potential in his neighborhood. He signed and coached bands including Men at Large (So Alone, Use Me, Let's Talk About It) and The Rude Boys (My Kinda Girl, Are You Lonely for Me, Written All Over Your Face) through Trevel Productions, his production firm called after the backwards of "LeVert." His reputation as a force behind the scenes was further cemented by his ability to spot talent and commitment to developing the next generation.

Gerald Levert tragically passed away in 2006 before he could win his NAACP Image Award for Best Duo/Group with his father or his Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance in 2008. His influence never diminished, despite the premature silencing of his voice.

Fans have long yearned for a commemoration worthy of Gerald's musical achievements. When radio icon Tom Joyner imagined a special performance to honor Gerald's legacy before his final Fantastic Voyage, that dream came true. This led to the creation of The LeVert Experience, a tribute group that includes Joe Little III (The Rude Boys), David Tolliver (Men at Large), and Marc Gordon (LeVert's founding member).

This was a celebration of a man who had significantly influenced R&B music, not merely a sentimental performance. In addition to performing, these three incredible vocalists—all of whom Gerald had worked with or mentored—gathered to show their appreciation for a performer who had contributed so much to the business.

“When I got the call from Tom Joyner, it felt like family,” recalls Marc Gordon, one of Gerald’s closest musical collaborators. What started out as a one-time homage swiftly grew in popularity, creating a stir among ardent R&B fans and on social media. With stops at The Forum in Cleveland, Ohio and the NoMi Music Festival in North Miami, where they will perform alongside Anthony Hamilton, Carl Thomas, and Michel'le, The LeVert Experience is now starting a highly anticipated tour.

Prior to their eagerly awaited performance, I had the honor of visiting one of The LeVert Experience's rehearsals at One Mike in Detroit in July 2024. It was quite breathtaking to watch these titans in action. As though time had never gone, the room was filled with their excitement, chemistry, and raw vocal force. Gerald Levert's music was characterized by a soul-stirring intensity that permeated every note.

Marc Gordon's mellow harmonies brought the nostalgia to life, Joe Little's heartfelt delivery weighed the weight of history with each lyric, and David Tolliver's powerful tenor remained as dominating as ever. It became evident that this was more than simply an homage when they performed hits like Casanova, Written All Over Your Face, and Baby I'm Ready. This was a movement that brought back a sound that had been absent for far too long—the golden age of R&B.

I was reminded of the significance of Gerald Levert's legacy after seeing the magic for myself. These men's dedication, passion, and unadulterated emotion on stage are a tribute to all that Gerald stood for. Fans will be taken back to the time when R&B spoke straight to their hearts, and it will be an experience they won't soon forget.

Each member of The LeVert Experience brings their own unique contributions to this homage. Marc Gordon carries the rich history of LeVert, having co-written many of their biggest hits and producing music for industry greats like Musiq Soulchild and Marques Houston. David Tolliver, a trailblazer for body positivity before it was widely acknowledged, continues to use his platform to advocate for childhood obesity and mental health awareness through his Eat Your Heart Out Movement, all while maintaining the soulful flair that earned him the nickname “Blaq Pavarotti.” Joe Little, who Gerald personally mentored, saw his career catapult with Written All Over Your Face, a song that went on to win Billboard’s R&B Single of the Year and secured his place in the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.

As The LeVert Experience takes the stage, they will be performing not only the timeless hits of LeVert but also the unforgettable classics Gerald left behind. This tribute isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about keeping the fire of R&B alive and celebrating a legacy that continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans alike.

For those who never had the chance to see Gerald Levert perform live, The LeVert Experience offers the next best thing—a heartfelt homage to a legend whose voice, passion, and musical genius will never fade.