Gerald Levert
Gerald Levert (1966-2006) was a celebrated American R&B singer, songwriter, and producer, famous as the lead vocalist for the trio LeVert (with his brother Sean & Marc Gordon) and the supergroup LSG (with Keith Sweat & Johnny Gill), known for his soulful voice, hit songs like "Casanova," and a successful solo career, ultimately leaving a significant legacy despite his tragically early death from accidental drug intoxication at age 40.
Born July 13, 1966, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Eddie Levert (lead singer of The O'Jays) and Martha Levert, and raised in Shaker Heights, Ohio, he was immersed in music from a young age, traveling with his famous father.
His group LeVert was formed in 1983 and became a popular R&B group with hits like "(Pop, Pop, Pop, Pop) Goes My Mind" and "Casanova," achieving gold and platinum status.
Levert launched his solo career in 1991 with the album Private Line. His solo work produced chart-topping hits, earning him critical acclaim and awards, including Grammys and American Music Awards.
He collaborated with Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill to form LSG, whose self-titled album went platinum with the hit "My Body". Levert also discovered other artists (like The Rude Boys) and wrote/produced for others, including Patti LaBelle.
Known as a workaholic, he often struggled with pressure and pain, leading to dependence on prescription medications after a ruptured Achilles tendon in 2005. He passed away on November 10, 2006, at age 40, due to acute intoxication from a mix of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, ruled accidental.
His final album, In My Songs, won a posthumous Grammy. He was inducted into the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2013.
Private Line
Keyboards, Drums, Programmed By [Keyboard], Sequenced By – Edwin Nicholas, Marc Gordon 5:41
2 School Me
Bass Guitar – Clifford Colson
Guitar – Randy Bowland
Keyboards, Drums, Programmed By [Keyboard], Sequenced By – Edwin Nicholas
Saxophone – Russell Thompson 5:55
3 Baby Hold On To Me
Bass Guitar – Clifford Colson
Guitar – Randy Bowland
Keyboards, Drums, Programmed By [Keyboard], Sequenced By – Edwin Nicholas
Vocals – Eddie Levert 5:42
4 Can You Handle It
Guitar – Randy Bowland
Keyboards, Drums, Programmed By [Keyboard], Sequenced By – Edwin Nicholas 4:50
5 Shootin' The Breeze
Guitar – Randy Bowland
Keyboards, Drums, Programmed By [Keyboard], Sequenced By – Edwin Nicholas
Percussion – Bill Ransome 4:06
6 I Wanna Be Bad
Guitar – Randy Bowland
Keyboards, Drums, Programmed By [Keyboard], Sequenced By – Edwin Nicholas 4:43
7 Just A Little Something
Arranged By [Strings] – John Brinson
Bass Guitar – Clifford Colson
Guitar – Randy Bowland
Keyboards, Drums, Programmed By [Keyboard], Sequenced By – Marc Gordon 5:41
8 Hurting For You
Arranged By [Strings] – John Brinson
Drums, Programmed By [Keyboard], Sequenced By – Tony Nicholas
Keyboards – Edwin Nicholas 6:02
9 Just Because I'm Wrong
Guitar – Randy Bowland
Keyboards, Drums, Programmed By [Keyboard], Sequenced By – Edwin Nicholas 4:42
10 Hugs & Kisses
Guitar – Randy Bowland
Keyboards, Drums, Programmed By [Keyboard], Sequenced By – Edwin Nicholas 4:12
11 You Oughta Be With Me
Guitar – Randy Bowland
Keyboards, Drums, Programmed By [Keyboard], Sequenced By – Marc Gordon 4:37
Bonus Track
12 Private Line (Radio Club Remix)
Remix [Additional Production] – Martin Van Blockson 4:55
Label: EastWest Records America – 7 91777-2
Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 1991
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Soul, Contemporary R&B
Gerald Levert's 1991 debut solo album, Private Line, is widely hailed as a classic, marking a successful transition from the group LeVert, blending New Jack Swing with soulful slow jams, featuring huge hits like the title track and "Baby Hold On to Me" (a duet with dad Eddie Levert), and showcasing his powerful, heartfelt vocals that set a new standard for adult contemporary R&B with its mature, relatable storytelling and platinum success.
A smooth mix of contemporary R&B, Quiet Storm, and New Jack Swing, noted for its velvety vocals and "lover man" persona, showcasing Levert's immense talent and kept "soul" in R&B, establishing him as a top vocalist and songwriter of his generation, proving he was "ahead of his time".
Often called his best solo work, praised for its brilliant production and Levert's "monster" vocals and songwriting. The album went platinum, hitting #1 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and Top Heatseekers charts, solidifying his solo power.
Hit Singles: Produced hits like the clever, service-line-themed "Private Line," "School Me," "Can U Handle It," and the iconic duet "Baby Hold On to Me".
Levert's distinct, powerful, and sincere voice is the centerpiece, effortlessly navigating complex emotions. Songs like the title track offered fresh, "keep it real" perspectives on relationships, a departure from typical romance songs. Despite being a '90s album, its soulful depth and production quality give it lasting appeal.
In essence, Private Line was a phenomenal solo debut that confirmed Gerald Levert's status as a powerhouse in R&B, delivering hit after hit with unmatched vocal artistry and emotional depth.