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.
Gerald's World
Written-By – Mike City
4:12
2 DJ Played Our Song
Written-By – Gerald Levert, Joe Little III
4:45
3 What Makes It Good To You (No Premature Lovin')
Written-By – Edwin "Tony" Nicholas, Gerald Levert
4:18
4 You're A Keeper
Written-By – Edwin "Tony" Nicholas, Gerald Levert
4:28
5 # 1
Written-By – Jeffrey Walker, Stephen Garrett
4:22
6 Smile For Me
Written-By – Gerald Levert, J. Shawn Smith, Joe Little III, Marlon Coles
3:49
7 Can't Win
Written-By – Edwin "Tony" Nicholas, Gerald Levert
5:17
8 Same Ol'
Written-By – Mike City
4:08
9 Just Us
Written-By – Gerald Levert, Joe Little III, Larry Marcus
4:59
10 Got Love
Written-By – Gerald Levert
5:15
11 Make My Day
Featuring, Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals – Joe Little III, Sean Levert
Written-By – Gerald Levert, Joe Little III, Sean Levert
4:32
12 Made To Love Ya
Written-By – Eddie Berkeley, Harold Lilly Jr.
4:33
13 What You Cryin' About
Written-By – Edwin "Tony" Nicholas, Gerald Levert
4:30
14 Forever You And Me
Written-By – Gerald Levert, Randy Bowland
5:35
15 Dream With No Love
Written-By – Andy Gibson (6), Gerald Levert
4:57
16 Made To Love Ya (L.O.V.E. Remix)
Written-By – Eddie Berkeley, Harold Lilly Jr.
4:33
Label: Elektra – 7559-62655-2
Format: CD, Album
Country: Europe
Released: 2001
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Contemporary R&B, Soul
Groove On
Written-By – Gerald Levert, Marc G.
4:07
2 Rock Me (All Night Long)
Written-By – Edwin "Tony" Nicholas, Gerald Levert
5:17
3 Let The Juices Flow
Written-By – Edwin "Tony" Nicholas, Gerald Levert
4:59
4 I'd Give Anything
Written-By – C. Farren, J. Steele, V. Milamed
4:08
5 Answering Service
Written-By – Edwin "Tony" Nicholas, Gerald Levert
5:29
6 Someone
Written-By – Greg Charley
4:32
7 How Many Times
Written-By – Edwin "Tony" Nicholas, Gerald Levert
6:24
8 Can't Help Myself
Written-By – Edwin "Tony" Nicholas, Gerald Levert
5:23
9 Have Mercy
Written-By – Edwin "Tony" Nicholas, Gerald Levert
5:21
10 Same Place,Same Time
Written-By – Dwain Mitchell, Eddie Levert Sr., Gerard Labeaud, Gerald Levert, James Labeaud
4:58
11 Nice & Wet
Written-By – Edwin "Tony" Nicholas, Gerald Levert
4:46
12 Love Street
Written-By – Edwin "Tony" Nicholas, Gerald Levert
6:17
Label: EastWest Records America – 92416-2
Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 1994
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Contemporary R&B, Soul
Love and Consequences
Featuring, Rap, Written-By [Rap] – Ken Dawg, Lazy Bone
Written-By – Edwin "Tony" Nicholas, Gerald Levert
4:51
2 Thinkin' Bout It
Written-By – Antoinette Roberson, Darrell "Delite" Allamby, Lincoln "Link" Browder
6:31
3 Point The Finger
Written-By – Edwin "Tony" Nicholas, G. McFadden, Gerald Levert, J. Whitehead, K. Gamble
4:31
4 Breaking My Heart
Rap – Shaqueen
Written-By – Edwin "Tony" Nicholas, M. White, Milton Nascimento, Sean Levert
4:26
5 That's The Way I Feel About You
Featuring, Lead Vocals – Mary J. Blige
Written-By – Bobby Womack
5:10
6 It's Your Turn
Written-By – Gerald Levert, Joe Little III
5:30
7 No I'm Not The Blame
Written-By – Allen Gordon "Allstar", Gerald Levert, Manuel Seal
4:25
8 No Man's Land
Written-By – Gerald Levert, Joe Little III, Nicarlo Williams
4:56
9 Men Like Us
Written-By – R. Kelly
4:44
10 Taking Everything
Written-By – Antoinette Roberson, Darrell "Delite" Allamby, Gerald Levert, Lincoln "Link" Browder
5:25
11 What About Me
Written-By – Edwin "Tony" Nicholas, Gerald Levert
4:36
12 Definition Of A Man
Written-By – Gerald Levert
4:27
13 Humble Me
Featuring, Lead Vocals – Lemicah Levert
Written-By – Edwin "Tony" Nicholas, Gerald Levert
4:25
Label: EastWest – 62261-2
Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 1998
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Nineties Soul, Contemporary R&B
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.
Stroke Of Genius
Written-By – Edwin "Tony" Nicholas
0:28
2 Knock Knock Knock
Written-By, Programmed By, Keyboards – Jasper Cameron
3:08
3 Long Hot Summer
Written-By – Edwin "Tony" Nicholas, Gerald Levert
3:40
4 Awesome
Written-By – Edwin "Tony" Nicholas, Gerald Levert
4:39
5 Stroke Of Genius
Written-By – Barry White, Edwin "Tony" Nicholas, Gerald Levert
4:36
6 (They Long To Be) Close To You
Featuring, Lead Vocals – Tamia
Written-By – Burt Bacharach & Hal David
5:21
7 I Got A Girl
Written-By – Edwin "Tony" Nicholas, Gerald Levert
4:03
8 U Got That Love (Call It A Night)
Written-By – Edwin "Tony" Nicholas, Gerald Levert
4:30
9 Wear It Out
Written-By – Edwin "Tony" Nicholas, Gerald Levert
4:30
10 Good Morning
Written-By – Edwin "Tony" Nicholas, Gerald Levert
2:48
11 Keep It Warm
Written-By – Edwin "Tony" Nicholas, Gerald Levert
3:43
12 Didn't We
Written-By – Edwin "Tony" Nicholas, Gerald Levert
4:35
13 To My Grave
Written-By – Edwin "Tony" Nicholas, Gerald Levert
3:46
14 Let It Be
Written-By – Edwin "Tony" Nicholas, Gerald Levert
3:33
15 The Visit (Interlude)
Written-By – Gerald Levert
0:21
16 Eyes And Ears
Featuring, Lead Vocals – Eddie Levert, Sean Levert
Written-By – Edwin "Tony" Nicholas, Gerald Levert
4:19
17 Rest Of Your Life
Written-By – Edwin "Tony" Nicholas, Gerald Levert
3:53
18 You Got That Love Again
Rap – Lavontz
Written-By – Edwin "Tony" Nicholas, Gerald Levert
4:04
19 Won't Get Up
Written-By – Edwin "Tony" Nicholas, Gerald Levert
4:25
20 Last Stroke (Outro)
Producer, Written-By – Gerald Levert
0:49
Label: Elektra – 7559-62903-2
Format: CD, Album
Country: Europe
Released: 2003
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Soul, Swingbeat, Contemporary R&B
The G Spot
Rap – Michael Tyler, Mystikal
Written-By – Flemuel Brown III, Gerald Levert, Michael Tyler, Randall Bowland
4:30
2 Since You Ain't Around
Written-By – Flemuel Brown III, Gerald Levert, Randall Bowland
4:22
3 Wilding Me Out
Written-By – Edwin "Tony" Nicholas, Gerald Levert
4:34
4 Funny
Written-By – Flemuel Brown III, Gerald Levert, Niles McKinney, Randall Bowland
4:27
5 The Top Of My Head
Written-By – Flemuel Brown III, Gerald Levert, Niles McKinney, Randall Bowland
4:16
6 The G Spot
Written-By – Flemuel Brown III, Gerald Levert, Randall Bowland
5:10
7 Oh What A Night
Written-By – Flemuel Brown III, Gerald Levert, Niles McKinney, Randall Bowland
4:52
8 Closure
Written-By – Gerald Levert, Niles McKinney, Randall Bowland
4:43
9 Raindrops
Written-By – Flemuel Brown III, Gerald Levert, Niles McKinney, Randall Bowland
5:25
10 Your Smile
Written-By – Nick & Valerie Ashford, Tommy Johnson
3:51
11 Backbone
Written-By – Gerald Levert, Niles McKinney
4:34
12 Catchin' Feelings
Written-By – Flemuel Brown III, Gerald Levert, Randall Bowland
4:53
13 All That Matters
Written-By – Flemuel Brown III, Gerald Levert, P. Artis, Randall Bowland
4:54
Label: Elektra – 7559-62795-2
Format: CD, Album
Country: Europe
Released: 2002
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Soul, Contemporary R&B