Re-Discover: LeVert

Oh sure, Gerald LeVert struck out on his own and done good - but who helped him get there? You know it, Big G climbed to success on the back of the group with his last name.

The group, consisting of Gerald, his younger brother Shawn and friend Marc Gordan, arrived on the scene in 1985 but did not obtain national airplay until 1986's "Bloodline." The single, "Pop Goes My Mind" was their first #1 R&B hit.

With voice quality eerily resembling daddy, Eddie LeVert of the famed O'Jays - Gerald was always a standout in the group. His deep, soulful voice reminded us why the O'Jays and their Philly Sound was so successful.

But LeVert was no O'Jays and rightfully so. The group rose through the 80's and 90's when hip-hop was quickly imparting a strong influence in music of all types. The group's music displayed that influence within successful tracks like "Rope A Dope Style." But LeVert also showcased skills with ballads like, "Baby I'm Ready."

While probably not intentionally, LeVert succeeded best in highlighting Gerald's talents and incubating his inevitable leap to stardom as a solo artist.

But before its demise in the late 90's, LeVert managed to bless R&B with at least one hit per album, among them: Casanova, Just Coolin, Nobody Does It Better, ABC-123, Good Ol' Days, and of course Pop Goes My Mind.

If you take a trip through LeVert's seven CDs you'll find a diverse mix ranging from the virtually unheard of - albums 1 and 7, to hot tracks that ruled the airwaves when they dropped -'87's "The Big Throwdown."

Ironcially, LeVert emerged and thrived throughout a period almost devoid of original R&B. The late 80's and early 90's yield many cookie cutter groups and one hit wonders.

So, re-discover LeVert and re-live a time when R&B took a backseat, but still managed to be heard loud and clear.

Go To Page: 1

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic