Gerald Levert, the legendary R&B singer, was not only known for his powerful voice but also for the mystery surrounding his personal life.
Despite his fame, he never married, which led to endless rumors and speculation about his relationships. After his sudden death in 2006 at the age of 40, these questions persisted. However, over a decade later, his longtime girlfriend finally addressed the rumors, shedding light on Gerald’s decision to remain unmarried and the realities of his final years.
Born on July 13, 1966, in Cleveland, Ohio, Gerald was raised in a musically rich household. His father, Eddie Levert, was the lead singer of The O’Jays, a prominent R&B group that helped define the Philadelphia Soul sound.
Gerald’s mother, Martha Levert, provided a stable home life for him and his younger brother, Shawn, despite Eddie’s frequent touring. From a young age, Gerald was immersed in music, performing at church and school. He inherited his father’s vocal talent and quickly became known for his emotional depth in singing, a quality that would become a hallmark of his career.
Growing up, Gerald was influenced by not just his father but also other legendary figures like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Teddy Pendergrass.
These artists shaped his vocal style, inspiring him to combine classic R&B soul with contemporary grooves. Gerald worked hard to build his identity within the music world, determined not to just live in his father’s shadow. His mother played a crucial role in keeping him grounded, providing balance amidst the pressures of fame
In 1983, Gerald, along with his brother Shawn and childhood friend Mark Gordon, formed the R&B group Levert. Their debut album, I Get Hot, was released in 1985, and while it didn’t achieve major commercial success, it laid the foundation for future success. Their second album, Bloodline, released in 1986, included the hit single “Pop Pop Pop Goes My Mind,” which earned them critical acclaim and established their place in the R&B world.
It was their third album, The Big Throwdown, released in 1987, that catapulted Levert into mainstream success.
The album’s hit single “Casanova” reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and gained international recognition, particularly in the UK. The success of “Casanova” not only solidified Levert’s position as a leading R&B group but also showcased Gerald as a powerful vocalist and frontman.
As the group continued to release successful albums throughout the late 80s and early 90s, Gerald’s voice became synonymous with soulful ballads and upbeat tracks.
Despite his success, he chose to keep his personal life private, and rumors about his relationships continued to circulate after his death. His girlfriend’s recent confirmation of the truth behind his decisions provides some closure to the mystery of Gerald’s personal life, shedding light on his reasons for remaining unmarried and the realities of his final years.
