Eddie Levert, the legendary soul icon and founding member of The O’Jays, is gearing up for an intimate performance at City Winery in Chicago on June 6.
In a recent discussion, Levert reflected on his remarkable journey from his hometown of Canton, Ohio, to achieving stardom and becoming a voice of a generation.
Levert, known for his deep, resonant voice, considers Chicago a special place in his heart. He noted that performing there often feels like coming home.
“Chicago has always been a good town for The O’Jays and a good town for Eddie Levert,” he said. “It was like going home and singing for all the people that loved you.”
Levert’s passion for music began at a young age, influenced by his upbringing in Canton, a small town reminiscent of Mayberry, where everyone knew each other.
“Everybody was in everybody’s business, and you couldn’t do anything bad because if you did, they’d go and tell your parents,” he recalled.
His interest in music blossomed during his high school years when he formed The Triumphs with his friends. What started as a fun endeavor quickly evolved into something more serious after a famous R&B DJ, Eddie O’Jay, took the group under his wing.
After changing their name to The O’Jays, they finally found success after partnering with the renowned production duo Gamble & Huff, solidifying their place in 70s soul music history.
Aside from his impressive career achievements, which include ten No. 1 singles and four Grammy Awards, Levert has a favorite among his hits: “Backstabbers.”
He describes how he witnessed the song grow from a simple piano melody into a full-fledged production, now a staple in the catalog of timeless soul music.
“I saw that song grow from a piano to a rhythm section to a full orchestra to my background vocals and my lead singing,” he said, reminiscing about the song’s development.
Levert enjoys the freedom he has in his solo performances to stretch out songs, expressing a desire to vamp longer, reminiscent of James Brown’s famous style.
In his extensive career, Levert has skillfully navigated between love ballads and songs with significant social commentary, drawing from his real-life experiences.
“All the stuff that I’ve been involved with even the stuff I sang with my son, Gerald, were all true-life experiences,” he explained.
When asked what advice he would give his younger self, Levert emphasized the importance of understanding the music industry and handling business matters.
“It’s called the music business. You got to read the contract. Understand what you’re signing. Later on, this could be the means your family lives off of,” he advised.
He also highlights the significance of learning an instrument, understanding production, and taking ownership of one’s career in the music industry.
As for what fans can expect at his upcoming Chicago show, Levert promises a mix of beloved O’Jays classics and newer material, including “I Want to Love on You,” which has become a crowd favorite.
He fondly recalls performing the song live before it became a recorded single, engaging with audiences who would sing along even before knowing the lyrics.
Throughout the conversation, Levert captured the essence of unity and connection in music, stating, “The world started with two people… we are all kin to each other, Black or white. We are all brothers and sisters.”
Eddie Levert, now in his 80s, continues to inspire with his music and message of togetherness, embodying the spirit of soul music that resonates with fans old and new.
As he brings his timeless sound to Chicago, the city’s loyal fans can anticipate an evening filled with nostalgia, heartfelt performances, and an unforgettable tribute to the enduring legacy of soul music.
image source from：https://chicagodefender.com/soul-legend-eddie-levert-brings-timeless-hits-and-new-vibes-to-city-winery-chicago/?utm_source=newsshowcase&utm_medium=gnews&utm_campaign=CDAqEAgAKgcICjCNsMkLMM3L4AMwnbPlAw&utm_content=rundown
