International Recording Artist, Lori Williams, The Voice, The Talent, The Class, The Straight-Ahead Jazz! She’s Simply Phenomenal!   

 Interview by: Gina Sedman

It’s Never Too Late! Eddie Levert, Co-Founding Member of The Legendary R&B Group, “The O'Jays,” Embraces A New Phase of His Life by Pursuing A Solo Career!

First and foremost, it was an absolute pleasure speaking with the legendary Mr. Eddie Levert Sr. He is a talented, beautiful, kind, gracious, and humble man with a heart full of love for God, his family, people, music, reading, and art.

Our conversation was super delightful and funny. One of the most impressive characteristics of this musical genius is his humorous wisdom and candid honesty. I gained a great deal of insight into the man behind Mr. Eddie Levert on and off the stage during my interview. Additionally, I collected many valuable nuggets I intend to take with me on my journey. It was indeed an honor and a blessing to converse with him.

Eddie Levert Sr. is a legendary R&B icon who has been performing for over 50 years. Besides being one of the founders and lead singers of the famous group, The O'Jays, he is also a songwriter, producer, author, and actor. Throughout his illustrious career, he has been nominated four times for the Grammy Awards, with the last nomination being at the 44th Annual Grammy Awards. Some of his popular hits include "Love Train" (1973), "For the Love of Money" (1974), and "Use Ta Be My Girl" (1978).

Included in the list of achievements is a four-time nomination for an American Music Award, including the 1990 American Music Award for "Best Duo" and "Best Group." Then received an NAACP Award for "Outstanding Vocal Group" and, in 1991, was awarded a Soul of America Award in 1993.

The O'Jays received several awards for their outstanding contributions to the field of music. They were recognized for their "Lifetime Commitment to the Community for service and beautiful sounds that continue to change the face of music" by 100 Black Men on October 20, 2001. Another accomplishment followed on December 15, 2001, when they received an award for "Supporting the UNCF" at the 18th Annual Mayors Ball in Atlanta, Georgia (United Negro College Fund Mask Award). In 2002, they were honored with the Soul Train 2002 Quincy Jones Award for "Outstanding Career Achievement in the field of Entertainment."

The O'Jays were inducted into the 2003 Wall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, and were recognized by the State of Ohio for their Outstanding Achievements. In the same year, they also received the Mayor's Citation from the City of Canton, Ohio. In addition, the City of New Orleans conferred the Honorary Sheriff title on The O'Jays in 2003.

In 2004, The O'Jays were awarded the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in Sharon, Pennsylvania. They continued to receive recognition in 2005 when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. They were also awarded the Black Entertainment Television Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009 and the Trumpet Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011.

Eddie Levert was born on June 16, 1942, in Bessemer, Alabama. Upon moving to Canton, Ohio, at the tender age of six, He joined the church choir and became involved in music. Besides singing in the church choir and school plays, Eddie performed regularly on a gospel radio show.

As a high school student, he formed a group called "The Triumphs" with classmates Walter Williams, William Powell, Bobby Massey, and Bill Isles. Locally, they opened for a variety of acts in Canton. During their visit to "Canvas King Records" in Cincinnati, they achieved their most significant break. As a result, Sid Nathan, the label's president, changed their name to "The Mascots". Due to the frequent airplay of their songs on Cleveland radio stations, their popularity grew.

"Philadelphia International Records" signed The O'Jays in 1969. They rose to stardom after releasing many hits. Later, the O'Jays signed with "EMI-Manhattan Records," and Walter and Eddie began producing their own songs.

"Let Me Touch You," their debut album on EMI, reached number three on the R&B charts. In the summer of 1987, "Lovin' You" became a number-one R&B hit. Despite the O'Jays' other successful releases, Mr. Eddie Levert remembers "Backstabbers" as their breakthrough record. In summary, It was a privilege to speak with Mr. Eddie Levert Sr. privately about his career and life. The following is what he shared with me.

Good afternoon, Mr. Levert; how are you today? I'm fine.

That's awesome. It is a pleasure to interview you. Thank you so much. My pleasure.

Having this privilege is an honor. I grew up listening to your albums, and I still listen to them today, Mr. Levert. I love it! I’m a super fan. You’re a super fan, and I am Superman. (Laughs)

It's nice to meet you then, Superman. (laughs) I love it! Due to your extensive career, I'll squeeze as many questions as possible into a short timeframe. As best as I can, I will try. If your questions are anything like your smile, it should go well.

Awe, thank you so much! Mr. Levert, I'm interested not only in your career but also in who you are as a person. It's important to me because I care about people. While it's true that you have exceptional talent, I'm curious as to who you are when you're not in the spotlight. I can tell that about you. I feel you.

Thank you so kindly. Additionally, we in the UK love you, Mr. Eddie Levert, and "The O'Jay's." Thank you. I love it over there too. I've stayed in Kensington near "Kensington Palace." We ate at a restaurant called “Sexy Fish.”

I have never heard of that restaurant, but it sounds delightful and posh. Not many have heard of it, but it’s a great restaurant.

Awesome! The next time we're in Kensington, we'll check out the "Sexy Fish." Yeah, it's a great restaurant.

I'm so glad to hear that! Mr. Levert, where are you located?

I'm in Las Vegas, NV.

Las Vegas is a city that never sleeps. The town is indeed lively. The lively stuff isn't something I do very often. Now that I'm older, I don't crave much of that anymore.

I hear you. Even though I'm younger than you, I enjoy the serenity of being home these days more than anything else. That's what I call a party. (laughs) Mr. Levert, I love hearing how God has blessed others. Do you have something spectacular He has done in your life you would like to share? Yes, He brought me back from the brinks. I had COVID, and It was devastating to me because it took away my mobility. Furthermore, COVID paralyzed one of my vocal cords to the point that we didn't know if I would be able to sing again. Thus, God has brought me through it and put me on the road to healing.

I'm so happy to hear that! Having you here and still making beautiful music is a miracle from God! You are a walking miracle. Yeah, I suffered with it for about a year, and It's been a year since I've been in recovery. I'm still not 100%, but my health has improved by 100% since then.

I am delighted to hear that you are experiencing healing and restoration every day. When we go through horrific trials in proportion to what God just brought us through, we're reminded how precious life is. That's lovely. Mr. Levert, please tell me about your daily routine. How would you describe it? Very boring. (laughs) After getting up around 8:00, my wife and I discuss our plans for the rest of the day and prepare our schedule. Then I go out to my Casita, and I start making phone calls back East because they're three hours ahead of us here in Las Vegas, so I have to catch them when I can, and that's at 8:00 a.m. when I get up. After that, my wife insists I eat.

After that, we go about our daily business. When I am writing, I'll spend all day in my Casita. When that happens, my wife has to slide food under the door for me. (laughs)

But most of the time, if I'm not watching football games, I'll watch some NBA plays. So, it's a variety of things that I might do, but I try to do these things religiously. I have a schedule that includes football. I love football. Also, I enjoy watching cowboy movies, Cowboys and Indians. Maybe that's what older people do. My granddad used to watch cowboy movies, too.

Watching old "John Wayne" movies was my dad's favorite pastime. For a more thrilling experience, he rooted for the bad guys. It was fun to be around him because of his sense of humor. (laughs) My favorite thing about cowboy movies is that, in the end, the good guys win. The bad guys always lose, and the good guys always win. Perhaps that's why I like them so much.

Yes. So, everybody gets punished for their evil deeds.

Yes, absolutely. Considering everything you've experienced in your lifetime, what would you say is one of the most valuable lessons you've learned? Good question. One of the most valuable things I've learned about life is that you reap what you sow. Whatever you put out in the world or the atmosphere, it will surely return and get you in some form. Maybe it's not coming back in the form of something terrible happening to you, but you might lose something you thought was important. To me, it's like karma. You know what I'm saying?

Yes, I do. In one way or the other, you're going to get back what you put out. If you put out bad things, bad things will happen to you. And when they do, some people think it's just bad luck, but no, it's karma. That's what that was. (laughs)

In Galatians 6:7-9 The bible says, “(7) Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (8) For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. (9) And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.

This is such an important life lesson to bring to our readers' attention. We have to be careful how we treat the beautiful people that were made in God's image. Every action we take should be guided by love.

By giving love to others, we set ourselves up for the possibility of being loved in return; even if we are not if our hearts are pure and our motives are pure, we will reap rewards in heaven for those who have received Christ as their savior. In any case, what we sow will be reaped, good or bad.

Thank you so much for sharing. Your life has been filled with many outstanding accomplishments, and God has blessed you in ways that many others might never achieve. If you could accomplish just one more thing before you leave this world, what would it be? Well, although I didn’t start off with the desire to be a solo artist, I have it now.

I want to see how successful I can be without being under the brand of the O'Jays.

Yes. I want to see if Eddie Levert can make it in this business and be a part of the business. I want to be that now. Whether I am qualified on my own is what I want to know.

That's absolutely true. It's like growing up with four siblings and always being together. Even though you will always love them, there comes a time when you want to venture out and discover who God made you to be individually. So, I get it. (laughs) That’s right. I have to find out who I am and where I’m at. I’ve waited a long time to do that, you know?

Yes, of course. Now that I am 81, maybe I will have the time to find out, and maybe I will do so in a few years.

That's right. Oh, that's wonderful, and I think that's courageous! Speaking of courage, what would you say besides starting a solo music career at 81 is the bravest thing you've done? Good question. Among my most courageous acts was recording with my son Gerald. We recorded a song called "Baby Hold on To Me." That was courageous because I felt like when we first did it, it was just a thing we did. Then, when we did "Wind Beneath My Wings," and the people reacted so strongly to it, it became something that I thought maybe I was supposed to go out and give a message to the world.

The most courageous thing that I'm trying to do now is bring the truth into the world—just the truth. I'm not trying to make anybody else change, but I want to present how the world looks to me from my perspective.

That's beautiful. Your family is very talented and special. It is a privilege for us all to be able to enjoy the beautiful music that your sons have made and to benefit from their contribution to the music world. We will always have a special place in our hearts for them. Thank you.

My pleasure. Mr. Eddie Levert, apart from being on stage and in the limelight, who are you? Who is Eddie Levert Sr., the man? He's a different person from the Eddie Levert of "The O'Jays." When I look back and think about myself, I'm an introvert, and I'm cynical. You know what I'm saying?

Yes. My personality is such that I can survive on my own. To me, that is an accomplishment, and it is an accomplishment for anyone. It is important for you to learn how to survive independently. But Eddie Levert is a clown when he is with the O'Jays. It sounds awful to say that about yourself, yet it's true. (laughs) This is because when I'm with the O'Jays, I'm that extroverted person that nobody sees. Therefore, I'm able to let that person be seen. As an O'Jay, I can be free and dance in a way I wouldn't otherwise be able to. Then, I laugh at myself. (laughs) But the real Eddie Levert is a quiet, introverted person who enjoys painting and reading.

It's amazing to know that you possess multiple talents! You're not only an exceptional singer, but also a painter! That's truly impressive! Could you tell me more about your painting? I enjoy painting pictures and portraits. Abstract painting is one of my favorites, even though I haven't received any formal education in it. My style is similar to that of Picasso, with shaky lines that may not be straight, but I believe that it's important to add a personal touch to your art. You know what I'm saying?

Yes. Indeed. You have to have your own unique style. Eddie Levert is an honest, God-fearing person who places great importance on family. I love them, but then I love to hate them. (laughs) That explains Eddie Levert Sr.

(Laughs) That’s hilarious! We all have good and bad moments with our families, but no matter what, we love them. Your sense of humor is awesome! (laughs) My daughter says that I'm grouchy, but you know, I'm not grouchy. It's just that if I see you doing something wrong, I'm going to point it out.

I completely agree that good parents have a responsibility to correct their children when necessary. As loving and responsible parents, we are not trying to be our child's friend, but rather their guide and authority figure. It is our duty to point out their mistakes and help them learn from them. Although children may perceive this as us being grouchy, they will one day realize that it was for their own good. From personal experience, I have learned that when we act in an unpleasant manner, we must face the consequences of our actions. Eddie Levert is one of those who values honesty and believes in speaking the truth.

The world needs more people like you who love fearlessly. Telling the truth is an act of love, and we need more of that in the world. At the end of the day, how someone perceives what you say incorporates two things: how rebellious your heart is and how you hear what was said to you. It all comes down to interpretation. When you can understand where a person's position is coming from, you become humble and teachable. If you know that they care about you and are coming from a place of love, their wisdom is a valuable tool

you can learn from. We all need to have teachable spirits and be willing to humble ourselves, as that is the key to our growth. Absolutely. The first step is to be humble. You need to be true to yourself and present your authentic self to others. By doing so, they will have the choice to accept or reject it.

Of course, I believe in learning from those who have come before us. Their experiences and knowledge are invaluable, even in their missteps. I am grateful for the wise and honest people in my life, like you, Mr. Levert, who share their wisdom and life experiences with us so that we can all become better in the long run. By the way, when you were young, did people give you a nickname you didn't like? The only nickname I ever had was "Ed Willis." Do you recall the TV show about two adopted boys raised by a wealthy family where the one kid who says," What you talkin' about, Willis?"

Yes, it was called "Different Strokes." (laughs) Yeah, "Different Strokes. Well, my middle name is Willis, and everybody used to call me "Ed Willis." Never "Eddie Levert," just "Ed Willis." They would say, "Ed Willis, what you doing?" My Mom and dad would say, "Ed Willis, come here!" I hated it! But you know, you learn how to live with it because that was my name. You know what I'm saying? I hated it! Do you know I hated it? (laughs)

My mom used to call me an embarrassing name at the most inconvenient times, particularly when friends were present. So, I understand how it feels. (laughs) Yes, in front of people. “Ed Willis!” (laughs) I would be like, awe man! What did I do wrong? I know I'm going to get it now.” That's what it was. (laughs)

It's great to reminisce about the good old days and take a trip down memory lane occasionally. I love spending time alone with my thoughts. It's incredibly relaxing, and it's something that belongs to me only.

During these moments, I contemplate where I want to be in life and how I can improve my character. I believe true beauty comes from within, so I spend lots of time working on my inner beauty. I also think about things I want to change about myself and situations I want to readjust to make them more conducive to where I'm headed. Mr. Levert, what goes through your mind during your quiet spaces? During my quiet time, I often contemplate how I can improve myself, my personal circumstances, and my relationships with others. I tend to be overly critical of myself, which often translates into being critical of people around me. I have to be mindful of this and ensure I do not offend others with my behavior.

When I am alone, I mostly think about myself. I spend a lot of time reading as well, so I can gain more knowledge about the world and people around me. Although I sometimes feel like I don't want to be a part of this world because of all the evil in it, I have to accept that I am a part of it, and I need to learn how to deal with it.

Yes, definitely, and I appreciate your honesty and vulnerability. It's ironic that you mentioned that because my next question would be, what would you say burdens your heart? It is distressing to see so much unnecessary evil in the world. How can one be so indifferent to human life and resort to bombing? The thought of it weighs heavily on me because if we could all be a little kind, more thoughtful, and understanding, the world would be a much better place.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Love is the antidote to hate. If we all try to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, as God instructs us to do, we can make the world a better place. It requires a collective effort from all of us to bring about this change. Every act of kindness can have a positive impact, and together, we can transform the world.

Speaking of change, I have a deep appreciation for the 70s. The music, films, and fashion of that era are genuinely captivating. I particularly love bell bottoms and afros. In your opinion, who had the best afro in the 1970s? Oh, man. Let me see who had the Afro I wanted my hair to look like. Let me see. Oh wow! Okay, Don Cornelius had the Afro that you would like yours to look like if you had one. His Afro was always in style and hooked up. So, Don Cornelius is my choice.

I agree with you. As a woman, Angela Davis embodied what a perfect “fro” should look like, and as a male, Don Cornelius did the same. My opinion is the same. Huey P. Newton had a big, fly afro, but not like Don Cornelius. No, because Don Cornelius had a real Afro, that was his real hair. (laughs)

Right, it wasn't an Afro wig, it was Afro hair. (laughs) Right, it was really his hair. (laughs)

That's awesome! I love it! Now, I hope this next question won't get you into trouble. As you know, African Americans have a long-standing tradition of gathering for great meals, music, and food, which we take very seriously. So, who in your family makes the best Mac and Cheese and BBQ? When it comes to Mac and Cheese, I am an expert. To get it right, you need the perfect crust, the right amount of cheese, and the noodles cooked just right. The sauce is also crucial; it can't be too cheesy or too sticky. When you take a bite, the cheese needs to have that perfect caramelized texture that blends well with the noodles. The closest I've ever come to that perfect Mac and Cheese was when my Auntie Lois made it. She did an excellent job. My wife is also trying to perfect her recipe, and although she takes her time and goes through the ritual of cooking it repeatedly, if it's not just right, she'll throw it out and start all over again.

(Laughs) Black Americans are serious about our food. What about BBQ? Who makes it the best? The most delicious barbecue I've ever had was a brisket made by a man in Cleveland. The brisket was so tender and juicy that it melted in my mouth. Even my wife agrees with me on this. (laughs)

On the other hand, my brother-in-law tried to cook a brisket once, but it was a complete disaster! (laughs) He comes over here every year telling me, "I'm going to do the brisket," and I go, oh no! There we go! (laughs) If he sees this interview, he will hate me for saying that, but it's a disaster. (laughs)

That's funny but real. I once went to a dinner where a woman brought some Mac and Cheese in a plastic “Tupperware.” I didn't want any because I already knew what it would taste like. Also, the Mac and Cheese had a strange orange hue that I had never seen before, and I was curious if it was made in a microwave oven. In my opinion, great Mac and Cheese needs to be made in a glass dish as it seals the flavor in. Funny enough, most guests didn't eat the Mac and Cheese, which was the only thing left on everyone's plate. Based on that, I knew I made a good decision not to eat it. When asked how it tasted, they said it was just all right. I knew it. The "Tupperware" presentation was a dead giveaway. (laughs) Nevertheless, I appreciated her effort. Yeah, when they put it in the wrong container, it's trouble. (laughs)

Yes, that's right! (laughs) I know some people claim they can cook cornbread dressing. But in reality, only a few can make it well. It's not an easy dish to perfect, you know?

Yes. It can even become a weapon of mass destruction in the hands of the wrong person! (laughs) Yes. (laughs) I learned a trick from my mother-in-law on how to cook cornbread dressing to perfection. She would cook it for a while, then take it out and stir it up to ensure that all the parts that weren't cooked get their chance to cook. She would repeat this process until the dish was finished. This technique ensures the dressing is crunchy and fully cooked without being soupy. Making good cornbread dressing is an art. Some people's attempts can be so bad that it might turn you off the dish for life! (laughs)

During a previous interview with members of your band, Walter Williams and Eric Nolan, Mr. Williams shared his love for chicken. However, he also mentioned having a bad experience with it while on the road. Not everyone knows how to cook chicken properly, and it is a delicacy that must be cooked perfectly to be enjoyed.

Yes. Very few people know how to cook it.

In my opinion, a well-cooked drumstick should have meat that easily falls off the bone. If the meat still clings to the bone, it isn't cooked correctly. Put it back in the oven and let it cook for a little longer. (laughs) It's true. Do you know who does a pretty good job, even though they've become more commercialized?

Who? Popeye's Chicken.

I now follow a pescatarian diet due to health reasons, but when I used to eat meat, Popeye's Chicken was one of my favorites. I used to love Kentucky Fried Chicken. There was a time when it was the bomb, but since they changed the grease and all that stuff, it's just a disaster. (laughs) However, Popeyes is close. Occasionally, I like them.

Awesome! Life is meant to be enjoyed, and excellent and well-prepared food can help make life a much more enjoyable experience. Now, as someone who has traveled extensively, do you have any scary airplane stories? I would love to hear about your experiences. Although I have never experienced anything scary on a commercial flight, I do recall a private flight where we flew into thick fog, and the pilot had to reach outside of the airplane to clean off the windshield.

“What you talkin’ bout Willis?” (laughs) Have you ever experienced something like that? (laughs)

No, never! (laughs) They said, "We can't see," and I replied, "You mean you have to clean it with your hand?" (laughs) It was terrible! I mean, terrible! I felt panicked and just wanted to get off the plane safely. Thankfully, we landed without any problems. But I have never had any bad experiences flying in a commercial airplane, nor have I ever had any conflicts with any passengers. However, nowadays, I see news about people fighting on planes, and it's concerning.

Yes, it's terrible to see grown adults acting like toddlers in front of children and older adults. It's crazy, especially when you're 40 feet up in the air. They need to stop this behavior.

"I totally agree. It's insane! That's why I don't fly anymore. I have my own private coach and a reliable driver, so even if it takes me 3 days to get to my destination, I don't mind because I can sleep on the way. In fact, I don't even bother going to the airport anymore. It's just not worth the hassle. When you're on tour, you have to wake up at 3:00 am just to catch a 6:00 am flight. Then you have to factor in the time it takes to get from your hotel to the airport, which can take an hour or more. And let's not forget about checking in your bags. By the time I finally arrive at my destination, it's already taken me at least 6 to 8 hours. It's just not worth it."

Right! I hear you. Riding the bus allows me to relax in my bunk and arrive stress-free.

Yes, I understand. You have paid the cost to be the boss, so why not take advantage of it? I didn't realize this when I was younger. Back then, I used to go to the airport frequently and travel by plane quite often.

Yes. They would often cancel my flight and change the time, resulting in a two-hour delay. It would have been better for me to ride the bus instead a long time ago. This way, I would get an opportunity to explore the country, interact with people, and see how they're doing and what they're doing. As a result, I get to see all parts of the world. I love it!

That sounds like a lot of fun, especially when you can witness the beauty of our beautiful planet, which God created. Pursuing a music career has been very rewarding for you in many ways. Let's talk about your interest in music and how you first discovered your passion for it. At first, I didn't realize that I had a talent for singing, but I was always singing. Then people started telling me that I should be in Hollywood. So, after that moment, I began singing. We then formed a group, The O'Jays, which consisted of Walter Williams, Bill Isles, Bobby Massey, William Powell, and me, Eddie Levert. We were a good group.

When we first started singing, it was just to impress the girls and get their attention. We didn't even think about making money at the time. However, when "Eddie O'Jay" noticed us, and people encouraged us to record a record, we did. We were under the impression that we would become rich and successful instantly, but we were wrong.

It took us many long years to achieve a big break, during which we recorded many regional hits like "Lonely Drifter" and "Lipstick Traces." However, it wasn't until I was 32 that we finally made it with our song "Back Stabbers," which put the O'Jays on the map. Even though we recorded a lot of music

during those years, that was the song that really made us successful. In retrospect, it was a good thing because it prepared me for what I had to do to be a superstar. That's if I'm considered a superstar.

As an independent artist, performing on the "Chitlin Circuit" is often necessary to make a living. Did you ever have to perform in hotels, nightclubs, and similar venues before your first big hit? Absolutely. We played at country clubs with a local jazz musician known as "Counthead" from "The Counthead Trio," who played saxophone. He used to play at all the golf country clubs and would invite us to perform with him and sing modern songs to give his set a rounded feel. We would sing R&B covers like Sam Cook, The Coasters, and many others, and he loved it.

We also performed at places like the YMCA, sock hops, and nightclubs that could only hold 300 people. We even played at nightclubs where fights would break out, and then it would be game over. (laughs) But we did it all.

To be successful in the music industry, there is no easy way out. Hard work and dedication are essential for any aspiring artist. Many new artists believe they can become an overnight sensation by appearing on a talent show, but such success is often short-lived. The O'Jays, on the other hand, achieved success through hard work and paying their dues. Out of all the hit songs you've made, which one is your favorite to perform live? Look, everybody knows that I love “Backstabbers.”

"Backstabbers" is also one of my favorites from your collection. It was our first major hit, and I was there from the beginning, witnessing its birth. I was present during the entire songwriting process, from singing and playing it on the piano to listening to the instrumental version with the rhythm section and hearing it with the horns and strings. I witnessed it all.

When I heard it on the radio for the first time, I couldn't recognize it as it sounded different from the version, I had last heard with the rhythm section. However, as soon as I heard the phrase, "What they doin'?" I said, "That's me, we got a hit record!" We were in Colorado at that time.

Songs from the past were significant. Their intros were captivating enough to make you leave your car and dance in the streets. Yeah, some music still affects me like that. I love "50 Cent." His song, "In The Club," is one of my favorites from him. If you play that song, I got to get up with it! I got to do it! (laughs) I'll be "Wild 'N Out" on that song! (laughs)

That's hilarious! I can't catch my breath. This is so funny! I see that vision of you "Wild 'N Out" on that song! That's hilarious! I love this conversation. So much fun! Yeah, they'll put on Facebook and say, "Look at Grandpa, he's cuttin' up!" (laughs)

I hear you. I have songs like that, too. Remember that song "Jamaica Funk" and the songs by "Funkadelic?" How can you sit down after hearing the bass intro? You would have to be dead for those songs not to make you get up and cut some rug within 5 seconds of hearing them! I mean, come on! (laughs) Yeah, "Flashlight" and "Atomic Dog." Then you got Ron Isley. You know what I mean?

Yes, I understand what you mean! You liked some of those songs from the very beginning. Yeah, and The O'Jays, "For The Love Of Money," is one of those beats that you immediately have to jump up on it. And, if you hear the beginning of Backstabbers, you automatically know what's coming. (laughs)

You sure do! (laughs) Yeah, and you got to get it. Another one of our songs, "Living For The Weekend," automatically got you up and dancing. There's no way you can sit on that song.

You got that right! I cannot sit down on any of your songs. It's like squeezing the toothpaste tube to get every last bit of it out. That's how I feel about the music of The O'Jays. I listen to it from start to finish. You know, until the gentlemen fade at the end. Then I have to play it all over again. (laughs) Yeah, right! (laughs)

I was a child when I first learned about The O'Jays, and I wasn't supposed to be listening to "grown folks' music" because when I was a child, I was taught that children should stay in a child's place.

But I would sneak and listen to The O'Jays albums when my mom wasn't home. (laughs) I loved "Cry Together." That was my song and still is! But now I can listen to it without issues because I'm grown. (laughs) Yeah, you couldn't have created that kind of music unless you went back to your roots - where you lived and went to church every Sunday. You poured all of that into your music because you couldn't do that kind of music without feeling the "Hallelujah" and putting your spirit into it.

Now, I do the same thing with my new music, injecting that same element into it. For instance, my song, "It Ain't EZ," was written during the pandemic when nothing was easy for anyone. It was hard to be a human being and even harder to get a job. In light of that, I wrote a song about it, "It Ain't EZ."

Can you tell me more about this song? Is it part of a collection of songs to come? Yes, it's part of an album that hasn't been released yet, but I'm really proud of it.

When will it be released? It should be out in the spring or very soon after that. Also, I did a duet on this album with my 21- year-old daughter. Her name is Ryan Levert, and the song is called “Never.”

Is this her debut breakout on the album? Yes.

Awesome! I'll be sure to keep an eye out for it. Even though radio isn't what it used to be, it's a pretty good album. Social media is the way to go now to promote your music, but if it were back in the day and they were playing music on the radio, I'd fit right in. Because what I'm doing now is according to the times, I think I've finally caught up with them.

Well, you know what? I feel like they're trying to catch up with you. I understand what you're saying, but there's nothing new under the sun. Everything recycles and ripples back around. This new generation has learned from you and others who paved the way before them. They took nuggets from you and tweaked them a bit. You guys are the originators of whatever they're trying to do now.

So, you're saying you've finally caught up with them, but I say they learned from you. For you to catch up with them would be for you to catch back up with yourself because you and so many others paved the way for so many new artists today. Then, I caught back up with myself. (laughs)

Yes, you have. (laughs) I think I've come full circle, and I've done this with this album called "Eddie Levert, Time Traveler." The reason why I called it "Time Traveler" is because I've seen so much. I've heard and witnessed so many changes in music, in the world, and in people. So, that's why I decided to name this album "Eddie Levert, Time Traveler.”

I'm excited! Will the album be available on vinyl? Here in the UK, many people still use record players, even among younger generations. We'll have physical copies, but it will also be available on digital platforms like Spotify. Overall, it's a pretty good album.

Please share with me what you're currently doing on Facebook so that your fans who aren't aware get locked in. Yes, every week, I host along with my daughter, Ryan Levert and Geralds's son, LaMicah Edward Levert a Facebook Live show on Instagram called "In Our Opinion." I play some of my new music on the show. The show airs at 4:00 pm PST on Wednesdays for the West Coast and 7:00 pm EST for the East Coast. This way, everyone can tune in and listen.

Fantastic! Many people love and respect you and your music, so I'm sure many will tune in. Now, I have a fun question for you: do you still have your original O'Jay costumes, or have you donated them to a museum? Well, I no longer fit into my early costumes as I wore them when I was much smaller than I am now. However, we donated some of them to "The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame," where they are currently on display. We also donated other items to various organizations to help them raise money. The remaining items are probably in someone's basement. (laughs) But most of them, we've donated to different organizations.

I understand your struggle. I have some bell bottoms that I bought before the pandemic, and they don't fit me anymore. (laughs) Mr. Levert, I enjoyed watching the smooth moves of the O'Jays. Back then, the groups were so precise and polished. How did you keep up with choreography and still put so much into your live performances? How do you stay on point without missing a beat? Did you find it challenging initially, or was it easy to get the hang of it? We had a choreographer named Charles "Cholly" Atkins who worked with groups such as the "Temptations," "The Four Tops," and the "Jackson 5." Cholly emphasized the importance of knowing the music. Once you understand the music, you can add the steps to match it. Repeating the steps over and over again makes them become automatic, so when you hear the music, your feet will know what to do.

The repetitive nature of the dance makes it easy for your body to move in sync with the music. The familiarity of the steps allows you to keep up with the rhythm for a longer period of time as your feet follow the beat of the song. If you asked Walter that same question, he would tell you that he can't sing the song or know where he’s at in the song unless he knows the steps.

I'm impressed! It would be wonderful to witness the younger generation of artists follow in the footsteps of their predecessors. I miss the old way of nurturing and developing artists before introducing them to the world. This approach created superstars in the past. Nowadays, artists are often unrefined, lacking originality, and unprepared for the big stage. The absence of good grooming and preparation has resulted in a lower standard of music. Basically, it all comes down to the choreography. Artists who have well-choreographed performances, like Usher, New Edition, and Beyoncé, can sell out stadiums. The reason for this is that they are able to present and showcase their songs in a visually appealing way. They have achieved their level of success by being consistent in their performances and maintaining a high standard of quality.

Success in any industry comes from hard work and dedication, while laziness only leads to being stuck in bed with a remote control in hand. (laughs) Our microwave society has changed the way we live and even how we approach art. Quick gratification often leads to short-lived success and a career that is here one moment and gone the next. If you think about it, almost all the artists from “back then” are still in today. I agree. That's because, for many new artists, all they can do is grab their crouch, move around the stage, and move their hands around.

Yeah. That doesn't take any talent. And people are buying into it.

Yes, many are. As an analogy, it's like being part of a baseball team as a kid, where everyone gets a ribbon, regardless of their performance. However, not everyone deserves a ribbon, as some perform better than others and deserve recognition. Giving ribbons to everyone creates false hope and is not effective.

Absolutely yes. Speaking of live performances, have you ever experienced anything funny or embarrassing on stage? Yeah, I've had a lot of embarrassing moments. There was one in particular where I had a partial in my mouth, and when I sang, it loosened.

Are you kidding me? No, while I was singing, my partial fell out of my mouth and onto the stage floor. To conceal it from the audience, I held the entire microphone to my mouth.

Oh no! What did you do? That's hilarious! I began searching for my tooth while still trying to sing with the mic in my mouth. That was a very funny thing.

Oh no! Did you find it? Yes, I managed to turn my back and put it in my mouth. They never knew what happened. (laughs)

I'm glad you didn't step on it. Those "partials" cost a lot of money. (laughs) Right, there you go! I was on the floor, and everyone thought I fell on my knees because I was enjoying the song, but I was actually looking for my tooth (laughs).

I loved that story! (laughs) Mr. Levert, one of the beautiful things about the training you guys received is that you learned how to incorporate everything, even a tooth on stage, into the show. You did it so smoothly that you didn't panic or cause the audience to panic. You were able to continue singing and put the partial back in your mouth without missing a beat. That's the mark of a professional and true skill. Now, because you have a new album coming out around the spring of next year, are you planning on doing any touring? I think I'm going to continue touring with the O'Jays when opportunities arise, but I also plan to work on my solo singing career. Maybe I should have pursued it earlier, but I am still alive and ready to try it now.

It's never too late. Right? However, I believe that the legacy of "The O'Jays" and their iconic choreography will never die, and people will always want to see it. Therefore, I am open to going out on tour with them if they offer enough money.

"Absolutely! That's great news. I'm excited to see you perform. Your voice is lovely, and we're all looking forward to hearing more of it. I watched a music video of you and your lovely wife that deeply touched my heart. The song you were singing is another solo release called "Did I Make You Go Ooh." It's a lovely song and video. Well, I had to like her, and I still do like her. (laughs)

That sounds amazing. I have one last question before we finish. Many independent artists are keen to learn how to get from point A to point B. That's why your stories are so powerful and appreciated so much. When you share your stories, they help the up-and-comers who need help deciding which direction to take in this entertainment business. Therefore, please leave our readers with some wisdom and guidance. Can you say something that will encourage and inspire them? I'm going to take something from a young man, and he uses it constantly in his profession. I heard “Floyd Mayweather” say something like this, "Commitment, hard work, and dedication are all you need in this business." Therefore, if you do those three things and commit to it, you will win." It might take you forever, but you will get somewhere in life or your career if you apply those things to anything you're doing. No matter what it is, you have to put in the work. That's it; that's the key, and there is no other. Plus, you have to have the talent and the commitment to do it. Work hard, be dedicated, and you will succeed. Also, respect the art and the people who support you. By applying these principles to your life while pursuing your dreams, you will always come out on top.

Yes, absolutely. That is so beautiful. It has just been an absolute pleasure and I had a great time interviewing you. I want to express my sincere gratitude for your time and for sharing your experiences with me. Your story is truly inspiring, and I pray that God will continue to bless the works of your hands and guide you in all your endeavors, and may it be according to His will for your life. May your family be blessed and protected throughout life's journey. I ask God to bring supportive and loving people into your life who will always have your best interests at heart. Lastly, I congratulate you on your achievements in your career and thank you for your valuable contributions to the music industry. My pleasure. I really enjoyed talking to you.

Thank you so kindly. You’re welcome.

Bye, take care. Bye-bye.

God bless. God bless you too.

End of Interview

To Purchase the paperback version of this magazine on Amazon, CLICK HERE

Please note: The Indie Post Magazine is available worldwide, and subscribers to Amazon Unlimited can read the digital version on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited. Follow Eddie Levert  https://www.instagram.com/eddielevertsr/

https://linktr.ee/eddielevertsr https://www.instagram.com/eddielevertsr https://www.facebook.com/eddielevertsr

https://www.eddiewlevert.com

AlPhotos of Eddie Levert are courtesy of Never Stop Entertainment & Eddie Levert Sr.

EDDIE LEVERT OF THE O'JAYS | THE INDIE POST MAGAZINE

Disclaimer: The Bible scriptures posted below by The Indie Post, taken from The New American Standard Version Bible Verse, are not the words of the above interviewee.

"John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him."

"Romans 10:9-13  9 [f]that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10for with the heart a person believes, [g]resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, [h]resulting in salvation.

11 For the Scripture says, “WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE [i]PUT TO SHAME.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; 13for “EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.”

BUY MAGAZINE ON AMAZON