[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22091]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              IN CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE OF GERALD LEVERT

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 15, 2006

  Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise in celebration of the life of 
Gerald Levert. On November 10, 2006, beloved entertainer, father, son, 
brother, and friend Gerald Levert departed this life at the age of 40. 
Gerald was one of the greatest entertainers of our time. Known for his 
silky-smooth vocals and electrifying showmanship, Gerald was adored the 
world over and will truly be missed. He was a son of the 11th 
Congressional District of Ohio.
  Born in Philadelphia on July 13, 1966 and raised in Cleveland, Gerald 
is the son of legendary singer Eddie Levert of The O'Jays and Martha 
Levert. Gerald was exposed to music at an early age, traveling with his 
father's band regularly. While attending Shaker Heights High School, 
Gerald formed the group LeVert along with his brother Sean and friend 
Mark Gordon. The group would go on to record seven albums, four of 
which were certified platinum. The albums yielded such memorable hits 
as ``Pop, Pop Goes My Mind,'' ``Casanova,'' and ``ABC-123.''
  In 1991, Gerald launched his solo career with the album Private Line 
which went on to be #1 on the R&B charts. It was during this time that 
he began writing and producing songs for other artists including 
Stephanie Mills, James Ingram, Teddy Pendergrass, and even The O'Jays. 
Gerald earned a Grammy nomination for his work on Barry White's 1995 
hit ``Practice What You Preach,'' and helped launch the careers of many 
Cleveland-area R&B groups including Men At Large and the Rude Boyz.
  Some of Gerald's most memorable works were his collaborations with 
his father Eddie Levert. In 1992 they recorded the #1 R&B single ``Baby 
Hold On To Me'' and later in 1995 recorded the album Father & Son which 
topped the R&B charts. Gerald and Eddie allowed the old school 
generation and the hip-hop generation to have a meeting of the minds 
that ultimately produced beautiful music for all to enjoy.
  Affectionately known as the ``teddy bear'' of the music industry, 
Gerald carried himself with a gentle kindness. He always would greet 
you with a smile and was a friend to all he encountered. News reports 
of Gerald's death talked about his recent trip to South Africa with his 
father. They reported that he and his father were well received 
throughout the country and treated like kings. Gerald was our king and 
his legacy of love and zest for life will forever live in our hearts.
  On behalf of the Congress of the United States and the citizens of 
the 11th Congressional District of Ohio, I would like to offer my 
sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Gerald Levert. On a 
personal note, I cherish the times I was in cities when he was on the 
road and Gerald recognized me as his Congresswoman and gave me my own 
teddy bear. I also will never forget the last time we spent together in 
New York during the induction of The O'Jays into the Rock and Roll Hall 
of Fame and Museum.

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