Tag Archives: Eddie Levert

After Gerald Levert passed away in November of 2006 from an accidental overdose of prescription meds and over-the-counter meds, everyone was wondering how Eddie, who was extremely close to his son, would be able to go on. But 14 months later in March of 2008, the unthinkable happened when Eddie’s other son, Sean Levert, died from withdrawals from the anxiety med, Xanax, while in police custody for non-payments of child support. After that, friends and fans alike became even more concerned about how Eddie and his ex-wife, Martha, (Sean and Gerald’s mom) would be able to keep on keeping on.

A few years ago, Eddie opened up to The Plain Dealer and Ebony about how he’s been coping with Gerald and Sean’s death. He also manned up and willingly admitted where he feels he went wrong as a father to them. Here are excerpts from those interviews.

On his sons’ untimely deaths

Eddie Levert: “If it wasn’t supposed to be, it wouldn’t have happened. I wish I could tell you that I had a sense of why, but I don’t. I still wonder: Was it something I did? Maybe that’s why I’ve made so many changes in my life, to better myself and try to be a better father, a better husband, a better friend. Maybe that’s the reason why: for me to come to a better place. But I can’t dwell on it. It becomes very emotional for me. It gets to a place where . . . [he pauses and his voice cracks] … I really miss them. It’s just hard. But I can’t get caught up in the fact that it wasn’t supposed to be like this, because it happened. -The PlainDealer

How He Copes

During his process of grieving, Eddie credits his religious faith with helping him to cope with his heartache:

Via TPD: “I read the Book of Job. He lost everything. I didn’t lose everything. I lost two sons. It’s not trivial. But compared to somebody who lost their whole family — do you understand? — I was left something. God is still great. I kept praying to God, and God kept giving me strength. I had days when I blubbered like a baby, just crying. I still have those moments. But I have a purpose now.”

The music and memories Eddie has of performing with his sons, are what ultimately get him through day by day:

“The music has always been healing. With Gerald and Sean, the times we had together onstage are some of the greatest moments of my life, man. The times that I was onstage with them doing ‘Casanova’ or ‘Baby Hold on to Me’ or ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’ — to me, those are priceless.

Even now, when I go and perform those songs by myself, they’re medicine. The most therapeutic time I have in my whole life is that hour and a half that I do onstage. Because for an hour and a half, I don’t think about nothing but the music. Don’t think about the pain in my knees. Don’t think about the pain in my back. Don’t think about how I feel bad. All of that goes away as soon as I start doing that music.” [TPD]

On His Regrets

Eddie admitted his personal struggles when raising his two sons bak in the day:

“When Gerald and Sean passed away, I wanted to really blame myself because I felt like it was some things I could’ve kept them from seeing that I did in my life, as a father. You know what I’m saying? People say, ‘You’re a great dad,’ and all of that, but I’m a person, too, you know?

I used to take them on the road with me, because it was my wife’s chance to get her break. I’d take the kids for the summer and she’d be able to get off into her ministry as being one of Jehovah’s witnesses. She was a great woman; she just had a rotten man. You know? And I can speak of that guy as being a rotten man because he didn’t know what he had and he didn’t know who he was or what he should’ve been doing. It was ignorance. I had to learn. [Ebony]

Sean and Gerald have unfortunately transitioned on, but they have left their father with one of the greatest gifts anyone could ask for- the gift of wisdom.

After Gerald Levert passed away in November of 2006 from an accidental overdose of prescription meds and over-the-counter meds, everyone was wondering how Eddie, who was extremely close to his son, would be able to go on. But 14 months later in March of 2008, the unthinkable happened when Eddie’s other son, Sean Levert, died from withdrawals from the anxiety med, Xanax, while in police custody for non-payments of child support. After that, friends and fans alike became even more concerned about how Eddie and his ex-wife, Martha, (Sean and Gerald’s mom) would be able to keep on keeping on.

A few years ago, Eddie opened up to The Plain Dealer and Ebony about how he’s been coping with Gerald and Sean’s death. He also manned up and willingly admitted where he feels he went wrong as a father to them. Here are excerpts from those interviews.

On his sons’ untimely deaths

Eddie Levert: “If it wasn’t supposed to be, it wouldn’t have happened. I wish I could tell you that I had a sense of why, but I don’t. I still wonder: Was it something I did? Maybe that’s why I’ve made so many changes in my life, to better myself and try to be a better father, a better husband, a better friend. Maybe that’s the reason why: for me to come to a better place. But I can’t dwell on it. It becomes very emotional for me. It gets to a place where . . . [he pauses and his voice cracks] … I really miss them. It’s just hard. But I can’t get caught up in the fact that it wasn’t supposed to be like this, because it happened. -The PlainDealer

How He Copes

During his process of grieving, Eddie credits his religious faith with helping him to cope with his heartache:

Via TPD: “I read the Book of Job. He lost everything. I didn’t lose everything. I lost two sons. It’s not trivial. But compared to somebody who lost their whole family — do you understand? — I was left something. God is still great. I kept praying to God, and God kept giving me strength. I had days when I blubbered like a baby, just crying. I still have those moments. But I have a purpose now.”

The music and memories Eddie has of performing with his sons, are what ultimately get him through day by day:

“The music has always been healing. With Gerald and Sean, the times we had together onstage are some of the greatest moments of my life, man. The times that I was onstage with them doing ‘Casanova’ or ‘Baby Hold on to Me’ or ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’ — to me, those are priceless.

Even now, when I go and perform those songs by myself, they’re medicine. The most therapeutic time I have in my whole life is that hour and a half that I do onstage. Because for an hour and a half, I don’t think about nothing but the music. Don’t think about the pain in my knees. Don’t think about the pain in my back. Don’t think about how I feel bad. All of that goes away as soon as I start doing that music.” [TPD]

On His Regrets

Eddie admitted his personal struggles when raising his two sons bak in the day:

“When Gerald and Sean passed away, I wanted to really blame myself because I felt like it was some things I could’ve kept them from seeing that I did in my life, as a father. You know what I’m saying? People say, ‘You’re a great dad,’ and all of that, but I’m a person, too, you know?

I used to take them on the road with me, because it was my wife’s chance to get her break. I’d take the kids for the summer and she’d be able to get off into her ministry as being one of Jehovah’s witnesses. She was a great woman; she just had a rotten man. You know? And I can speak of that guy as being a rotten man because he didn’t know what he had and he didn’t know who he was or what he should’ve been doing. It was ignorance. I had to learn. [Ebony]

Sean and Gerald have unfortunately transitioned on, but they have left their father with one of the greatest gifts anyone could ask for- the gift of wisdom.

ILOSM family make some noise if you thought that Gerald and Eddie Levert were the only sons Eddie Levert had. Yeah, we did too, that is until we came across Gerald’s and Sean’s big brother. All these years have passed and he’s managed to slide under the radar, but he has always been a very vital part of his brothers’ and his Pops’ lives. Check him out below…

Meet Gerald & Sean Levert’s Big Brother!

Eddie Levert Sr. never ceases to surprise us, after we reported the shocker that Eddie (75) and his younger wife, Raquel, have a young daughter, whom many never even knew existed, we also learned that there is an Eddie Levert JUNIOR!

Meet Eddie Levert Jr. (pictured above, left with his dad, Eddie Sr.) he’s Eddie’s eldest son and his mother is Joyce Hogan. Little is known about Eddie Jr. because he’s the total opposite of his dad and his two brothers- he doesn’t enjoy the spotlight. What we do know is that he’s been his Pops’ manager for many years though. Eddie Sr. also has an adult daughter named Kandice and a teen daughter.

And there ya’ have it family! Like we always say, we learn something new everyday around here.

Eddie Levert Speaks About His Late Sons

Speaking of Sean and Gerald Levert, their dad, Eddie Levert, to The Pain Dealer, about how his struggles with their passing. Here’s what he revealed:
Eddie Levert on his sons’ untimely passings…

Eddie Levert: “If it wasn’t supposed to be, it wouldn’t have happened. I wish I could tell you that I had a sense of why, but I don’t. I still wonder: Was it something I did? Maybe that’s why I’ve made so many changes in my life, to better myself and try to be a better father, a better husband, a better friend. Maybe that’s the reason why: for me to come to a better place. But I can’t dwell on it. It becomes very emotional for me. It gets to a place where . . . [he pauses and his voice cracks] … I really miss them. It’s just hard. But I can’t get caught up in the fact that it wasn’t supposed to be like this, because it happened. -The PlainDealer

How He Copes…
During his process of grieving, Eddie credits his religious faith with helping him to cope with his heartache:

Via TPD: “I read the Book of Job. He lost everything. I didn’t lose everything. I lost two sons. It’s not trivial. But compared to somebody who lost their whole family — do you understand? — I was left something. God is still great. I kept praying to God, and God kept giving me strength. I had days when I blubbered like a baby, just crying. I still have those moments. But I have a purpose now.”

It’s still hard to believe those two great souls, Sean and Gerald Levert, are no longer here with us, but hopefully their parents and children have found some peace in the beautiful memories they shared with them while here. Rest on Levert brothers…job well done.

For those of us avid Gerald Levert fans, we know all about his classic R&B hits, his late brother and Levert group member, Sean Levert, and his iconic father, Eddie Levert. It wasn’t until recently that we’ve been getting to know tidbits of info about Gerald’s children. Out of his three kids, his 28 year old daughter, Carlysia Levert, has been the most open, regarding her personal life. Today she identifies as a pan-sexual, but the self-described “daddy’s girl” recently revealed EXCLUSIVELY to I LOVE OLD SCHOOL MUSIC, exactly what happened after she came out as a lesbian to her Mother, Carlene, and her Grandpops/O’Jays singer, Eddie Levert.

Gerald Levert Warned Daughter About Her Sexuality At Young Age

Carlysia Levert laughed when reminiscing to ILOSM, about the warning her Pops told her as a child: “Don’t turn gay,” Gerald would randomly tell her. He’d obviously realized his daughter -a self-described “tomboy”- was a lesbian before she even truly realized it.

After Gerald Passed, There Were Only 2 People Carlysia Was Nervous To Come Out To

Carlysia tells us she was only concerned with the opinions of her Grandpa Eddie Levert (left), and mom, Carlene (2nd from left in above pic), regarding coming out. She says she cherishes their opinions and is extremely close to them both.

But Before She Was Ready, She Was Outed And Her Reality Hit Her Like A Ton Of Bricks

“My Mom Took It Really Hard”
Carlysia told her Mom she was a lesbian at age 17 and says, “My mom took it really hard” in the beginning. Then her Grandpops, Eddie, found out and it unraveled from there.

Carlysia Levert Details What Transpired Before & After She Came Out To Family
It All Started When Her Mom Confronted Her About Being A Lesbian. Carlysia says she was stunned, when seemingly outta the blue, her Mom straight up asked her, “Are you gay?”

Gerald’s Daughter Gave A Carefully Thought Out Response To Her Mom. Not wanting to hurt her Mom, Carlysia told a half-truth. “Maybe it’s just a phase,” she replied to Moms, even though she knew she loved women and it was no phase at all. Mama Carlene struggled to come to terms with her daughter’s reality and that hurt Carlysia.

By Then, Carlysia Admitted Doing Things Behind Her Mom and Grandpops Backs

She Was Living Out Loud & Proud Without Family Knowing
By 17, Gerald’s daughter was a Spelman college student, living freely as a lesbian, without her fam’s knowledge. She was posting photos of herself with her then girlfriend online, because she was tired of hiding…yet not ready to tell her Mom, nor Grandpops.

Then Someone She Least Expected Ratted Her Out
Carlysia says her Aunt (mom’s sister) came across her lesbian social media pics and ratted her out to her Mother. Though Carlysia chuckles about that now, at that time it was no laughing matter.

Grandpapa, Eddie Levert, Was Not Happy Whatsoev’

Carlysia soon learned that Grandpa Eddie did NOT approve and she thinks it was because of his religious views.

However, Eddie never told Carlysia how he felt directly, but he did make it known to her Mom. According to Carlysia, Eddie repeatedly went off about her sexuality privately to Carlene, as he attempted to gain understanding of his grandbabies reality.

Carlysia says she was always the apple of her Grandpop’s eye and thinks that’s why he never told her directly how disappointed he was after she came out. However, he would go OFF about it to her Mother, who’d then tell her, probably hoping that would somehow change Carlysia’s sexuality.

Gerald’s Son Then Stepped In To Help: ‘My Brother Bridged The Gap’

Eddie Levert is also very close to Gerald’s son, LeMicah. So Carlysia says her big bro’ stepped in to start convincing Grandpops over time, that Carlysia was still the same good hearted person and that nothing changed simply because she’s a lesbian.

Are Eddie Levert & Her Mom Okay With Carlysia’s Sexuality Today?

Fast forward to a couple of serious lesbian relationships later – Carlysia says Eddie and Mom now see that love is love and have no problem with who she is today. Her Mom even helped mend Carlysia’s broken heart, after her last breakup with her longterm girlfriend.

How Carlysia Lever Thinks Gerald Levert Would Feel About Her Sexuality Today

‘He’d Be Mad At First, But…’
Carlysia believes that if her dad, Gerald Levert, were still alive, ‘he’d be mad at first,’ after finding out she was a lesbian. But, she knows he would get over it and continue to love her unconditionally.

Be sure to follow Carlysia on Instagram @carlysialevert and on Facebook @CarlysiaLevert

After Gerald Levert passed away in November of 2006 from an accidental overdose of prescription meds and over-the-counter meds, everyone was wondering how Eddie, who was extremely close to his son, would be able to go on. But 14 months later in March of 2008, the unthinkable happened when Eddie’s other son, Sean Levert, died from withdrawals from the anxiety med, Xanax, while in police custody for non-payments of child support. After that, friends and fans alike became even more concerned about how Eddie and his ex-wife, Martha, (Sean and Gerald’s mom) would be able to keep on keeping on.

A few years ago, Eddie opened up to The Plain Dealer and Ebony about how he’s been coping with Gerald and Sean’s death. He also manned up and willingly admitted where he feels he went wrong as a father to them. Here are excerpts from those interviews.

On his sons’ untimely deaths

Eddie Levert: “If it wasn’t supposed to be, it wouldn’t have happened. I wish I could tell you that I had a sense of why, but I don’t. I still wonder: Was it something I did? Maybe that’s why I’ve made so many changes in my life, to better myself and try to be a better father, a better husband, a better friend. Maybe that’s the reason why: for me to come to a better place. But I can’t dwell on it. It becomes very emotional for me. It gets to a place where . . . [he pauses and his voice cracks] … I really miss them. It’s just hard. But I can’t get caught up in the fact that it wasn’t supposed to be like this, because it happened. -The PlainDealer

How He Copes

During his process of grieving, Eddie credits his religious faith with helping him to cope with his heartache:

Via TPD: “I read the Book of Job. He lost everything. I didn’t lose everything. I lost two sons. It’s not trivial. But compared to somebody who lost their whole family — do you understand? — I was left something. God is still great. I kept praying to God, and God kept giving me strength. I had days when I blubbered like a baby, just crying. I still have those moments. But I have a purpose now.”

The music and memories Eddie has of performing with his sons, are what ultimately get him through day by day:

“The music has always been healing. With Gerald and Sean, the times we had together onstage are some of the greatest moments of my life, man. The times that I was onstage with them doing ‘Casanova’ or ‘Baby Hold on to Me’ or ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’ — to me, those are priceless.

Even now, when I go and perform those songs by myself, they’re medicine. The most therapeutic time I have in my whole life is that hour and a half that I do onstage. Because for an hour and a half, I don’t think about nothing but the music. Don’t think about the pain in my knees. Don’t think about the pain in my back. Don’t think about how I feel bad. All of that goes away as soon as I start doing that music.” [TPD]

On His Regrets

Eddie admitted his personal struggles when raising his two sons bak in the day:

“When Gerald and Sean passed away, I wanted to really blame myself because I felt like it was some things I could’ve kept them from seeing that I did in my life, as a father. You know what I’m saying? People say, ‘You’re a great dad,’ and all of that, but I’m a person, too, you know?

I used to take them on the road with me, because it was my wife’s chance to get her break. I’d take the kids for the summer and she’d be able to get off into her ministry as being one of Jehovah’s witnesses. She was a great woman; she just had a rotten man. You know? And I can speak of that guy as being a rotten man because he didn’t know what he had and he didn’t know who he was or what he should’ve been doing. It was ignorance. I had to learn. [Ebony]

Sean and Gerald have unfortunately transitioned on, but they have left their father with one of the greatest gifts anyone could ask for- the gift of wisdom.

For those of us avid Gerald Levert fans, we know all about his classic R&B hits, his late brother and Levert group member, Sean Levert, and his iconic father, Eddie Levert. It wasn’t until recently that we’ve been getting to know tidbits of info about Gerald’s children. Out of his three kids, his 28 year old daughter, Carlysia Levert, has been the most open, regarding her personal life. Today she identifies as a pan-sexual, but the self-described “daddy’s girl” recently revealed EXCLUSIVELY to I LOVE OLD SCHOOL MUSIC, exactly what happened after she came out as a lesbian to her Mother, Carlene, and her Grandpops/O’Jays singer, Eddie Levert.

Gerald Levert Warned Daughter About Her Sexuality At Young Age
Carlysia Levert laughed when reminiscing to ILOSM, about the warning her Pops told her as a child: “Don’t turn gay,” Gerald would randomly tell her. He’d obviously realized his daughter -a self-described “tomboy”- was a lesbian before she even truly realized it.

After Gerald Passed, There Were Only 2 People Carlysia Was Nervous To Come Out To

Carlysia tells us she was only concerned with the opinions of her Grandpa Eddie Levert (left), and mom, Carlene (2nd from left in above pic), regarding coming out. She says she cherishes their opinions and is extremely close to them both.

But Before She Was Ready, She Was Outed And Her Reality Hit Her Like A Ton Of Bricks>>>

ILOSM family make some noise if you thought that Gerald and Eddie Levert were the only sons Eddie Levert had. Yeah, we did too, that is until we came across Gerald’s and Sean’s big brother. All these years have passed and he’s managed to slide under the radar, but he has always been a very vital part of his brothers’ and his Pops’ lives. Check him out below…

Meet Gerald & Sean Levert’s Big Brother!

Eddie Levert Sr. never ceases to surprise us, after we reported the shocker that Eddie (75) and his younger wife, Raquel, have a young daughter, whom many never even knew existed, we also learned that there is an Eddie Levert JUNIOR!

Meet Eddie Levert Jr. (pictured above, left with his dad, Eddie Sr.) he’s Eddie’s eldest son and his mother is Joyce Hogan. Little is known about Eddie Jr. because he’s the total opposite of his dad and his two brothers- he doesn’t enjoy the spotlight. What we do know is that he’s been his Pops’ manager for many years though. Eddie Sr. also has an adult daughter named Kandice and a teen daughter.

And there ya’ have it family! Like we always say, we learn something new everyday around here.

Eddie Levert Speaks About His Late Sons

Speaking of Sean and Gerald Levert, their dad, Eddie Levert, to The Pain Dealer, about how his struggles with their passing. Here’s what he revealed:
Eddie Levert on his sons’ untimely passings…

Eddie Levert: “If it wasn’t supposed to be, it wouldn’t have happened. I wish I could tell you that I had a sense of why, but I don’t. I still wonder: Was it something I did? Maybe that’s why I’ve made so many changes in my life, to better myself and try to be a better father, a better husband, a better friend. Maybe that’s the reason why: for me to come to a better place. But I can’t dwell on it. It becomes very emotional for me. It gets to a place where . . . [he pauses and his voice cracks] … I really miss them. It’s just hard. But I can’t get caught up in the fact that it wasn’t supposed to be like this, because it happened. -The PlainDealer

How He Copes…
During his process of grieving, Eddie credits his religious faith with helping him to cope with his heartache:

Via TPD: “I read the Book of Job. He lost everything. I didn’t lose everything. I lost two sons. It’s not trivial. But compared to somebody who lost their whole family — do you understand? — I was left something. God is still great. I kept praying to God, and God kept giving me strength. I had days when I blubbered like a baby, just crying. I still have those moments. But I have a purpose now.”

It’s still hard to believe those two great souls, Sean and Gerald Levert, are no longer here with us, but hopefully their parents and children have found some peace in the beautiful memories they shared with them while here. Rest on Levert brothers…job well done.

After Gerald Levert passed away in November of 2006 from an accidental overdose of prescription meds and over-the-counter meds, everyone was wondering how Eddie, who was extremely close to his son, would be able to go on. But 14 months later in March of 2008, the unthinkable happened when Eddie’s other son, Sean Levert, died from withdrawals from the anxiety med, Xanax, while in police custody for non-payments of child support. After that, friends and fans alike became even more concerned about how Eddie and his ex-wife, Martha, (Sean and Gerald’s mom) would be able to keep on keeping on.

A few years ago, Eddie opened up to The Plain Dealer and Ebony about how he’s been coping with Gerald and Sean’s death. He also manned up and willingly admitted where he feels he went wrong as a father to them. Here are excerpts from those interviews.

On his sons’ untimely deaths

Eddie Levert: “If it wasn’t supposed to be, it wouldn’t have happened. I wish I could tell you that I had a sense of why, but I don’t. I still wonder: Was it something I did? Maybe that’s why I’ve made so many changes in my life, to better myself and try to be a better father, a better husband, a better friend. Maybe that’s the reason why: for me to come to a better place. But I can’t dwell on it. It becomes very emotional for me. It gets to a place where . . . [he pauses and his voice cracks] … I really miss them. It’s just hard. But I can’t get caught up in the fact that it wasn’t supposed to be like this, because it happened. -The PlainDealer

How He Copes

During his process of grieving, Eddie credits his religious faith with helping him to cope with his heartache:

Via TPD: “I read the Book of Job. He lost everything. I didn’t lose everything. I lost two sons. It’s not trivial. But compared to somebody who lost their whole family — do you understand? — I was left something. God is still great. I kept praying to God, and God kept giving me strength. I had days when I blubbered like a baby, just crying. I still have those moments. But I have a purpose now.”

The music and memories Eddie has of performing with his sons, are what ultimately get him through day by day:

“The music has always been healing. With Gerald and Sean, the times we had together onstage are some of the greatest moments of my life, man. The times that I was onstage with them doing ‘Casanova’ or ‘Baby Hold on to Me’ or ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’ — to me, those are priceless.

Even now, when I go and perform those songs by myself, they’re medicine. The most therapeutic time I have in my whole life is that hour and a half that I do onstage. Because for an hour and a half, I don’t think about nothing but the music. Don’t think about the pain in my knees. Don’t think about the pain in my back. Don’t think about how I feel bad. All of that goes away as soon as I start doing that music.” [TPD]

On His Regrets

Eddie admitted his personal struggles when raising his two sons bak in the day:

“When Gerald and Sean passed away, I wanted to really blame myself because I felt like it was some things I could’ve kept them from seeing that I did in my life, as a father. You know what I’m saying? People say, ‘You’re a great dad,’ and all of that, but I’m a person, too, you know?

I used to take them on the road with me, because it was my wife’s chance to get her break. I’d take the kids for the summer and she’d be able to get off into her ministry as being one of Jehovah’s witnesses. She was a great woman; she just had a rotten man. You know? And I can speak of that guy as being a rotten man because he didn’t know what he had and he didn’t know who he was or what he should’ve been doing. It was ignorance. I had to learn. [Ebony]

Sean and Gerald have unfortunately transitioned on, but they have left their father with one of the greatest gifts anyone could ask for- the gift of wisdom.

Soul music legend, Eddie Levert, is continuing to show that he will NEVER back down from his words, nor his opinions – even if it’s the president who has a problem with it. As we previously reported, The O’Jays were hella angry that Trump jacked their song, “Love Train,” and illegally used it for his RNC convention last year (in 2016). When the O’Jays released their public statement at that time, Eddie said “I don’t agree, whatsoever, with Trump’s politics to the point where I think he just may be the anti-Christ.” Well now, Eddie’s exposing the phone convo’ he had with Trump and his team soon afterwards. Let’s just say, it wasn’t well received…

[kkgallery kid=”3156″ title=”Eddie Levert Exposes His UGLY PHONE CONVO w/Trump For Wrongly Using OJays Song”]

ILOSM family make some noise if you thought that Gerald and Eddie Levert were the only sons Eddie Levert had. Yeah, we did too, that is until we came across Gerald’s and Sean’s big brother. All these years have passed and he’s managed to slide under the radar, but he has always been a very vital part of his brothers’ and his Pops’ lives. Check him out below…

[kkgallery kid=”2037″ title=”Whaaat? Gerald & Sean Levert Have A Big BROTHER Most Never Knew About!”]

 

 

 
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