Eddie Levert is an American R&B and soul singer, songwriter, and longtime lead vocalist of The O’Jays. Born on June 16, 1942, in Bessemer, Alabama, he was raised in Canton, Ohio, after moving there with his family as a child. His musical journey began with gospel singing before he helped form the group that became The O’Jays.
For more than six decades, Levert has remained closely associated with classic soul music. As a leading voice behind songs such as “Back Stabbers,” “Love Train,” “For the Love of Money,” and “I Love Music,” he helped establish The O’Jays as one of the major groups connected with Philadelphia soul. The group was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2005.
Quick Facts
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Edward Willis Levert |
| Known as | Eddie Levert |
| Date of birth | June 16, 1942 |
| Age in 2026 | 84 years |
| Birthplace | Bessemer, Alabama, USA |
| Raised in | Canton, Ohio |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 m) |
| Profession | Singer, songwriter, musician |
| Main group | The O’Jays |
| Music genres | R&B, soul, gospel, disco |
| Years active | 1958–present |
| Wife | Raquel Capelton |
| Children | Eddie Jr., Gerald, Sean, Kandice, Ryan |
| Major honor | Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, 2005 |
Eddie Levert Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Eddie Levert was born Edward Willis Levert on June 16, 1942, in Bessemer, Alabama. His family moved to Canton, Ohio, during his childhood, and the city became an important part of his development as a singer. He attended church regularly, joined the church choir, and eventually became known for his voice through school performances and gospel appearances.
During his school years, Levert formed a close musical partnership with Walter Williams. Together with William Powell, Bobby Massey, and Bill Isles, they formed a vocal group called the Triumphs in 1958. The group later became The Mascots and eventually adopted the name The O’Jays, beginning a career that would transform American soul music.
Eddie Levert Age, Height and Physical Profile
As of 2026, Eddie Levert is 84 years old, having been born on June 16, 1942. His career has covered more than six decades, taking him from gospel performances and local vocal groups to international stages as the lead singer of The O’Jays.
IMDb lists Levert at 5 feet 7 inches, or approximately 1.70 meters. Beyond his physical profile, he became recognizable for his powerful voice, expressive delivery, and commanding stage presence, qualities that helped distinguish The O’Jays during their most successful years.
Eddie Levert and The O’Jays Career
The O’Jays developed from the group formed by Levert and his Canton schoolmates. After changing names and building a regional following, the group eventually became associated with Philadelphia International Records, where producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff helped shape their signature sound. Their breakthrough came with “Back Stabbers” in 1972.
“Back Stabbers” reached No. 1 on the R&B chart and No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, while 1973’s “Love Train” became a No. 1 hit on both the Hot 100 and R&B charts. The O’Jays followed with songs including “For the Love of Money,” “I Love Music,” “Livin’ for the Weekend,” and “Family Reunion.”
Eddie Levert Awards and Major Achievements
The O’Jays accumulated major honors throughout their career. The group received the Rhythm & Blues Foundation Pioneer Award in 1998, entered the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004, and reached one of its most significant milestones with induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2005.
In 2009, The O’Jays received the BET Lifetime Achievement Award, adding another major recognition to their long list of accomplishments. The group’s longevity has also been highlighted by the Rock Hall, which describes Levert and Walter Williams as founding members who helped preserve the group’s unmistakable sound across generations.
Eddie Levert Net Worth and Sources of Income
Eddie Levert’s career has included income from recording, songwriting, producing, touring, live performances, and solo projects. His work with The O’Jays represents the central part of his professional history, while his later solo releases added another dimension to his music career.
His solo work includes I Still Have It, released in 2012, and Did I Make You Go Ooh?, released in 2016. He has also worked as a songwriter and producer, including co-writing and co-producing projects for other performers. These activities have allowed his professional career to extend beyond his work as The O’Jays’ lead vocalist.
Eddie Levert Family, Wife and Children
Eddie Levert’s family has played a major role in his personal and musical story. He was previously married to Martha Levert and later married Raquel Capelton. His children include Eddie Jr., Gerald, Sean, Kandice, and Ryan, with several family members connected to the entertainment world.
His sons Gerald and Sean Levert both became R&B performers. Gerald achieved major success as a member of LeVert and as a solo artist, while Sean also performed with the group. Gerald died in 2006 at age 40, Sean died in 2008 at age 39, and Eddie’s youngest child, Ryan Levert, died at age 22 in 2024.
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Eddie Levert and Gerald Levert’s Musical Legacy
The relationship between Eddie and Gerald became an important father-and-son story within R&B. Gerald formed LeVert with his brother Sean and Marc Gordon, and the group became a successful force in contemporary R&B during the 1980s and 1990s. Their success created a musical bridge between Eddie’s generation and a younger audience.
Eddie and Gerald also recorded together, including the Father and Son album in 1995. Their relationship later became the subject of the book I Got Your Back: A Father and Son Keep It Real about Love, Fatherhood, Family, and Friendship, adding another layer to their shared musical and family legacy.
Eddie Levert Lifestyle and Interests
Levert has often connected his personal philosophy with family, relationships, music, and enjoying life. In a Cleveland Magazine interview, he discussed the value of time spent with his children and described being at home with his family as especially meaningful. His reflections also show how decades of touring shaped his understanding of friendship and personal priorities.
His interests extend beyond performing. The HistoryMakers records some of his personal favorites, including chicken as a favorite food, blue as a favorite color, summer as his favorite season, and Martha’s Vineyard as a favorite vacation spot. These details offer a more personal look at the man behind the celebrated stage career.
Eddie Levert’s Career Today
Eddie Levert’s professional story continues to extend beyond the peak years of The O’Jays. His work remains available through recordings and streaming platforms, while his long association with classic soul keeps him connected to audiences who discovered The O’Jays decades after their biggest hits first appeared.
His continuing musical identity also reflects the flexibility of his career. From The O’Jays’ classic recordings to his solo projects and collaborations, Levert has remained connected with R&B across multiple generations. His work demonstrates how a performer can maintain a recognizable artistic identity while moving through different periods of the music industry.
Eddie Levert’s Musical Impact
Eddie Levert’s contribution to R&B extends through The O’Jays’ influential recordings, live performances, and enduring vocal style. His work helped establish songs that became part of the classic soul repertoire and gave Philadelphia soul a distinctive place in American popular music.
His continued involvement in music has allowed him to carry that tradition into the present day. His career highlights the lasting connection between gospel-rooted vocals, soul music, and modern R&B, while his performances and recordings continue to represent the sound that made The O’Jays a major name in soul music.
Eddie Levert’s Solo Music and Collaborations
Eddie Levert also developed a meaningful musical identity outside The O’Jays through solo recordings and family collaborations. His work with his son Gerald Levert included the 1995 album Father and Son, which brought together two generations of R&B talent and highlighted their shared passion for music.
Levert continued exploring music through solo projects and collaborations while maintaining the soulful vocal style that defined his career. These recordings gave fans another way to experience his artistry and added an important dimension to his legacy beyond The O’Jays.
Eddie Levert Social Media Presence
Eddie Levert has maintained an online presence connected with his name and music, giving fans opportunities to follow his projects and public appearances. His digital presence complements the traditional career he built through records, concerts, television appearances, and radio.
Social platforms have also become another way for artists from earlier generations to connect directly with listeners. For Levert, that digital connection provides an additional space for fans to discover his music, revisit The O’Jays’ catalog, and follow developments surrounding his continuing career.
Interesting Facts About Eddie Levert
- Eddie Levert was born in Bessemer, Alabama, on June 16, 1942.
- He was raised in Canton, Ohio, where he met Walter Williams.
- The O’Jays’ “Love Train” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- The group entered the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2005.
- Eddie and Gerald Levert recorded the Father and Son album together.
Conclusion
Eddie Levert’s story is closely tied to the history of American soul and R&B. As the lead voice of The O’Jays, he helped bring Philadelphia soul to a wide audience through memorable songs, powerful vocals, and decades of performances. His distinctive voice and stage presence made him an important part of the group’s enduring identity.
With more than six decades in music, Levert continues to represent an important part of R&B history. His work with The O’Jays, family collaborations, solo recordings, and continued musical presence have created a lasting Philadelphia soul legacy. His career remains a meaningful connection between classic soul and later generations of R&B listeners.
FAQs
How old is Eddie Levert?
Eddie Levert was born June 16, 1942, making him 84 years old in 2026.
How tall is Eddie Levert?
Eddie Levert is listed at 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 meters) by IMDb.
What is Eddie Levert known for?
Eddie Levert is best known as the lead vocalist of The O’Jays and a major figure in classic Philadelphia soul.
Who are Eddie Levert’s famous children?
His children include Gerald and Sean Levert, both R&B musicians, along with Eddie Jr., Kandice, and Ryan.
When were The O’Jays inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame?
The O’Jays were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2005, recognizing their major contribution to music.
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