Welcome to another edition of the ear candy experiences entitled “The Shea Butta Soul Sessions” by yours truly Black Diamond Musik. On this very, very special edition my focus is on the musical genius of the late, great Soul Legend GERALD LEVERT aka “THE TEDDY BEAR”.

For the unfamiliar and the uninformed, Gerald Levert was the son of the Soul legend Eddie Levert who is the lead singers from legendary R&B/Soul group The O-Jays. I’ve always regarded Gerald Levert as one of the very best soul singers of his generation. Which is very high acclaim when Gerald came up in era’s filled with very great soul vocalists. With a career spanning 2 plus decades Gerald is regarded as one of the finest singers and song writers of his time. I’ve always thought he was a mix of Marvin Gaye, Rick James, Teddy Pendergrass and of course his father Eddie Levert.

Growing up around music following in his father’s footsteps seemed a natural progression for Gerald and his brother Sean. In the early 80’s Gerald, Sean and Marc Gordon formed a musical trio entitled “Levert”. Levert produced many soul hits over the years with songs like "Pop Goes My Mind", "Casanova," “I’m Still”, “My Forever Love”, “ABC-123”, “All Season”, “Baby I’m Ready” “Just Coolin’”and many other great smooth, sensual grooves.

As Levert was turning out chart topping hits Gerald was developing as a great songwriter and superb vocalist. As the apple didn’t fall far from the tree Gerald's voice was a near dead-ringer for his famous father's Eddie distinctive, growling baritone that drove the ladies crazy and got the respect of men and his peers. Sooooo, with his development, success and popularity that invariably led to Gerald beginning a solo singing career.

Gerald made albums as a solo artist and in the process became one of the most popular and revered R&B soul singers and prodigious song writers in the world. Gerald Levert compiled a number of his strongest duets with other artists as well and joined Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill to form the vocal super group LSG to produce 2 great albums. But aside from great compilations with other great artists some of Gerald’s best work was done with his father Eddie Levert. The father/son duo made classics like “Baby Hold On To Me”, “Already Missing You”, “The Apple Don’t Fall” and their rendition of “Wind Beneath My Wings.”

Sadly, on November 10, 2006, Gerald died of a heart attack while in his sleep. His final recordings were released in February 2007 under the title In My Songs. In February 2008, Levert won a posthumous Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance for In My Songs. His legacy has grown since his early death, as dozens of popular new artists cite him as an influence and a generation of R&B fans continue to celebrate his marvelous career.

Sooooo, that said, I would like to musically chronicle the career of a Stroke of Genius called Gerald Levert. I’ve included some of his Levert, LSG, Father & Son, solo tracks and what I deem to be some of his best duets in this experience for your listening pleasure. Soooo, coming to the Shea Butta Sessions stage is a legend ladies and gentlemen…The Teddy Bear…Mr. Stroke of Genius…Gerald Levert. Let Him Hit That G Spot. Saaaaaaaaaaannnnng brother…..

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    Soul, classic soul, Rhythm and Blues, Gerald Levert, vocals, Old Skool
    • Type: DJ-Set
    • 93.5 bpm
    • Key: Gm
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