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1st pic: (Gerald, me & his pops, Eddie Levert); 2nd pic: G with us (Full Force); 3rd pic: me and G

A short letter to my good friend Gerald.......
Dear G, I can hear you now...."Damn,it took only now for ya'll political and legislation people to
finally wanna name a street after me in Cleveland?? I should done had a street ,some buildings, a
music store and arena named after me in Cleveland" hahaha. (That laugh of yours)

Dear Brother G....I know u are with the man upstairs right now and i just want u to know how we all
miss your physical soul but we know your spirit will be with all of us until we meet u again. I know
that you've been laughing, smiling, singing and dancing since you've joined hands with the Lord. I
also know you've shed some tears as u look down upon all of us and you've seen just how much
you're loved by us all. (Though u already knew that) Your celebration of life on Friday Nov.17th in
your hometown of Cleveland was just spectacular and filled with lots of love and memories. I know
u were checkin it all out and sticking out your chest with pride. And knowing u like I do.....I know u
grabbed some of the angels up there and told them to look at all the love and attention that u were
getting.. That's right.....you bragged your ass off while laughing all the while. Yo G, I knew u were
pointing and saying "That's right, look at all my family and friends speaking and singing their love
for me"..".There's all my beautiful family, then my celeb buddies like Smokey Robinson, Donnie
Simpson, Mike Tyson, Tyler Perry, Kym Whitley and look who is singing for me...there's Yolanda
Adams, Kelly Price, Keith Sweat, Angela Winbush, my groups I discovered (The Rude Boys & Men
At Large), theres my beloved Dad, Eddie and my beloved Brother Sean singing so beautiful
together, just like I taught them, hahaha....there's Johnny Gill showing off like he does as he vocally
tears down the house and that's Stevie Wonder singing for me in a blue velour track-suit cause they
lost his luggage at the airport, but my boy Stevie jogged his way to be there for me and he's singing
his butt off for me too..Ha Ha Ha".... "There are so many other family and friends showin love for me
but I don't wanna keep braggin to u angels, so I will stop" Ha Ha Ha !!

Dear Brother G....I'm gonna miss that laugh of yours. Like your dad said...there was a lot of laughter
in your house. You used to laugh at all my jokes even if they were corny. I'll miss how u never
wanted to shake my hand and hug me because u knew I had a Bowlegged Lou sticker ready to put
on your back. I'll miss the times we (Full Force) worked with u in the studio (Oh yea,that last song
we recorded on you along with Doug E. Fresh before u took your heavenly journey....the one u
ORDERED us to come up with when we all were performing on one of Tom Joyner's musical
cruises to Jamaica....you told us the cruise was making u feel so so good and it inspired u to want
to do an island reggae soulful song. Something different for you......so u ORDERED us to go to the
studio as soon as we got back to NY and come up with that type of song for you. We did that along
with a writer of ours, Shawn Mr. Wright.. U told us to get Doug E, for the live human Beat box flava...
we did that. U came in the studio and did the damn thing in one take (as usual) You did that. The
results? An R&B, reggae-flavored song called "You Cant Give Up On Love". Just like you
ORDERED us to. Ha Ha Ha! I spoke to Atlantic Records president Craig Kallman and told him that
we and Doug E. will donate the song free of charge to whatever project they may have planned for
u. He loved the idea and told me to please get it to him. Hopefully they see fit to let your family
share in the musical proceeds as well. I'll never forget the very first time we met u in Cali during the
80's before u even had a record out and you were with your brother Sean and your sister
Shaunquetta. I'll never forget hanging out with u and your legendary Dad (Eddie).   Ya'll both
exemplified to me what a true musical father and son relationship should be like, filled with love,
laughter and REAL saaaaaaanging. God bless you G. God bless your entire family and friends. As
my friend Melisa Morgan recently told me regarding you....You've climbed the "stairway to heaven"
Stay blessed and thanks for the memories,G. We love u, G. Respectfully yours,
Lou (The crazy Bowlegged One) of Full Force

I was shocked when I got a call from a friend asking if I heard the rumor that Gerald Levert has
passed away so....me wanting not to believe one of many rumors I hear every week about
somebody. I called Gerald's home and someone picked up the phone and I asked "Hey, man is
Gerald home?" He replied "No, Will unfortunately he passed away". It was as shocking of a blow as
when I heard Luther had passed away.

I've had the pleasure of knowing Gerald for all of my solo career (eighteen years) and I've worked
with him more times than I can count: he was a true talent and this is a great loss to the "soul"
community, the last of a breed in my opinion since you don't hear very many soul singers anymore:
there are many 'pretty' singing folks on the radio but very few singers who sing with passion,
strength and sincerity. That's what you got when you listened to Gerald sing. His live shows were
even more exciting as he sang hit after hit after hit bringing woman of all sizes to a frenzy; to this
day, the concerts during the"Father and Son" tour were among the best I've ever seen and
participated in (as I would open for Gerald and Eddie on occasion). His shows were always capped
off by him throwing teddy bears into the audience: for those who were fortunate enough to get one
it was heaven, for those who did not you'd hear them say 'I missed my Teddy Bear' which is what I
heard many women say yesterday on the radio here in NY. Gerald Levert a/k/a "The Teddy Bear"
will be missed.
Will Downing, a/k/a "The Prince of Sophisticated Soul"

Gerald, you will live on in my eyes and ears because you and I go way back. When we met we
laughed together and talked about family and the business. I've known you to be dedicated to your
family and your fans and especially God. Your work around the world will never be forgotten
because you are loyal, to your achievements and to your Dad. To Eddie and the rest of the Levert
family, please know, Gerald will no longer suffer for he is in the right hands and will remain safe with
God. My condolences to you and your family.   He is now in the arms of the angels above. Gerald
when it's my time in heaven, we will do our duet together. God Bless You,
Evelyn Champagne King & Freddie Fox & The King Family

Though I never had a chance to work with Gerald our paths crossed every day at Sigma Sound in
Philadelphia. He was a very down to earth man with a great attitude and a real passion for his music.
He will be truly missed by all who were lucky enough to know him… Nick Martinelli (Producer)

Gerald LeVert was a radiant, gifted, loving, ultra creative being with a hilarious sense of humor.
Gerald was my co executive producer on "Message in the Music," a documentary on Gamble &
Huff's "Sound of Philadelphia," (along with writer/director Nelson George). He was excited about
working on this project and life in general.

Gerald let me hear some of the incredible music from his forthcoming CD. It will be a true auditory
pleasure for his fans and a wonderful contribution to his remarkable legacy as one of contemporary
music's finest SOUL performers/producers.

I am enriched and elated to have loved and worked with Gerald LeVert! Heaven make room for
another angel!   Dyana Williams (President, International Association of African American Music;
host of the The Sounds of Philadelphia, 107.9 WRNB FM in Philly

Nearly 24 hours from the time I received the shocking news of the sudden death of Gerald Levert,
the devastating reality is reluctantly setting in. I saw Gerald at the R & B Foundation Pioneer
Awards back in June. There he delivered a show-stopping rendition of Try A Little Tenderness in
tribute to Otis Redding, this year’s Legacy Award recipient. I didn’t get a chance to speak with
Gerald that evening -- and talk about a missed opportunity! Who knew that that would be the last
time I would see him?

Then, strangely, about a month ago, I received an email from Dexter (Wansel), and in it he said,
“Gerald Levert made me promise to let you know that he's been thinking about you, and says to tell
you hello!” How elated I was to receive his message. At the same time I thought that there was
something extraordinarily special about that communication.

Dexter and I worked with Levert on their very first album. It was our first introduction to Gerald back
in 1983. They recorded our song “I Get Hot,” and I remember being particularly impressed with
Gerald’s soul-stirring performance to be so young. He sang with the fervor and conviction of an R &
B veteran. And while that should not have surprised me, being the son of R & B soul great Eddie
Levert, somehow it did. From there we watched them, under the mentorship and counsel of Harry
Coombs, as their careers took off. The Calloways landed them their first hit with “Casanova.”

The news of Gerald’s passing has rocked the industry in seismic proportions. I am honored to have
had the esteemed pleasure of knowing and working with this musical gem, and I will ever hold his
last words to me in my heart -- indefinitely. My prayers are with Eddie and the entire Levert family
and community of friends. In loving sorrow,
Cynthia Biggs

I became friends with Gerald when I was an editor at "Black Radio Exclusive" and that friendship
continued through my years as a "Billboard" editor. I found him to be special - both as an artist and
as a human being. He was always trying to make sense of the world, which also was a hobby of
mine. So our conversations were always deep. Even though he grew up in the business and had
his share of ups and downs, he never lost his perspective. He always remembered the human factor
- something that many of us in the industry tended to lose track of, or worse, ignore. He always was
a friendly face at events and I always knew I could approach him as a person first, and artist second.
He (and a very few others) kept me focused on the music when there were so many other
distractions. And like those special few, Gerald always - always put a smile on my face when I saw
him, even when he didn't even know I was there. I feel honored to have known him. Some people
can make you feel good about the world. Gerald was one of those people. I'll miss him.
J.R. Reynolds

GERALD LEVERT: ANOTHER SOUL MAN GONE TOO SOON
I first met Gerald Levert twelve years ago at Dyana Williams' IAAAM convention. I was singing my
power ballad "I'll Miss You Most" and asked the audience to sing along the tag. I hear this huge
voice booming "Every Night I'll Think Of You . . ." and before I know it the legend himself was
making his way to the stage, grabbed another lead mike from the sound man and we went into to an
impromptu duet, with him adlibbing in his raspy style "Gordon ... . you need to give me that song!" It
was hilarious!

Gerald was a funny, warm spirit who always had encouraging words to say to me about me writing
and performing. He was a consumate performer who loooooved the stage. One night, he took me
and Troy Taylor (my writing partner) to an OJay's Show. At one point, he said "I'll be right back,
ya'll." Next thing we know, Gerald jumped on stage while his Dad Eddie was singing lead and
joined in with the O'Jays on the 'Money, Money' dance. His turned around, saw him, laughed and
kidded with the audience how young G always wanted to be a J.

Gerald had many, many plans. He talked to Barry Eastmond and I (another writing partner of mine)
about working with him and his Dad on another duets album and a solo album of soul covers.
Barry and I wrote one track "Slow Dance" on his upcoming new CD which I'm sure the record
company will get out soon. The song mentions the need for romantic music in our lives and cross
references hits by Marvin, Anita, The O'Jays, Teddy, Prince and Levert's Casanova (which G asked
could he throw in there at the end . . of course, we obliged!)

This is odd for me, it's the second time in my career that I will have worked on the last album and
first posthumous release of a soul legend who'd become a friend. . the first of course was Phyllis
Hyman (also a friend as ya'll know of David's). We are losing our legends of soul way, way before
their time. I'm honored, however, that I've the chance to write for so many of them, from Aretha to
Anita to Patti to Whitney to Gladys to Chaka to The O'Jays to Gerald, the quintessential son of soul
himself. Like all of the legends I've produced, he was professional, on time, prepared--came to
sessions knowing the songs---and very humble. We worked on two cuts on "DO I SPEAK FOR THE
WORLD": "What Happened To The Lovin'" and "Better To Talk It Out" as well as the "EVERYDAY
FAMILY REUNION" anthem for the recent "Medea" film (which also featured Carl Thomas, Chaka
Khan and Yolanda Adams).

Perhaps the "soul life" takes its toll emotionally and physically on us. I am using Gerald's and
Phyllis's untimely deaths as personal wake up calls to keep my life in balance. Musically, I will
continue the legacy that both these artists and friends gave to the world: impassioned
performances, lyrics celebrating love and life! Both were also hands-on businessmen and women
who would call you directly about a song or a session, never letting the "handlers" mess up the
vibe.

What a life, what a loss, but what a voice, a man, a presence, an energy and a beautiful young man
of soul . . . again, gone too soon.   We never how long we'll have, so live, love, laugh, dance and sing
your hearts out, every time!
Rest in peace, CASANOVA. With love and honor, your brother,
Gordon Chambers

God Bless Gerald...Pop, pop, pop, pop, pop goes my love...Heaven has a new angel in the choir...
Love,
Starr (from Portland, Maine)

I had the opportunity to speak to Gerald Levert through my sisterhood friendship with Cheryl "Chirl
Girl" Patterson, radio personality at WBAV 101.9 FM in Charlotte, North Carolina. Being a former
radio personality myself from the great AM WGIV in Charlotte, I had met and admired "Daddy Eddie"
Levert and was anxious to see if the son was as on point as the dad.

As I knew it would be, Gerald was the consummate entertainer as well as someone who was true to
his craft. I remember when he first came on the scene with "Cassanova" and Jamie Brown from
"Sister to Sister" Magazine praised him for NOT being one of those "crotch grabbers" but instead, a
true artist. How correct she was!

One of the things Cheryl, Gerald and I discussed was his great writing style. Anyone with the time
to listen to the Temptation's album "Ear-risistable" can see what I mean. Gerald Levert was a true
talent with a conscience. Just listen carefully to the lyrics of his "Do I Speak To The World" album.
His voice and his talent will be sorely missed by the world.
Shereene Hill-Veal, Charlotte, North Carolina

So so sorry to hear of this news, yesterday I was listening to Kiss FM for some light ambience early
afternoon and heard Gerald's name mentioned that he had passed... I immediately raised the volume
and I could not believe my ears! I was in disbelief, how can this happen, why did this occur? These
were new reports and all I can feel was a very huge loss of someone who has a BIG SOUL and void
that will take significant time to heal. I was devastated!

About ten years ago, I was working at the "Rihga Royal" hotel in midtown Manhattan where I had
managed a health club and we were always visited by many celebrities and in the entertainment
business. One day a gentle man came to me while I was at the front desk and asked me to show him
how to program the treadmill. We at the time had a policy for new guests to sign in on a release
form. When he did, I of course looked down at his name and I immediately recognized Gerald Levert.
I showed him how to use the treadmill and from that time on, whenever he came to town, I would
train him with weights and flexibility exercises. He was one of my favorite guests and he was so
polite and classy too! We would always talk about music and one day I had mentioned a CD that I
had a very hard time finding (cause it was out of print) by Miki Howard (who was an ex-girlfriend of
his.) Anyway. on Gerald's next trip back in town a couple of months later, he had left his personal
copy of it at the front desk with my name on it.. This left me with a memory that I will always treasure.
I would like to thank G-d in allowing me to have experienced the warmth and generosity of this man.
My deepest sorrow to Gerald's family, friends and everyone....
Fred Stepkin

His music and voice always touched my soul. Rest in peace G.
Thomas Pisters, Germany

GERALD LEVERT
An ultimate voice with his beautiful love songs
A person who could entertain all night long
One of many greats who has now passed on
Another great loss everyone will mourn
Rest in peace, for you sang your way home
And now in God's world, you'll carry on

Annette Kenner

Some much music was in store for his fans, that we won't have the opportunity to enjoy in the
upcoming years and decades. Rest in Peace, Gerald Levert!!!
GordGekco@aol.com

I can truly say I saw Gerald with his Dad at the old Circle Star in San Carlos, California, what a show
- he will be truly missed.
coldsweat27@hotmail.com

My sincere sympathy goes out to the Levert family: a wonderful singer and person will truly be
missed.
littleone_517@yahoo.com

What a loss to the music world.....family...friends...and fans. I feel as though I have lost a family
member...there was no better voice and show that could keep it real with the ‘Mzzzzzz Diva’ Patti
Labelle on stage but the big & sexy ‘Teddy Bear,’ Gerald Levert onstage. He had the females
drooling for his sexy singing, Lord have mercy. Sure will miss you....and thank you for leaving a big
part of your life with us!!!!!!!
actionjackson650@yahoo.com

Music is a gift from God. To sing and create a soul heart music has made so many of us smile. Now
he will sing to the Lord and leave us with many wonderful tunes
Geraldine Mosley

Gerald Levert will truly be missed, it was a blessing to have enjoyed his music for a short time. May
the Lord bless him and his family
lmiles1@woh.rr.com

My sadness goes out the Levert family. He will be missed by all.. We are dying so young. God
bless,
Adolphus and Sharon Reed, Gulfport, MS

I was shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of the legendary Gerald Levert. My prayers
and sympathy to the Levert Family. My heart is hurting, but God makes no mistakes. I am thankful
that Gerald left this world in a peaceful way. We all love him, but God loves him best. Sleep on my
brother....we shall all meet again! God Bless!
Ms. Sharon Graham, New York City

I would like to take this time to send my deepest sympathy to the Levert family.    Thank you
Yvette Christian

I would like to take this time to offer my deepest sympathy to the Levert family. It is with a heavy
heart that I confess that Gerald will be greatly missed. His star rose and shined with a radiance that
no other could compare. He was the true epitome of a great talent. May God Bless his Soul and
those of us he leaves behind to mourn his passing.
Mrs. Cathy Harper and Family

So hard to believe that it was just weeks ago when we last saw each other. Gerald, I am so glad to
have met and become friends with you, (even though you thought i was a stalker for a long
tome/LOL!) I am glad to have caught numerous teddy bears only to be yelled at by women in the
audience. I even remember the last show at the Beacon Theatre when you shouted into the
audience "Yo, Mon Ray is my number 1 male fan he is not giving you the teddy bear."

Sleep on my friend and i will see you on the other side.........and I do speak for the world when I say
you, Gerald will be missed greatly. My condolences to your children, brother Sean and your parents.
Always,
Mon Ray Francois, the #1 male fan

I've followed Gerald Levert's career from "Pop Goes My Mind" to his collaboration with Keith Sweat
and Johnny Gill. My husband and I have every CD he's made and because we are Ohioians, as he
was, we looked at he and his family as family. He was a very talented, robust and down to earth
gentleman.

Several months ago Gerald gave an interview on the Tom Joyner show, at which J-Anthony Brown
asked him what about his favorite food. To my amazement we shared common ground...neckbones
and rice. Gerald told the audience he loved neckbones and rice and everytime he gets off the road
and goes to his mother's house he eats neckbones and rice. What a guy!

Another thing I like about him was his character. He let his audience know he, too, is human and
vulnerable. I remember reading an article on him some years ago where he openly admitted he was
still in love with a former lady. Apparently, he had been less than faithful to her and when he arrived
home he found out she had left. Not many men would have admitted that to anyone, less more than
to hundreds of thousands. I'm not sure who that young lady was but for him to admit he still loved
her would have been enough for me to think twice. Gerald was sexy, strong and confident with
himself and he will be sorely missed. Love you Gerald!
drandleman@netzero.com

I was stunned to hear of Gerald Levert's passing. His talent was immense and he will be sorely
missed. I wish to send my condolences to his family.
Terri Washington, Boston MA

Dear Family:
I personally will miss Gerald Levert for his spirituality, love for family and community he always
exemplified in his music. The product of a strong family unit, he certainly was destined to carry on
the legacy which his
father, past down to himself and his brother. He will truly be missed, but, his music will last forever.
One of my true favorites, 'Father and Son', reminds me of my strong father, and also my son and his
father. He was a
very humble, down to Earth brother. May the Creator, be pleased, with the soul and essence of
Gerald Levert. He did what he was put on this earth to do. He will definitely be missed but, his
musical legacy lives on. My Condolences to his family, and friends.
Jannet Young-Bey

Gerald was truly one of my idols and I am so saddened by his passing. Gerald had charisma, style
and the most powerful, sexiest voice I have heard in many a year. Of course I am a fan of his
father's group, The O’Jays, and Gerald was just a replica of his dad with just a little more spunk.

He was one of the greats. To me Gerald LeVert and Frankie Beverly are the only singers in the
world, which means a part of my life has gone on to glory. I will continue to pray for his family and
that I will one day see home again and he'll sing me such a wonderful song!
Lamisha.hamlin@hqda.army.mil

I would like to first and foremost extend my condolences out to the Levert family. This has been
such a great loss. I was at work when I heard the news of Gerald passing. At first I didn't believe it.
But it wasn't until I heard it for myself, that reality hit. I couldn't stop crying. You would think that I
knew this man personally. But then I realized, I did know him... through his music. You could always
hear his heart through that window. I have some very fond memories that he has always played a
part of - all the way back to when I was a young girl receiving my first kiss from my high school
sweet...to conceiving my first daughter off of LSG's ''My Body All Over Your Body". I was watching
a television program on MTV "Sweet Sixteen" and very overjoyed and surprised to see him on there
with his daughter. She looks like he just spit her out. I was so glad to see that he was passing his
generational teaching on to her about the business and how if you are going to do something,do it
well. Always take pride in all that you do, especially if it has the Levert stamp on it. He was very
proud of his family. And you could see the joy on his face watching his little girl do her performance
with the song they put together. It just brought joy to my heart. He was a great man, and personally
I will miss him very much!!!!!!! I Love You Gerald!! Sincerely Yours,
Mia V. Mathes of Woodbridge, VA

The world of soul music has once again lost an irreplaceable talented voice. We will truly miss this
gentle giant - may he rest in peace.
Peter Edwards

Words can not express the shock and sadness, I and many others, felt and are experiencing when
told that God had called Gerald Levert home.

I can only imagine the wonderful company that he's with and the many voices that he will be able to
sing and rejoice. We all know how we arrived to this sometimes bitter earth, but we don't know
what kind of exit has been assigned to each of us.

May God comfort his family during this difficult time. Let us all celebrate his life and when we hear
his voice on the radio, video etc., lets smile and thank God for allowing Gerald to touch our lives.
God bless,

John Frazier