Stars Celebrate Life At Gerald Levert’s Funeral

Author: Staff | Date: November 22nd 2006 | Filed: R.I.P. | VIEWS: 3,853

Stevie Wonder, Usher, Jermaine Dupri and Angela Winbush were among the thousands of celebrities, fans and family members at Cleveland’s Public Hall facility Friday to attend a musical tribute to R&B singer Gerald Levert, who died Nov. 10. Standing in front of a huge framed picture of the late artist, Wonder joined Levert’s father, Eddie Levert of the O’Jays, and Levert’s brother, Sean, to lead the audience in a spirited, energy-filled mixture of memories, music and good ol’ fashioned church fervor.

“You all really don’t know how big his heart was,” said Eddie Levert, who joined Sean to sing a touching rendition of Luther Vandross’ “Dance With My Father.” Both father and brother personalized the words for Gerald. Sean joined Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill, his brother Gerald’s partners in the group LSG, to perform Levert’s biggest hit “Casanova.” Eddie Levert kissed his son’s framed picture at the end of the performance. Elder Levert said performing was Gerald’s great love. “That came from his heart, his soul, his whole body,” the father said. Wonder, who clasped Eddie Levert’s hand, said he was thankful for Gerald’s gifts. “I’m here for you, Gerald, because I love you,” said Wonder. “I’m here to celebrate my love.”

Usher told the audience: “When I came here, I expected to mourn.��? Instead, he said: “I actually cried tears of joy.” Speaking with reporters before the service, Usher said Levert was always willing to encourage up-and-coming talent. “He was like an uncle or a brother.” (See video footage of Usher’s interview below the break.)

Journalist Ed Gordon also attended the service, which lasted about three hours and featured Judge Greg Mathis as the main eulogis. To see/download the program from Gerald’s memorial service, Click Here. Levert died at his suburban Cleveland home at 40. A preliminary autopsy showed he had heart disease.

Usher talks about Gerald Levert

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  • LIBBY WMS

    February 24, 2007 at 1:21 AM

    JUST WANT TO SAY PLEASE DO NOT MORN FOR HIM HE IS GONE TO HEAVEN TO BE WITH THE LORD JESUS CHRIST HE IS IN A BETTER PLACE WITH BIGGER MANISONS AND THE STREET PAVED WITH GOLD LIKE TRANSPARENT GLASS AND WE NEED TO TRY TO MAKE IT TO HEAVEN WHERE WE CAN BE WITH HIM AND HEAR HIM SING TO THE GLORY OF GOD THE LORD KNOWS WHAT IS BEST FOR US AND HE JUST TOOK HIM HOME TO REST SO REJOICE HE JUST ANOTHER SOILDER GONE HOME TO BE WITH THE LORD

  • yolanda spell

    April 13, 2007 at 6:59 PM

    to this day I can’t think about gerald without tears welling up in my eyes.he was a true artist .he could’ve sang happy birthday and i would have loved it.i would tell my kids he was my boyfriend he just did’nt know it!!!! i will truly miss him

  • James N Russell Jr.

    July 19, 2007 at 11:43 PM

    A true icon has left us and join hands with Luther, Marvin, Jackie and the rest of the greatest icon. It took me some time to give my comment because I’am truly, truly in love with music. Specially the music and sanging like Gerald. So, rest on brother you will not be for gotten you always be here in our heart and soul.

  • mellissa robson

    September 17, 2007 at 7:30 PM

    i really do miss him, he was a wonderful singer, and performer
    there will never be another.

  • KIM

    November 12, 2007 at 4:59 PM

    There are no words to express my heartfelt pain to even hear him sing makes me cry. The teddy bear, he was a priceless soul and he will never be forgotten. His music will live like marvin gaye and the greatest icons such as elvis and so many others. I pray for the family, friends and fans all over the world. even though its been sometime its still seems so unreal.
    I hopes he knows how loved he was and how much we miss him and how we do cry and mourn his loss because it was a loss to earth but a gain to heaven. They now have one of the greatest singers in that heavnly choir. God bless, may his peace overtake our hearts and souls. love always mskag

  • June 26, 2008 at 5:10 PM

    June 26, 2008

    Truly Gerald Levert voice was a voice of passion and power. My heart aches just aches knowing that he is no longer with us. The past few weeks I have been unable to get Gerald out of my mind, I sit at work and at home listening to that wonderful voice, look at his pictures and videos. Truly his music, his passion and the love of his family, friends, and fans will keep his spirit and music alive. I pray that he is resting in the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Gerald, I know you are singing those heavenly melodies. Love You Always - Miyon

  • eddie kimari

    December 31, 2008 at 6:17 PM

    i named ma son LEVERT as tribute for his music

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