By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
Death is something isn't it.
For all of its darkness and its finality, one of the great things that comes from it is that act of being reflective.
The topic may have been commonplace in millions of black music lovers' homes this weekend as the unsettling news of the loss of another powerful voice settled into our consciousness.
I am referring to Gerald Levert; yet another brother whose life was cut short all too suddenly.
While I am not one to wallow in despair -- like some really can -- the popular R&B crooner's sudden death of an apparent heart attack was a bit jarring.
As I listened to the late Rick James sing his face off on the underrated and heart-jerking ballad "Hollywood" just a few weeks ago, I thought that if there was one person who could remake this song, it would be Gerald Levert. Me and some of my intimates make a past-time out of lengthy discussion of what singers should cover others singer's songs, and what actors should play historical figures.
But I digress.
Gerald Levert was in a class all his own with his hearty bravado and vocal dexterity.
Very few could stand on the stage with this powerhouse.
And unfortunately, no one else will.
In his musical memory, The BV Newswire sought out reflections and remembrances of some of his contemporaries, friends and loved ones.
Speaking of Rick James… Teena Marie, the blue-eyed soul diva who made legendary music with the late funkster in the 1980s ("Fire & Desire"), recognized Levert'spower through song. That's why it came as no surprise for her to collaborate with him for her self-composed scorching ballad "A Rose By Any Other Name" in 2004 from her Cash Money Records debut opus, 'La Dona.' "I will deeply miss my friend, not just as a musical giant, but as a good man,"the Santa Monica, California native shared. "My heart goes out to his family and simply put, '...a rose is a rose is a rose.'"
Patti LaBelle, who sang with Levert on manyoccasions recently covered Luther Vandross' staple "Here and Now" with Levert, who also wrote and produced for her. The roof shattering vocal diva said, "It’s not real to me that he is gone. Nobody was prepared for this."
Live, the two of them were unmatched, yet still a dynamic combination.
In 1998, Levert appeared on LaBelle's 'One Night Only: Live!' disc. "He was like a son to me. He was such a great entertainer."
His musical gift impacted more than just the R&B divas, but some of his younger male contemporaries in the music world.
John Legend, who fuses soul and hip-hop in a way that will last years to come, said that "[the music world] truly lost one of our greatest voices much too soon," while hip-hop superstar Chris "Ludacris" Bridges reflected, " Every time I saw him, he was always the same and that says a lot about him as a man and a person.. hisincredible talent was undeniable."
The Levert family suggests --in lieu of flowers-- contributions be made to the Rhythm and Blues Foundation, an organization that was near and dear his heart.
"Gerald Levert’s respect for the roots of Rhythm and Blues was evident in both his music and philanthropic activities," the not-for profit organization offered in a statement. "He regularly participated in the Rhythm and Blues Foundation’s Pioneer Awards, paying tribute in song to his musical heroes.
As an Advisor to the Foundation, Gerald was a powerful role model for his generation of artists as he acknowledged the influence of early Rhythm and Blues performers." Checks can be made payable to the Rhythm and Blues Foundation.
Condolences may be sent to Andy Gibson, Trevel Productions Inc., 13816 Cedar Road, University Heights, OH 44118.
His life and career will be publicly celebrated with a musical tribute that will be held on Nov. 17, 2006 at 12:00 noonat the Cleveland Music Hall (located at 500 LakesideAvenue in downtown Cleveland, OH).
According to super publicist and brand strategist Patti Webster, who shared a close relationship with Levert over his 20-year career, R&B music veterans Stevie Wonder, Angela Winbush, Johnny Gill, Angie Stone are expected to pay tribute on a day that will also include a special duet performance from his father Eddie [Levert] and younger brother, Sean [Levert].
At the time of his death, Levert was as busy as ever. According to Webster, he had just completed a highly successful tour of South Africa with is Dad, performing three sold-out concerts and spending time with the Mandela Family. His new album, set for releasein February 2007, had just been completed.
He was also adding the title of author to his many credits as he was putting the finishing touches on his first book, co-written with his father and best-selling author Lyah Beth LeFlore (who wrote this summer's enchanting 'Last Night A DJ Saved My Life.'
Entitled 'I Got Your Back,' the father and son put their hearts and souls on the line and talk about their failures, concerns, fears, and triumphs as father and son. With a powerful message of reconciliation for broken families, the two explore the themes of fatherhood, male bonding and male-female relationships.
On a final note, Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin shared, "Gerald Levert was a challenging, dynamic, young performer who surely made his Dad and Family proud. He has moved on up a little higher now, and he's starring in the heavens now. And we'll understand it better, by and by. Stay strong."
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