November 11, 2006

R&B singer Gerald Levert died today (Nov. 10) presumably of a heart attack. He was 40.

Levert, born in Cleveland, was a founding member and the lead singer of the 1990's R&B trio LeVert, who scored big hits with "Pop, Pop, Pop, Pop (Goes My Mind)", "Casanova", and "ABC-123." He was also a part of R&B supergroup LSG, composed of platinum selling R&B crooners Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill.

As a solo artist, Levert gained an immense fan base with a string of R&B ballads ("I'd Give Anything (to Fall in Love)", "You Got That Love") from his numerous album projects on East West/Elektra Records.

Over the years, the vocal powerhouse has collaborated with Patti LaBelle, Miki Howard, Kelly Price, Teena Marie, Chris Rock and with his father, Eddie Levert, on many different occasions.

"All of us at Atlantic Records are shocked and deeply saddened by his untimely death," said an Atlantic rep via e-mail. "He was one of the greatest voices of our time, who sang with unmatched soulfulness and power, as well as a tremendously gifted composer and an accomplished producer. Above all, he was an exceptional human being whose warmth and grace inspired us all. Gerald has been a member of our family for two decades, and he will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure and privilege of working with him through the years.

"This is a tremendous loss for the music community and for his millions of fans. Our thoughts and prayers are with Gerald’s family during this very difficult time.”