Who started the Ojays?

Who started the Ojays?

Eddie Levert
The O’Jays’ origins date to the late 1950s, when childhood friends Eddie Levert (b. June 16, 1942, Canton, Ohio, U.S.) and Walter Williams (b. August 25, 1942, Canton) began performing gospel music together in their hometown of Canton.

Are any of the original O’Jays still alive?

(April 7, 2019) The Los Angeles Times has reported that William Carvan Isles II, an original member of the O’Jays, has died at his San Diego home. He was 78. Bill Isles was born in North Carolina but moved to Canton, Ohio as a child.

How old are the Onays?

The two founding members of the O’Jays, Eddie Levert, 78, and Walter William, 77, are right within the target area that COVID-19 hits the most. “I’m real concerned about Eddie and Walter. Their underlying conditions of high blood pressure and multiple sclerosis and that’s huge”, stated Grant.

What happened to William Powell of the O Jays?

Suffering from advanced colon cancer and a drug addiction, William had to stop touring with the group in 1976, he died of cancer two years after being diagnosed in 1975. The O’Jays were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004 and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005.

Who is Eddie Levert wife?

Raquel Capelton
Eddie Levert/Wife

Which R&B singers father is the lead singer in the O Jays?

Levert is the son of Eddie Levert, who is the lead singer of the R&B/soul vocal group the O’Jays. He had released nine solo albums, six with LeVert, two with his father Eddie Levert, two with LSG, as well as discovering the R&B groups the Rude Boys, Men at Large and 1 of the Girls.

Where was Gerald born?

Canton, OH
Gerald Levert/Place of birth
LEVERT, GERALD (13 July 1966 – 10 November 2006), was a significant African-American vocalist, songwriter and producer. Gerald Levert was born in Canton, Ohio, to Eddie Sr. and Martha Levert. His parents moved to SHAKER HEIGHTS when Gerald was a young man.

How did the band The O Jays get their name?

The church-reared Canton, Ohio natives both possessed exceptional vocal gifts and by 1963 they formed The O’Jays, a name that also served as a tribute to influential Cleveland radio DJ Eddie O’Jay.

How many No 1’s did the O Jays have?

By ’72, The O’Jays would begin a remarkable streak of 10 no. 1 singles forever cementing the group to icon status. The O’Jays were also groundbreaking change-agents becoming the first black R&B touring act to headline arenas setting the bar for other African-American talent to follow.

When did The O’Jays release their first album?

In 1963, The O’Jays released “Lonely Drifter,” their first national chart hit on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 93. Their debut album, released shortly thereafter was Comin’ Through.

Where did The O’Jays go to high school?

They formed the group in Canton, Ohio, in 1958 while attending Canton McKinley High School. Originally known as The Mascots, and then The Triumphs, the friends began recording with “Miracles” in 1961, which was a moderate hit in the Cleveland area.