Like Father Like Son!!

Top of the weekend my friends! As the old saying goes "Like father Like Son"! For you soul music fans, Eddie Levert is currently on his farewell tour. His group the O'Jays, adopted their name from the legendary radio personality Eddie O'Jay. Who was instrumental in getting the trio their first big break.

(As a side note when I was 8 years old. Eddie O'Jay would be the first radio personality, I saw in person at our local YMCA. He had a Burgundy corvette and a really fine sister on his arm. Sorry I digress.)

Back to our tribute for Eddie Levert, The O'Jay's song catalog brings back great memories! Backstabbers, Living for the Weekend, Cry Together and Love Train just to name a few of the musical moments connected to this remarkable group of performers.

As Eddie Levert closes the door on his remarkable career. I thought it would be compelling to share a couple of good and bad challenges. When you're a R&B legend! I'll start with the offspring, his remarkable son.

This photo was taken in 2001. I just happen to be the red carpet reporter for this Philadelphia music organization's tribute to Gerald Levert and Nina Simone!

It would be a virtual who's who evening. Urban One owner and the second-richest Black woman in the United States, (after Oprah Winfrey) Cathy Hughes and the CEO of Epic Records Sylvia Rhone were both in attendance.

Also entertainers Boyz 2 Men, Dru Hill, a up and coming star named Jill Scott (whose 1st big time interview was wonderful) and crooner Teddy Pendergrass just to name a few.

I'm not sure where the term "high brow" came from but it must have looked like this place.

I was the lone broadcaster working the room for ABC Radio Networks. The night was rich with memories and celebrities, as I made live radio magic from this gala!

The proud papa's singing legacy was passed down to both of his sons - Gerald and Sean. It was the era of new jack swing. Yet it would be the older of the two who became the superstar!

In 1991, Gerald Levert went solo with the album,?Private Line, which went to number one on the R&B charts. The following year, Gerald and his father, Eddie Levert, hit number one on the R&B charts with the single,?Baby Hold On to Me.

He recorded a string of albums throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. In the summer of 1987 "Cassanova" hit and brother man was a super influencer. To borrow the term from his album it really was "the Big Throw Down"!

During that evening two really amazing sights occurred. First, his dad Eddie who was the man was pushed to the background. While the son owned the spotlight. Now Gerald was "The Man of Love Singer"!

When Gerald makes his triumphant entrance in the lobby. The CEO of Epic Records Sylvia Rhone bows to welcome the guest of honor. The crowd goes crazy!!!!

At that precise moment, the second amazing sight. The former man of love songs Teddy Pendergrass, enters the room in his wheelchair. As he rolls off the elevator.

No one noticed his arrival. No One except me sitting behind the mic in the lobby witnessing this sentimentality of all that glitters. It looked as if tears began to swell in the eyes as he headed into the auditorium. Fame is fleeting! You know?

My interview (the photo) touched on the legacy between the two. Fathers are almost always proud to see their son's succeed.

The ending is not a happy one though. Gerald Levert would die in 2006 after taking a mixture of medications to treat his?shoulder injury and a respiratory ailment.?Then in 2008, due to the high dosage of medications. His other son Sean was forced to detox?in jail. It would proved to be fatal.

Alas another father outlives his sons. They really enjoyed following in their dad's footsteps. You gotta wonder does he?

Eddie Levert will retire at the end of this O'Jays final tour. The thrill of victory and the agony will close this chapter of his life. As I close please enjoy everyday of life my friends. You'll never know when it will be your last. Donut ever forget it.