Summary: | R&B singer Edward "Eddie" Levert was born on June 16, 1942. Levert attended McKinley High School in Canton, Ohio where he, Walter Williams, Bobby Massey, William Powell, and Billy Isles formed The Triumphs. In 1960, The Triumphs, renamed The Mascots after signing with King Records, recorded their first single, Miracle. The group drew the attention of Cleveland disc jockey Eddie O'Jay who became essential to the group's success. They changed their name to The O'Jays in tribute. After meeting Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff in 1971, The O'Jays recorded their first big hit, Back Stabbers (1972). The O'Jays recorded nearly thirty charting singles and several charting albums, including Love Train and Family Reunion. They received the Rhythm & Blues Foundation's Pioneer Award, a BET Lifetime Achievement Award and were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
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