Gerald Levert Remembered With Greatest Hits Compilation

Influential R&B star Gerald Levert is getting the 'Best of' treatment this week. The 16-song compilation features the 'Casanova' singer, whose untimely death in 2006 shocked the music world, singing solo, with supergroup LSG (comprised of Levert, Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill), and with his father, O-Jays' member Eddie Levert.

Levert passed away in 2006 after an accidental overdose of prescription medication and over-the-counter drugs. Throughout his career, he released over 20 albums with several different incarnations, won Grammys and went on to produce songs for legends such as Barry White and Teddy Pendergrass.

"He was the epitome of soul singers," Eddie Levert tells Spinner. "He came along and knocked me out of my spot. He took the business of music very seriously. With him, he was still struggling to be all he could be when he passed away. He was still very much into it, even in his 40s. He was able to do things that most young people didn't feel. He was introduced to the Marvin Gaye's, the B.B. King's. He knew about all the great R&B artists because of his surroundings."

Levert says he saw a gift in his son at a very young age, and as an iconic soul singer himself, helped foster that along. But he was a bit surprised when he started to realize that Gerald was going to someday take over his legacy. "I remember one incident, we were listening to a tape of some songs we were messing around with at home," Eddie says. "This was when he was about 15 years old. I said 'Did you hear that run I just did?' and he looked at me and said, 'That wasn't you, Dad. That was me.'"

Along with songs such as 'Private Line,' 'Baby Hold on to Me' and 'School Me,' the collection also features a new recording called 'Can It Stay,' as well as liner notes written by famed academic, Cornel West.

'The Best of Gerald Levert' is available now via Rhino.