NewsNet5.comEntertainment
EducationEmploymentAutoHealthHealth ExpertsHouse And HomeWEDDINGSHomeTown ExpertsLegalCleveland247Real EstateDatingTravelFamily


Related To Story

Gerald Levert Remembered As Great Talent, Good Man

Fans Told To Remain Faithful During Sad Time

POSTED: 6:21 pm EST November 17, 2006
UPDATED: 6:56 am EST November 20, 2006

Angela Winbush's hit song "Smile" was tailored to pay tribute to Gerald Levert during a star-studded memorial at Public Hall Friday afternoon.

Winbush was one of several celebrities who showed up to pay tribute to Levert.

"He had the best smile. He was a great talent. A good man, a good person," Winbush said, adding that it's not often that such compliments can be paid to an entertainer.

Levert, 40, died Nov. 10 at his Newbury Township home. A preliminary autopsy showed he had mild to moderate heart disease.

Levert's smile along with his kind and giving heart were spoken of often by celebrities and family members who shared stories during what was called "A Celebration of Life."

Some of the celebrities who paid tribute with a song or short speech were Stevie Wonder, Yolanda Adams, Brian McKnight, Usher, Tyler Perry, Johnnie Gill, Keith Sweat, Clifton Powell, Men at Large, Rude Boys, Kelly Price and Cleveland’s own Kym Whitley.

Special tributes included Stevie Wonder and Eddie Levert singing "All I Do" and a duet of Eddie Levert and Sean Levert singing "Dance With My Father."

In addition to paying tribute to Levert, several celebrities called on the crowd of more than 6,000 to remember the importance of family.

"We got to take time to spend with these children," Eddie Levert said.

During the memorial, the crowd was also told to hug each other and continue to show love toward each other after Friday.

Judge Greg Mathis of the judge show in his name delivered the eulogy.

Mathis shared that he had lively conversations with 'G-Bear." Mathis also said he stressed to Levert the importance of his music becoming more socially relevant to what was going on in the world, like Marvin Gaye's "What’s Going On."

Mathis added that Levert answered that request with his 2004 CD "Do I Speak For The World." The CD included songs such as "Better To Talk It Out," and "Where Do We Go."

Mathis also shared the story of Job in the bible to encourage fans to keep their faith.

Job, a wealthy man in the bible who was blessed with several children, went through many difficult times but remained faithful and was blessed doubly by God.

Mathis closed by using a reference to The O'Jays "Stairway To Heaven," song by saying, "I'm sure he is climbing the stairway to heaven."




Links We Like

Sponsored Content
The first step in reducing debt is recognizing how much you have. Let us help you with the rest and get out from under your debt in 12 months. More Details

Get car insurance quotes from all the major carriers and save time an money in the process. Just enter your zip code and start saving today. More Details

Does your phone have bad reception or drop calls in your house? Then you need a Magic Jack. More Details

A degree from ITT Technical Institute can help you achieve your goals and get you started on the path towards a rewarding career. More Details

Sponsored Links

Sponsor

Sponsor

Consumer Info



Sponsored Content Provided by ARA

E-Mail News

Get E-Mail News Headlines When YOU Want Them
 Breaking News Alerts
Noon Headlines
Daily Forecast
E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters

Find Local Businesses