CLEVELAND -- Before his sudden death, Gerald Levert was working to complete a book about his life, a family member said.

Levert, 40, was found dead in his bed at his Newbury home Friday when a cousin was trying to wake him for an interview in connection with the book.

The book was co-written with his father, Eddie Levert, and author Lyah LeFlore. It is entitled, "I Got Your Back."

The book includes talk "about their failures, concerns, fears, and triumphs as father and son and a powerful message of reconciliation for broken families," according to representatives with the W&W Public Relations firm.

It's unclear when the book will be released.

Levert had also recently completed an CD, which is likely to be released in early 2007.

According to W&W representatives, Levert recently completed a highly successful tour of South Africa with his father. They performed at three sold-out concerts and spent time with the Mandela Family.

Levert grew up in Shaker Heights and never moved away from the Cleveland area after his fame and notoriety as an R&B artist.

Paying Tribute

As part of the memorial service set for Friday, Levert's father, Eddie Levert, will perform a duet with Gerald's younger brother, Sean, at the memorial.

The memorial, which is called "A Celebration of Life," is set for noon at the Music Hall. The doors will open at 11 a.m. Seating will be on a first-come-first-served basis.

Levert first gained fame in 1986 as a member of the R&B trio LeVert, which also included his brother, Sean, and childhood friend Marc Gordon. They quickly racked up hits like "(Pop, Pop, Pop, Pop) Goes My Mind," "Casanova," and "Baby I'm Ready."

Eddie Levert is a member of the Rock 'n' Roll Hall Of Fame inducted O'Jays.

Over Levert's two-decade music career, he sold millions of albums and had numerous R&B hits.

Other performers are expected to pay tribute at the memorial. They include Stevie Wonder, Angie Stone, Angela Winbush and Johnny Gill. Gill was a member of LSG, a trio formed between Keith Sweat, Gerald Levert and Gill.

A heart attack is suspected, but an official cause of death has not been determined. An autopsy was performed, and official results are pending. Levert's remains will be cremated.

In lieu of flowers, the Levert family is asking that donations be made to the R&B Foundation. Checks should be written in the name of the R&B Foundation and forwarded to Andy Gibson c/o Trevel Productions, Inc., 13816 Cedar Road, University Heights, OH 44118.

Cards may be sent in c/o:

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