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| The O'Jays |
| The group was originally formed as The Mascots in Canton, Ohio in 1958 by gospel duo Eddie Levert (b. June 16, 1942) and Walter Williams (b. August 25, 1942). Also featuring William Powell, Bobby Massey and Bill Isles, The Mascots made their recording debut in 1961 with "Miracles." The group made quite an impression on Cleveland D.J. Eddie O'Jay, who played their single often and gave them career advice. In return, they paid tribute to him by renaming themselves The O'Jays. In the early 1960's, The O'Jays recorded several singles with producer Don Davis for Apollo Records before moving to Imperial where they would record with producer/writer H.B. Barnum from 1963 to 1967.
In 1965 Isles left the group, leaving them a quartet. After moving to Bell Records in 1967 and recording the No. 8 R&B hit, "I'll Be Sweeter Tomorrow," the band started to become discouraged and considered retirement, but the following year they were signed to Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff's label, Neptune. The combination of The O'Jay's vocal skills and the production talents of Gamble and Huff proved to be a successful one and they would continue to collaborate well into the 1980's. At Neptune, the group recorded four hits, including "One Night Affair" and "Looky Looky (Look at Me, Girl)," before the label folded in 1971. By the time they signed to Gamble and Huff's new Philadelphia International label, Massey had left the group. It was on the Philadelphia International label that The O'Jays' career skyrocketed. Their muscular vocal stylings, combined with their awesome showmanship have enabled The O'Jays to perform to sellout crowds worldwide. For the next seven years after the 1972 release of "Back Stabbers," The O'Jays had a gold or platinum record every year and garnered three Grammy nominations for Best R&B Vocal Group. Unfortunately, there were dark spots in this successful era: in 1975, overwhelmed by terminal cancer, Powell was forced to leave the band; he died in Canton two years later. Sammy Strain (b. December 9, 1941), a 12-year veteran of Little Anthony and the Imperials, became his replacement. With a staying power that outlasted fellow Ohio funk outfit the Ohio Players, The O'Jays continued to release hits all the way through the 1980's and into the 1990's including "Love Fever" (1985), "Let Me Touch You" (1987), "Serious" (1989) and "Emotionally Yours" (1991). In 1990, the group won an American Music Award for Favorite R&B Group or Duo for their hit album, "Emotionally Yours." With six platinum and eight gold LPs including, "Family Reunion," "Message In The Music," "Ship Ahoy," "So Full Of Love" and "Travelin' At The Speed Of Thought," the talented trio has proven the test of time. Strain left the band in 1993 and was replaced by Nathaniel Best (b. December 13, 1960) before the release of yet another R&B Top 10 album, "Heartbreaker" (1993). Newest member, Eric Grant, is proud to be included as part of The O'Jays legacy. "The O'Jays have been a soul music staple for more than 40 years and I feel this album will introduce us to a new generation of listeners." Eric commenting on the 1999 release of the groups 28th (not including compilations and best of's etc.) album "Smooth Love." All though the group covers many styles of music, it is their songs from 1972: "Back Stabbers," "Love Train," 1975: "I Love Music," and 1978: "Used Ta Be My Girl" that have earned them their place in The DiscoMuseum. In addition to the success of The O'Jays, Eddie Levert is also the father of Gerald and Sean who formed the hit R&B group Levert in 1982. With more than 50 singles released spanning a 40+ year career, The O'Jays have earned the right to be called "living legends." |
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