Eddie Levert, at 82, Unveils the Heartbreaking Secrets Behind The O’Jays’ Success and Tragedy
Eddie Levert, the iconic frontman of The O’Jays, has enjoyed monumental success but endured deep personal and professional losses. Behind the soulful melodies lies a story of resilience, heartbreak, and dark secrets that shaped the group’s legacy.
The O’Jays’ journey began in Canton, Ohio, in the late 1950s. Eddie and his high school friends—Walter Williams, William Powell, Bobby Massey, and Bill Isles—formed a group as a means of escape from the racial challenges of the time.
They first called themselves The Triumphs, later The Mascots, before settling on The O’Jays to honor a supportive DJ, Eddie O’Jay. Despite their talent, they faced severe financial struggles early in their careers, often signing unfair contracts with exploitative managers and record labels.
One of the darkest chapters in their history involved Frank “Frankie” Little Jr., a guitarist who briefly played with the band in the early 1970s. Frank was not only a musician but also a friend and an integral part of their early sound. Tragically, he disappeared under mysterious circumstances. For decades, his whereabouts remained unknown.
In 1982, workers in Twinsburg, Ohio, discovered human remains in a wooded area. Forensic analysis determined the remains belonged to a Black male in his 20s or 30s, with evidence pointing to a violent death. However, the identity of the remains remained a mystery for nearly 40 years.
The case was reopened in 2009, and by 2019, Detective Eric Hendershot employed advanced forensic techniques, including genetic genealogy. This method led investigators to Margaret O’Sullivan, a relative of Frank Little Jr. With DNA confirmation, authorities finally identified the remains as belonging to Frank in 2021. His death was ruled a homicide, but the circumstances and the perpetrator remain unknown.
The revelation reopened old wounds for Eddie Levert and the remaining members of The O’Jays. Frank’s untimely death robbed the music world of a promising talent. Eddie lamented, “He could have been a great in the music business. I never thought something like this would happen to him.”
Eddie’s pain extends beyond Frank’s loss. He has also endured the devastating deaths of his sons, Gerald and Sean Levert, who died tragically just a few years apart. Despite these personal tragedies, Eddie and The O’Jays persevered, pouring their pain into timeless music that defined generations.
From financial struggles and personal losses to the unsolved mysteries that shadow their success, The O’Jays’ story is one of triumph over adversity. Eddie Levert’s candid reflections shed light on the burdens of fame, the toll of the music industry, and the resilience that kept them going through it all. Despite everything, their music remains a beacon of hope and a testament to their enduring legacy.
