ARTISTS OF THE WEEK: The O’Jays

PROFILE: The O’Jays are an American R&B group from Canton Ohio, formed in 1958. The group consists of Eddie Levert, Walter Williams and William Powell. The O’Jays are still hitting the road with the same electrifying energy that they have had for over 50 years.

DID YOU KNOW?

Walter Williams and Eddie Levert first met when they were the ages of 6 and 7. As teenagers they formed a band originally consisting of Eddie Levert, Walter Williams, William Powell, Bobby Masses and Bill Isles. In 1963, the band took the name “The O’Jays” in tribute to Cleveland radio disc jockey Eddie O’Jay. Several members have changed, but the core, original lead singers, Eddie Levert and Walter Williams, continue to front the group. (MightyOJays.com)
The O’Jays were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. They were also inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2005 and honored with BET’s Life Time Achievement Awared in 2009. In 2003, they were inducted into The Official R&B Music Hall of Fame. Today, the songs of the O’Jays are still being used in many movies, commercials and TV shows. (MightyOJays.com)
Walter Williams could be considered a hero as he has battled Multiple Sclerosis or “MS” for 30 years and continues to execute his dance moves with perfection when performing onstage with the group. Walter is also a volunteer National Ambassador for the MS Society and a spokesperson for MS Active Source. (MightyOJays.com)
Eddie Levert teamed up with his son Gerald for a duet on “Baby Hold On To Me,” which hit number one on the R&B charts.

DISCOGRAPHY:
Top 20 Singles: