At 82 years old, Eddie Levert—legendary frontman of the iconic R&B group The O’Jays—is finally breaking his silence and exposing the painful truths and dark secrets behind the music that defined a generation.

For decades, The O’Jays brought joy, inspiration, and soul to millions with hits like “Love Train,” “Back Stabbers,” and “For the Love of Money.”

But behind the smooth harmonies, polished performances, and chart-topping records was a complicated reality that few ever suspected. Now, Eddie Levert is pulling back the curtain and sharing what really went on behind the scenes.

As the last surviving original member of The O’Jays, Levert holds a unique perspective. He’s witnessed the group’s rise to fame, endured internal struggles, and watched many of his friends and colleagues pass on.

And while he’s always chosen to focus on the positive aspects of his career, he now feels it’s time to speak honestly—not just for himself, but for the legacy of the group.

In a recent emotional interview, Eddie opened up about the immense pressure the group faced during the height of their fame in the 1970s. “We were young, we were Black men in America, and we were getting famous fast,” he said.

“The industry didn’t prepare us for what that meant. The money, the fame, the fans—it was overwhelming. And we had to grow up in public.”

The music industry of the ’70s was notoriously cutthroat. While The O’Jays were enjoying success, Eddie revealed that they were also battling exploitation from record executives and managers.

“There were a lot of people around us making money off our name,” he said. “People we trusted. And we were too busy working, too young to really understand the business side.”

He described the emotional toll of grueling touring schedules, sometimes performing multiple shows a day with little rest. “We gave everything to our audiences,” he explained. “But behind the scenes, we were exhausted. It was hard to maintain personal relationships, and the stress was real.”

Eddie also touched on the tension that sometimes existed within the group. Although The O’Jays were known for their unity on stage, behind the scenes, personalities clashed.

“When you put three strong men together for decades, you’re gonna have disagreements,” Eddie admitted. “There were times we didn’t speak. There were times we almost broke up.”

One of the most heartbreaking parts of his confession involved the loss of his sons, Gerald and Sean Levert, both of whom followed him into the music business.

Gerald was a Grammy-winning singer in his own right, but tragically passed away in 2006 at the age of 40. Sean died just two years later, in 2008, while serving a jail sentence.

Eddie described these losses as the darkest periods of his life. “Nothing prepares you to bury your children,” he said, holding back tears. “It changed me. I carried that pain on stage every night. I still carry it.”

He also admitted that after their deaths, he considered walking away from music altogether. “I lost my joy. Music had always been healing for me, but suddenly it felt like a reminder of what I lost,” he shared. “But then I realized—I had to keep going. For them. For their legacy.”

Despite all the pain, Eddie remains proud of the impact The O’Jays have had. Their songs were not only romantic anthems but also politically conscious statements. Tracks like “Ship Ahoy” and “Give the People What They Want” reflected the struggles of African Americans during the civil rights era.

“We wanted to make music that mattered,” Eddie explained. “We wanted to say something. Not just entertain, but empower.”

Today, at 82, Eddie is still performing, still singing, and still connecting with fans. He believes his longevity is a gift and a responsibility. “God kept me here for a reason,” he said. “Maybe it’s to tell the truth. Maybe it’s to honor those who aren’t here anymore.”

As part of his effort to preserve that truth, Eddie is currently working on a memoir that will explore his life from childhood to stardom, through tragedy and perseverance. “There are things I’ve never said out loud. But I want people to know who I really am. Who we really were.”

Eddie also uses his platform to advocate for mental health awareness, especially for Black men in the entertainment industry. “We weren’t taught to talk about our feelings.

We were taught to be tough. But that’s how pain gets buried,” he said. “And buried pain doesn’t go away. It comes out in other ways—addiction, anger, isolation.”

In his later years, Eddie has become a mentor to younger artists, often reminding them to stay grounded and to learn the business. “Don’t let the fame control you,” he warns. “You control the fame. Know your worth. Know your rights. Take care of your soul.”

Even as he reveals the darker sides of fame, Eddie’s story is ultimately one of resilience. Through betrayal, grief, and immense pressure, he has continued to sing, to inspire, and to heal.

“The O’Jays were about love. Real love. The kind that survives everything,” Eddie said. “And that’s what I want to leave behind—a legacy of truth, of music, of love.”

As he prepares to take a final bow someday, Eddie Levert’s voice—just like his spirit—remains unbreakable. And now that the secrets are no longer hidden, fans around the world can finally understand the man behind the music in all his raw, soulful truth.

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