By Remy Franklin
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 9/9/19 – The GRAMMY® Museum hosted a special evening with The O’Jays — Eddie Levert Sr., Walter Williams Sr. and Eric Nolan Grant — at the museum’s Clive Davis Theater, on August 29 hosted by Scott Goldman, Executive Director of the GRAMMY® Museum; and the group will be inducted into the Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame in a special ceremony held on October 22.
Original and founding members Eddie Levert Sr. and Walter Williams Sr., who met in their youth and have been lifelong friends as well as bandmates; and Eric Nolan Grant, who joined the group in 1995, continue to thrill fans today.
Courtesy of the Recording Academy™/photo by Alison Buck, Getty Images © 2019.
On The O’Jays’ recently released new album on S-Curve Records/BMG – The Last Word – the group continues to take on social injustice with a message of love, as it provides a critical look at the precarious state of social and criminal justice in America. As elder statesmen, the group has experienced much throughout their lives, from the civil rights movement, to the rising economic inequality, and the erosion of democratic norms. On the album, they are sharing their perspective on the state of the country, as well as the world; offering up some words of wisdom for the next generation before exiting the stage.
Their latest nine-track album was produced by GRAMMY® nominated producers Steve Greenberg, Mike Mangini and R&B legend Betty Wright (the trio behind Joss Stone’s “Soul Sessions”), along with songwriter and record producer Sam Hollander (Panic! At the Disco, Weezer, Neon Trees). The album includes singles such as Above The Law, Stand Up (Show Love), and the Bruno Mars and Patrick Monahan-penned Enjoy Yourself.
During their talk with Scott Goldman at The GRAMMY® Museum, Levert shared that releasing The Last Word felt like a “second coming”. “[The recording of the album] was instigated by Mr. Toby Ludwig, our manager, and Mr. Steve Greenberg at S-Curve Records,” continued Levert, “They just kept telling us over and over again ‘You guys need to cut a record and let them know you’re still in the business’”.
Throughout their career, The O’Jays have achieved 10 Gold albums, nine Platinum albums and 10 #1 hits; and were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. They were also inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2005, and were honored with BET’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009. In 2013, they were inducted into The Official R&B Music Hall of Fame.
With a remarkable track record that has spanned six decades, The O’Jays are an unforgettable part of pop culture and remain one of today’s influential music acts.
