Eddie Levert, the legendary lead singer of the R&B group The O’Jays, is recovering from a severe case of COVID-19 that he contracted while rehearsing for the group’s farewell tour in July 2022. The 80-year-old vocalist missed several shows due to his illness and is still not well enough to perform as of September 2022. His fans and fellow group members are praying for his speedy recovery and hope to see him back on stage soon.
Eddie Levert’s COVID-19 Diagnosis
Eddie Levert was preparing for The Last Stop on the Love Train Tour, the final tour of The O’Jays, when he tested positive for COVID-19. The tour was scheduled to start on June 18, 2022, in Columbus, Ohio, but Levert had to cancel his appearance due to his health condition. According to SoulTracks, group members Walter Williams and Eric Nolan announced the news to the audience and requested prayers for Levert. Nolan said, “Eddie Levert was coming to rehearsals every single day, and he was preparing himself for this moment right here. And then he contracted COVID. So he’s under a doctor’s care and he’s doing pretty good, he’s coming along.”
Eddie Levert’s Recovery Process
Eddie Levert has been under medical supervision since his diagnosis and is slowly recovering from the virus. However, he is still not fit enough to resume his performances and has been absent from the tour. The O’Jays released a statement in July 2022, saying, “Sadly, our very own Eddie Levert caught a severe case of Covid while rehearsing for The Last Stop on The Love Train Tour. He is recovering, and expects to be back on the road soon, but is still not quite well enough to perform.” The group also thanked the fans for their support and love and asked them to keep Levert in their prayers.
Eddie Levert’s Legacy and Future Plans
Eddie Levert is one of the most influential and respected singers in the history of R&B music. He has been the frontman of The O’Jays since 1958 and has recorded numerous hits with the group, such as “Love Train”, “Back Stabbers”, “For the Love of Money”, and “Use ta Be My Girl”. He has also released solo albums and collaborated with his sons Gerald and Sean Levert, who both passed away in 2006 and 2008, respectively. He has won several awards and honors, including a Grammy, a BET Lifetime Achievement Award, and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Eddie Levert has expressed his desire to continue singing and entertaining his fans, despite his age and health challenges. He has said that he does not plan to retire after the farewell tour and that he has more music to share with the world. He has also hinted at a possible biopic about his life and career, saying, “I think it’s time for people to know the real story of Eddie Levert and The O’Jays.”