The Tragic Lives Behind The O’Jays’ Legendary Sound: What You Didn’t Know

The O’Jays’ story begins in 1958 when a group of ambitious teenagers—Eddie Levert, Walter Williams, William Powell, Bobby Massey, and Bill Isles—formed a doo-wop group in Canton, Ohio.

Initially called The Triumphs, then The Mascots, they struggled for years performing covers and hustling for any opportunity.

Their big break came after signing with King Records, but early success was limited.

The pressures of the grind led Bobby Massey and Bill Isles to leave, leaving Eddie, Walter, and William as the core trio.

Their move to Philadelphia in 1972 marked a turning point.

Working with legendary producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, the O’Jays became pioneers of the Philadelphia soul sound.

Hits like “Backstabbers,” “Love Train,” and “For the Love of Money” transformed them into industry heavyweights.

Yet, the journey to fame took a toll on their health and personal lives.

William Powell’s story is one of heartbreaking loss.

Diagnosed with colon cancer in the mid-1970s, Powell battled fatigue, pain, and weakness while still performing.

His determination couldn’t overcome the disease’s progression, and by 1976 he stepped away from the group.

Powell passed away in 1977 at just 35 years old, leaving a void in the O’Jays’ sound and spirit.

His death was a devastating blow to his bandmates and fans alike.

Walter Williams faced his own health crisis decades later.

In 2009, he began experiencing chronic pain and symptoms that led to a diagnosis of spinal stenosis—a narrowing of the spine causing intense pain and mobility issues.

For a performer whose career depended on energy and stamina, this was a severe setback.

Despite trying various treatments, including steroids, nothing provided lasting relief.

Walter made the difficult choice to step back from performing in 2010 to focus on recovery.

Through physical therapy and sheer determination, he gradually regained enough strength to return to the stage by 2012, though not fully to his former self.

Eddie Levert’s battles were more personal yet equally devastating.

He lost two sons in tragic circumstances.

Gerald Levert, a talented solo artist and part of the group LeVert, died suddenly in 2006 at age 40 from an accidental overdose of prescription and over-the-counter medications.

The loss shattered Eddie, as Gerald was not only his son but also a close collaborator and friend.

Barely two years later, Eddie’s younger son Shawn Levert died at 39 under even more tragic circumstances.

While incarcerated for unpaid child support, Shawn fell ill and exhibited distressing behavior.

Despite being taken to a hospital, he passed away from complications related to sarcoidosis and withdrawal from anxiety medication.

Questions about the quality of care he received behind bars remain unanswered.

Losing both sons in such a short span tested Eddie’s faith and resilience deeply.

The O’Jays also faced significant financial and legal challenges throughout their careers.

Early contracts with King Records were notoriously unfair, leaving the group with little financial reward despite their growing fame.

Even after signing with Philadelphia International Records and achieving commercial success, they grappled with royalty disputes, ownership battles, and exploitation by unscrupulous managers.

As the music industry evolved through the 1980s and ’90s, the O’Jays struggled to balance their signature soulful sound with changing trends like disco, new wave, and hip-hop.

Walter Williams, often the group’s lead singer alongside Eddie, wrestled with maintaining artistic integrity while staying commercially viable.

The pressure to produce hits, tour relentlessly, and adapt creatively weighed heavily on the group.

Despite these hardships, the O’Jays remained committed to their music and fans.

Their albums like Backstabbers (1972) and Ship Ahoy (1973) not only achieved commercial success but also helped define an era.

Their socially conscious lyrics tackled themes of injustice, betrayal, and love, giving their songs timeless relevance.

Their influence extended beyond music, helping pave the way for Black artists’ representation in mainstream media.

In 2005, their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame finally cemented their legacy as trailblazers of American music.

Today, the O’Jays’ music continues to resonate across generations, played in clubs, on the radio, and covered by countless artists.

Their story is a testament to perseverance through personal tragedy, industry exploitation, and creative challenges.

Behind the joyous melodies was a band that endured profound loss and hardship but never lost sight of their passion and purpose.

The O’Jays’ legacy is not just in their hits but in their resilience—the ability to create beauty and meaning despite life’s cruelest trials.

Their music remains a timeless reminder of what great soul and R&B should be: honest, heartfelt, and enduring.