When we celebrate the great contributions of music artists, we always like to give a narrative picture from those who knew them well. In our tribute of the late, great Gerald Levert, we brought a dear friend of the Grown Folks Music family, Mrs. Sheri Riley. For those not familiar with Sheri’s name, you definitely know her work. She is the founder and president of the successful entertainment consulting company, Glue, Inc., former marketing executive with Atlantic and LaFace Records and the marketing hand behind artists like TLC, Donell Jones, Usher, Toni Braxton, OutKast and of course Mr. Gerald Levert. From her story, we hope you will thoroughly enjoy this interview and gain more insight into this R&B legend. Also, catch some of Sheri’s exclusive pics with Gerald, Sean and Eddie Levert, Isaac Hayes, Phyllis Hyman, Don Cornelius and many more!
Gerald Levert, Joe N Little and friend
Gerald Levert, Sheri Levert and friends
Gerald Levert and son, LeMicah
Eddie Levert , Phyllis Hyman, Don Cornelius, Gerald Levert
Gerald Levert performing on Soul Train
Gerald Levert, Sheri Riley and friend
Gerald Levert, Isaac Hayes, Sean Levert
Gerald Levert & Sean Levert
Eddie Levert , Don Cornelius, Gerald Levert
Gerald Levert, Members of Men At Large and the Rude Boys and Michael McCary of Boy II Men
Sean Levert & Sean Levert
Eddie Levert, Gerald Levert and his girl group, 1 Of The Girls
Boyz II Men get an assist from longtime collaborator and producer Babyface on “One More Dance” and stay true to form with a beautiful melody and perfect harmony. Enjoy “One More Dance”, from Boyz II Men’s latest project Twenty.
Take 6, one of the most distinguished acappella groups, is known for their unique vocal arrangements and beautifully crafted harmonies. Trailblazing the path for groups like Boyz II Men, Take 6 has been the worthy recipient of 10 Grammy and Dove Awards and even brought their sound to the highest ranks of power at the White House. With a charge of ministry at the forefront, the group is back with their latest album, One.
What Take 6 brings to this latest project is the tried and true display of superb musicianship with a spiritual heritage. Breathing the air of their birthright paved by groups like the Jubalaires and Golden Gate Quartet, the group’s rendition of Noah brings an infusion of gospel and jazz with a perfected tempered flair. Another notable classic, What A Friend We Have in Jesus is such a jewel on the One album. Transforming its simple structure with more enriched chords and revealing a new reflective and meditative personality, Take 6 will definitely make you fall in love with this child-like tune all over again. By far the song that warmed my heart was the cut, Can’t Imagine Love Without You with Stevie Wonder. Originally created by Wonder, this song takes on another garment with the combination of Take 6’s beautifully textured harmonies with Stevie’s soulful voice. It can be best described as the happiness of childhood on your favorite swing in the springtime – purely a joy to repeat over again.
Overall, Take 6’s One album is such a wonderful album. It has a movement that sways from syncopated rhythms, rich gospel vocals and jazz complexities that are strong and compelling. When the elements come together, you can’t help but know the One who marvelously composes them all together.
Happy Valentines to all those who are taken, almost taken, taken for granted, waiting to be taken, assumed to be taken, & those who aren’t taken seriously!
Share this free download among your friends to bless them with some musical joy on this special day!
This mix contains music from:
Joe, Usher, BlackStreet, Brian McKnight, Marques Houston, Bobby Valentino, Boyz II Men, Maxwell, Tamia, Avant, Eric Roberson, Keith Sweat, Jamie Foxx, Jodeci and many more R&B-allstars.
“End Of The Road” by Boyz II Men was written and produced by Babyface, L.A. Reid and Daryl Simmons and recorded for the soundtrack to the movie Boomerang. “End Of The Road” stayed on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts at #1 for 13 consecutive weeks; breaking a record held by Elvis Presley for 36 years. The song also won two Grammy Awards. Boyz II Men is the most successful R&B group of ALL time–having sold more than 60 million albums worldwide.
“It’s another Christmas holiday. It’s a joyous thing, let the angels sing”
Although, I live in Los Angeles which has never had snow (except for the time we thought it was snowing in Compton but it was just hailing really hard and the people were making “hail” angels on their front lawns *side-eye*) I’ve always wished it would snow so I could be in the atmosphere of the flurries listening to this song sipping hot chocolate. Cliche’, I know. don’t judge me. Anyway, this happens to be another one of my favorites for the holidays.
GFM family, please enjoy this 12 Play to Christmas soulful selection by Boyz II Men ft. Brian McKnight
“Uhh Ahh”, “Ooh Wee” and “OMG”! Who knew that two words that aren’t really words could make a legitimate chorus and a certified R&B “closer” record? “Uhh Ahh” went to #1 on the R&B chart and it sounds just as dope today as it did back in the day. From their debut album, Cooleyhighharmony.
