If you ever yearn for a day when music returns to amazing lyrics, surrounded by incredible melodies all sung by people with real talent, you are not alone. Modern music lacks soul and purpose and quite often is forgettable. But coming to a city near you is a blast from the past, thrilling audiences with the sweet sounds that helped define a generation.
The Levert Experience comprises the music trio of Marc Gordon, Dave Tolliver, and Joe Little. The group came together to pay homage to the great Gerald Levert. Levert dominated the charts with his music back in the ‘80s and ’90s. Gordon is one of the original members of LeVert, Little is a member of the Rude Boys, and Tolliver is with the group Men at Large. All of them hail from the Gerald Levert tree of music.
Levert was the son of Eddie Levert, lead singer of the R&B/soul vocal group the O’Jays. He released nine solo albums, six as a member of LeVert, two with his father, and two as a member of LSG. Levert was also credited with the discovery of R&B groups the Rude Boys, Men at Large, and One of the Girls. Levert was also part of the R&B groups Black Men United and LSG.
The idea of putting the trio together came from the music manager Al Nolen and AB Walker. The managers had been trying to get them to perform on the Tom Joyner Cruise but could never put anything together. They finally were able to perform on the cruise in 2024 and the tour was born.
“This all came together after we were asked to perform on a Tom Joyner Cruise,” Dave Tolliver said. “After that, the phone started to ring, and we have been going strong ever since.”
The trio all take turns singing some of their own music and songs by Gerald Levert. The mission of the tour is to keep the music alive and to pay tribute to the legend of Levert.
“Because of how the songs speak to the public and individuals, it feels like everything is coming back full circle,” Gordon said. “The ‘80s and ‘90s were such a fun period of life and we get the chance to bring that joy back to our audiences.”
Performing timeless music also allows today’s generation of listeners the opportunity to rediscover great music.
“We are having a ball with the response from everyone who comes to see the show and we really appreciate the chance to do this at a high level,” Little said.
And they are. The LeVert Experience is touring around the country and is filling dates as the summer nears.
“It’s such a beautiful thing to be able to perform with these brothers because we all come from the same place,” Gordon said.
That place is Cleveland, Ohio where they are all from and began their music careers. The fact that they all got their start under Gerald Levert makes The LeVert Experience even more special.
“We still hear those great songs from time to time on the radio, but it feels really good to bring them back in front of live audiences,” Little said.
When you see The LeVert Experience, you’ll have a chance to hear songs from all the groups. Most of the show is comprised of songs from the group LeVert, but there are also songs like “So Alone,” originally from Men At Large. “Written All Over Your Face,” originally from the Rude Boys, and finally music from the group LeVert.
“The timing for this could not have been better,” Tolliver said. “We know we have something special going and we’re blessed to still be in a position to be able to perform.”
And perform as they do. If you’re looking for an enjoyable time, great music, and an awesome show, be sure to look out for The LeVert Experience coming to your town soon. ●
