Eddie Levert Sr. and Omar Wilson: Defining Timeless R&B Legacy

Soulful voices, heartfelt lyrics, and timeless melodies have defined R&B music for generations. Few artists have embodied this spirit better than Eddie Levert, Sr., the legendary lead singer of The O’Jays, whose voice helped shape the soundtrack of soul music for over five decades. Recently, Eddie sat down with me for The Hype Magazine #LiveSessions to share his wisdom about creating timeless music, the evolution of R&B, and the importance of legacy. Joining him was Omar Wilson, a rising star co-signed by Eddie, who is carrying forward the torch of soulful tradition with a fresh perspective.

This interview recap explores our insightful conversation, highlighting the essence of timeless music, mentorship, and the future of R&B. You can watch the entire session below, unedited to understand the synergy of these two and celebrate with us the tradition of the trailblazer endorsing and passing the torch to the next young dynamo! We had a great time, and the interview turned into a conversation instead…

The Legacy of Eddie Levert Senior: An Enduring Voice in Soul Music

Eddie Levert Senior’s voice is synonymous with classics like Love Train, Backstabbers, and For the Love of Money. As a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and recipient of multiple lifetime achievement awards, Eddie has influenced countless artists and remains deeply connected to his craft.

Despite decades in the industry, Eddie’s passion for singing and creating music remains vibrant. He attributes this to the timeless nature of the songs and the ongoing relativity of their messages.

“I still get a kick out of singing the songs because they’re timeless and still haven’t lost their merit.”  “When people hear it, they react like it just played on the radio.”

When asked about the secret to creating a “forever song,” Eddie emphasizes relativity. A timeless song reflects universal experiences—feelings and situations that resonate across generations.

“A song is timeless when people can say, ‘I’ve experienced that,’ whether now or years ago. It’s about writing something that is always relevant.”

Eddie Levert’s New Music: Bridging Classic Soul with Modern Sounds

Eddie’s latest single, I Want to Love on You, exemplifies his ability to blend classic soul with contemporary flair. Inspired by everyday expressions of affection, the song captures the warmth and intimacy that define soulful music.

“It’s a phrase people say—‘I want to love on you’—to anyone they care about, whether a child, a partner, or a friend.”

According to Eddie, he connects this to family traditions of expressing love, reminding us of the simple, heartfelt ways we show affection.

Reflecting on R&B’s progression, Eddie notes a shift toward explicitness and less mystery in modern music compared to earlier eras.

“Nowadays, songs don’t leave anything to the imagination. They say everything plainly, and that takes away some of the artistry.”

He contrasts this with rap music, which he describes as today’s message music but similarly too explicit in revealing everything. For Eddie, subtlety, flirtation, and emotional storytelling remain vital to soul music’s power.

Mentorship and the Next Generation: Omar Wilson’s Rise

Omar Wilson, a talented young artist, who also had a #1 single with the late Angie Stone, Get to Know You, recently caught Eddie’s attention by reimagining Gerald Levert’s iconic song Baby I’m Ready. Gerald, Eddie’s late son, was a legend in his own right, and Omar’s passionate cover earned him Eddie’s personal co-sign.

“Omar had the nerve to cover one of Gerald’s records, and he did it with passion, not deviating much but making it his own,” Eddie said with admiration.

Eddie’s mentorship is grounded in three key qualities: Voice, passion, and descriptiveness.

“You’ve got to feel the song and the words. It’s about making the song resonate so people can feel you,” Eddie explains.

Omar reflects on the significance of covering Baby I’m Ready as a spiritual and artistic milestone.

“This song has been ringing in my spirit for about a decade. It’s part of my job to reinvigorate legendary songs and show what real emotion feels like.”

He adds that Eddie’s co-sign feels like the ultimate validation:

“This is my Grammy, my Magna Cum Laude moment.”

The Emotional Heart of R&B: Vulnerability and Humanity

Both Eddie and Omar stress the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in creating soulful music. Eddie encourages artists to be unapologetically themselves.

“You can’t be ashamed to show who you are,” Eddie affirms. “That’s what connects you to people.”

Omar adds that love songs, often underestimated, are powerful expressions of humanity and strength.

“At first, I thought singing love songs was ‘soft,’ but then I realized that the greatest, most alpha male artists sang love songs. It’s about showing emotion and being real.”

They also reflect on how music has historically been a medium for expressing social issues and personal struggles. Eddie recalls artists like Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield, who gave voice to black angst during turbulent times, showing how soul music can heal and unite.

The Importance of Legacy and Connection with Fans

Eddie humbly distinguishes between awards and the real reward of music—the connection with fans.

“Awards sit on the wall, but the reaction of the fans when I perform is worth more than a million awards.”

The loss of his son Gerald remains personal and profound for Eddie, but he honors his memory by maintaining high standards and passion in his work.

“I try to make him proud by holding onto the legacy and giving people what they want,” Eddie shares.

The Future of R&B: Lessons and Hopes from Eddie and Omar

Eddie offers advice for longevity in music: be all in, practice consistently, and live the music.

“You can’t half-step. It has to be part of your DNA, natural and real.”

Omar echoes this dedication and commits to carrying the lineage forward with passion and respect.

“Every time I’m on stage, I sing like it’s the last day on this planet.”

They both affirm that soul music, rooted in feeling and emotion, will never die as long as artists continue to pour their hearts into their craft.

“Even if you don’t speak the language, the feeling and intent will captivate you,” Eddie states.

Key Takeaways from this Conversation That Bridges Generations

This heartfelt exchange between Eddie Levert, Sr. and Omar Wilson showcases the essence of what makes R&B timeless—authenticity, passion, relatability, and emotional connection. Eddie’s legacy as a master storyteller continues to inspire, while Omar carries the torch into the future. Together, they remind us that music remains a living testament to human experience, transcending time and bridging generations.

Watch the exclusive and entertaining Live Session below…we welcome your thoughts and comments!

FAQ

Who is Eddie Levert Senior?
Eddie Levert Senior is the legendary lead singer of The O’Jays, known for classics like Love Train and Backstabbers. He’s a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer with a career spanning over five decades.

What makes a song timeless according to Eddie Levert?
Timeless songs are those that resonate with listeners across generations, reflecting universal and ongoing life experiences.

How has R&B evolved over time?
Eddie notes that modern R&B tends to be more explicit and direct, lacking the subtlety and mystery that characterized earlier soul music.

Who is Omar Wilson?
Omar Wilson is a rising R&B artist co-signed by Eddie Levert Senior. He gained recognition for his passionate cover of Gerald Levert’s Baby I’m Ready and is seen as a new voice carrying forward the soul legacy.

What advice does Eddie give to new artists?
He advises having a strong voice, passion, and the ability to emotionally connect with songs and audiences. He stresses the importance of practicing and living the craft genuinely.