'Gerald and Sean Levert grew up vocalizing together in Cleveland, Ohio under the inspiration of their father Eddie Levert Sr. - lead singer with the legendary O'Jays. "I always sang, beginning when I was real little," says Gerald, the group's chief lyricist. "I never sang in church, but began by mimicking my father." Eddie encouraged his sons, letting them help out on tours and buying them recording equipment. By the time Gerald was 12, he and his father would often spend long hours singing in the basement of the family's Shaker Heights home. '


i'd read this before and in greater detail; from what i understand, though, gerald (and possibly eddie as well) was never a part of the black american church experience- and yet still sounds like he's gotta lotta gospel in his voice.