Edward Willis Levert (born June 16, 1942) is an American singer–songwriter and actor. Levert is best known as the lead vocalist of the group, The O’Jays.

Levert was born in Bessemer, Alabama, but was raised in Canton, Ohio, where he moved to at the age of 6. He attended church regularly and eventually joined the church choir. As Levert continued singing into his teenage years, he became a recognized voice in the church choir, sang in school plays and performed regularly on a gospel radio show.

By the time he reached high school, young Levert knew that singing was what he wanted to do, teaming up with classmates Walter Williams, William Powell, Bobby Massey and Bill Isles to form a group called the Triumphs. The Triumphs played locally in Canton opening for different acts, playing sock hops and just about everything that came up. Their big break came when The Triumphs traveled to Cincinnati to canvas King Records. King Records President Sid Nathan, immediately impressed, changed their name to The Mascots and signed them to his label. The Mascots’ popularity grew as their songs could be heard with increased frequency on Cleveland radio stations.

In 1969, The O’Jays signed with Philadelphia International Records where they released hit after hit and were propelled to stardom. The O’Jays later signed with EMI-Manhattan Records and Levert and Williams began co-writing and producing their own tracks. Their EMI debut album, “Let Me Touch You”, went to number three R&B and boasted “Lovin’ You,” the number one R&B hit from the summer 1987.