Ohio's Very Own: Classic Photos & Footage Of The Legendary Eddie Levert

Source: Derrick Salters/WENN.com / WENN

Wishing a happy birthday to one of Ohio’s very own! Eddie Levert, lead vocalist of The O’Jays, celebrates 79 years of life today. Born in Bessemer, Alabama, but was raised in Canton, Ohio, Levert stood out in the church choir, participated in school plays and performed regularly on a gospel radio show.

Accolades throughout his professional career include four Grammy Nominations, an American Music Award, an NAACP Award and a host of other honors highlighting his contributions to music. In 2005, he was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.

Today we celebrate this music icon with a gallery of photos and video footage from his legendary music career.

1. THE BET HONORS 2016

2. Gerald & Eddie LeVert "Baby Hold On To Me" (1991)

3. National Museum of African American Music 2016 Black Music Honors

4. Eddie & Gerald LeVert Perform "Wind Beneath My Wings"

5. Walter Williams, Eric Grant and Eddie Levert 

6. Miami Mayor Tomas Regaldo, Don King & Eddie Levert

7. NBA legend Alonzo Mourning and Eddie

8. BET's 2014 Celebration Of Gospel

9. Julius Erving Golf Classic

Julius Erving Golf Classic – Arrivals

10. 2016 BET Honors

11. Apollo Theater's 2016 Spring Gala

12. The O'Jays "Forever Mine"

13. Eddie and Walter Williams Sr arriving for 'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert'

14. Epic "My Girl" Sing-Off: Smokey Robinson & Eddie Levert

15. Eddie Levert and family at The 2012 Soul Train Awards

16. "Already Missing You" Eddie Levert Live

17. The O’Jays "Backstabbers"

18. 79 years of life – A BLESSING!

19. Eddie Levert: A music legend

20. "I Love Music" The O'Jays (1975)