Formerly known as The Triumphs & The Mascots, The O’Jays formed in 1958 out of Canton, Ohio consisting of original group members Eddie Levert, William Powell, Bobby Massey, Walter Williams, and Bill Isles. The group, which led off their career with the 1963 chart-topping smash hit “Lonely Drifter,” made their debut into the music business with the group project “Coming Through.”
Over the course of the years, The O’Jays celebrated R&B success with such soulful gems as “Lipstick Traces” – which was performed on the ABC television program, “Shivaree” – “Deeper In Love With You,” “I Love Music,” “Darlin Darlin Baby,” “992 Arguments,” “Love Train,” “Let It All Out,” and the group’s first million-seller and culture classic, “Back Stabbers.”
In 1977, original group member William Powell died of cancer at the age of 35. One year later, Sammy Strain of Little Anthony & The Imperials joined The O’Jays fold. To date, The O’Jays have released 24 LPs, 11 of which have been certified Gold and four certified Platinum.
To commemorate the massive success over the course of their career, The O’Jays will be honored at the 2009 BET Awards, airing live on Sunday, June 28th in Los Angeles, Calif. Executive Vice President of Entertainment and Music Programming at BET, Stephen Hill’s sentiments toward the group not only echo his feelings, but that of an entire generation:
“I love the O’Jays for their unbeatable combination of the gruff and the smooth,” Hill revealed to BET.com. “Eddie Levert anchors the trio with that raspy ‘come here woman!’ tone while Walt Williams chills it out with his ‘stay here (please) woman’ crooning. But more than just love songs, The O’Jays are all about social awareness and conditions and Black unity. “Family Reunion,” “Put Your Hands Together,” “Love Train” and others, made music a message.”