When it comes to classic R&B, The O’Jays are impossible to overlook. Long before they became international icons, they were simply five high school friends from Canton, Ohio, chasing a dream. Eddie Levert, Walter Williams, William Powell, Bobby Massey, and Bill Isles came together in 1958 to form a group that would go on to transform soul music forever. From neighborhood stages to the world’s spotlight, they didn’t just make hits, they made history.
Each of the original members brought their own gift to the group. Eddie Levert delivered a powerhouse voice filled with passion and grit. Walter Williams balanced that energy with smooth harmonies and effortless stage presence. William Powell’s strong, steady vocals added depth until his untimely passing in 1977. Bobby Massey provided a rich baritone during the early years before departing in the 1970s, and Bill Isles helped shape the foundation of the group in its earliest days before leaving in the mid-1960s.
The lineup shifted over time, but the soul of The O’Jays never faded. Guided by Levert and Williams, the group rose to become one of the most celebrated names in R&B, defining an entire era with their sound. Songs like “Love Train,” “Back Stabbers,” and “For the Love of Money” were more than chart-toppers; they were cultural anthems. Their music spoke to unity, trust, and struggles, blending sharp social messages with irresistible grooves. Listeners were moved not only by the words but by the sheer power of their harmonies and the energy of their rhythms.
Beyond the studio, The O’Jays commanded the stage. Their appearances on Soul Train became legendary, and their concerts around the world left audiences inspired and uplifted. Every performance was more than entertainment; it was passion, truth, and celebration wrapped in music. Their songs became woven into daily life, from cookouts to weddings to quiet moments of reflection, shaping memories for generations.
What makes their story even more remarkable is that it’s still being written. Eddie Levert, now 83, continues to perform with the same conviction and fire that first carried the group out of Canton. His longevity is proof that a true soul doesn’t fade; it only deepens with time.
The O’Jays are not just a chapter in R&B history; they are the story itself. They showed the world that a group of young men from Ohio could create music powerful enough to cross borders, cultures, and generations. Every time an O’Jays record spins, it carries the legacy of five friends from Canton who believed their voices could change the world, and they did.
