Usher and Stevie Wonder were among the stars who attended a memorial service for R&B singer Gerald Levert, who died earlier this month.
The 40-year-old singer, who was the son of O'Jays vocalist Eddie Levert, was famed as a member of R&B trio LeVert. He went on to fine solo success, working with soul greats like Anita Baker, Barry White (Gerald received a Grammy nomination for writing his 'Practice What You Preach' track in 1994) and Patti LaBelle.
Wonder paid tribute to the star at the Cleveland service, saying: "I'm here for you, Gerald, because I love you," while clasping Gerald’s father‘s hand. "I'm here to celebrate my love."
Usher said: "When I came here, I expected to mourn." But instead he “actually cried tears of joy.”
Eddie Levert said he was pleased his son’s memorial celebrated his son’s life, rather than be a sad event.
Tests have shown Levert had suffered from heart disease.
