The O’Jays are touring history, a connection to an era and a sound that formed the soundtrack for the lives of several generations. The O’Jays are still hitting the road with the same electrifying energy they’ve had for over 50 years.Walter Williams and Eddie Levert first met when they were the ages of 6 and 7 respectively. As teenagers in Canton, Ohio, they formed a band originally consisting of Eddie Levert, Walter Williams, William Powell, Bobby Massey, and Bill Isles. In 1963, the band took the name “The O’Jays” in tribute to Cleveland radio disc jockey Eddie O’Jay. Several members have changed, but the core, original lead singers Eddie Levert and Walter Williams, continue to front the group.In 1972, Gamble & Huff, a team of producers and songwriters with whom the O’Jays had been working for several years, signed the group to their Philadelphia International label. With this magic formula, often called The Sound of Philadelphia, The O’Jays scored the first number 1 and million-seller, “Backstabbers.” Subsequently, they succeeded with various chart-topping pop and R&B singles including“Love Train”, “Put Your Hands Together”, “For The Love of Money”, “I Love Music”, “Darlin’ Darlin’Baby (Sweet, Tender, Love)”, “Livin’ For The Weekend” and “Use Ta Be My Girl.” This success propelled The O’Jays to be the first black vocal group to perform in arenas throughoutAmerica during the 70s and80s.Eddie and Walter have a rare lifelong bond that few of us will ever experience; friends and partners for almost 65 years. “We still appreciate our friendship, dedication to each other and the group, and our love for good music.” Walter continues, “We probably could have had great solo careers, but I don think either one of us could have ever have been as big as The O’Jays.” Walter Williams could be considered a hero as he has battled Multiple Sclerosis or “MS” for 30 years and continues to execute his dance moves with perfection when performing on-stage with the group. Walter is also a volunteer national ambassador for the MS Society and a spokesperson for MS Active Source. Eddie Levert is known for his raspy voice and has a range that takes him from alto to second tenor. Levert teamed up with his son Gerald for a duet on “Baby Hold On To Me”, which hit number one on the R&B charts. Eddie has also mentored his very successful sons Gerald and Sean who became major forces in the music industry.The O’Jays were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. They were inducted into the vocal group Hall of Fame in 2005 and honored with BET’s Life Time Achievement Award in 2009. In 2013, they were inducted into The Official R&B Music Hall of Fame. Today, the songs of The O’Jays are still being used in many movies, commercials, and TV shows. “For The Love of Money” continues to be the theme song for “The Apprentice.”Eddie Levert Sr., Walter Williams Sr. and Eric Nolan Grant, who joined the group in 1995, continue to thrill fans today. Throughout their career, The O’Jays have achieved 10 Gold albums, 9 Platinum albums, and 10 #1 hits. It’s been a long journey but thanks to the fans the LOVE TRAIN is still going strongPurchase Tickets & Directions
To purchase tickets visit our box office, charge by phone at 713-772-5900 or ticketmaster.comArena Theatre
7326 Southwest Freeway (Hwy. 59)
Houston, TX 77074
Click here for Google Map
Neighborhoods: Sharpstown, WestsideArena Theatre is conveniently located on Southwest Freeway between the Galleria and Sugar Land. Exit either Bellaire Blvd or Fondren Rd, and look for Boxer Property’s two Arena Place dark brown office buildings. Look for the Flags on top of the towers or the Westwood College sign as a visual indicator. Paid parking is available onsite with two covered, multilevel parking garages that connect directly to the theatre without exposure to the weather.About The Arena Theatre
The Arena Theatre has been bringing in mainstream entertainers since the ’70s. Its round revolving stage allows audience members a degree of intimacy with the performers unavailable in a traditional arrangement. The Arena recently received a substantial facelift under new ownership. Upgrades include new sound, lighting systems, led screens and seats. Arena Theatre’s ambitious booking approach has brought some of the best national and international pop, urban, Latin, country and rock talents to Houston.
