The O'Jays

The flagship act of the Gamble & Huff's legendary Philadelphia International label, the O'Jays were originally inspired to sing together after seeing Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers, and went on to become one of the world's most influential and enduring soul groups. Eddie Levert, front man throughout their entire career, formed the band with Walter Williams, Bill Isles, Bobby Massey and William Powell - schoolfriends from Canton, Ohio. Originally calling themselves The Triumphs and The Mascots, they adopted the name The O'Jays in tribute to local DJ Eddie O'Jay, who helped them. Their first album Coming Through was released on the Imperial label in 1965 and they had several minor hits until Gamble & Huff signed the group - now a trio - to their newly-formed Philadelphia label and they achieved a major international breakthrough in 1972 with Backstabbers. They followed it with their most famous song Love Train, which subsequently featured in several TV ads and has been covered by numerous artists. They continued to have hits through the rest of the 1970s, including For The Love Of Money, Give The People What They Want, I Love Music and Useta Be My Girl. Original member William Powell died from cancer in 1977 and, although the hits dried up in the 1980s, The O'Jays remained a major influence on R&B and continued to perform on stage.