IT'S FUNNY (A Gerald Levert Tribute)

It's Funny: (In tribute to Gerald Levert) By William Fredrick Cooper

(Written November 10, 2006)

Gerald, I didn't know it was gonna be one of those days. Lawdy, I didn't know your phone would ring, and an angel would tell you and that ever-smooth gruff voice of yours to come home. Going home to the arms of the Lord above, knowing that your health and spirits are in the good hands of God can make one's day.

Except man, you left so many people here on earth sad, as your unmatched soulful seductiveness through song will be missed. It'll be interesting to hear Luther's gentle meet your power, your raw explosiveness in that duet in heaven. Shit, that's gonna be something.

You were a special kind: Born from good stock, too. Daddy has a voice that sends chill, yours was just as fiery, yet passionate enough to relate to the younger generation. When in love, a righteous man asked his baby, per your request, to HOLD ON TO ME. Many of us, wish we were like you, that special kind. It's funny, dude: You dared many a man to admit their sexual vulnerability by daring them to announce to their ladies U GOT THAT LOVE; that 'damn we don't deserve it sweetness between hot legs ,that call into work type of, slow down, sweetie, I'm about to bust, headboard shattering moistness that takes our orgasms from us; that special kegel-gripping while whispering shit in your ear kind of sensuality reserved for deserving Kings like us, man.

Pop, Pop, Pop goes my mind, for you were here just yesterday, teasing and pleasing us with that sultry sound, through seductively sensational sounding song. Treating us, appeasing the needs of women with titillating, tantalizing, talented to, I respectfully disagree with you and Keith Sweat: you weren't JUST ONE OF THEM THANGS.

Death can be sudden, shocking to the senses when the departed left with unfinished business. But I, for one, rejoice that you left so much legacy behind. However, like many great acts, your untimely passing left us all wanting that encore that will never come. Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Luther, then you. What happened to all the loving?

Rest in peace, dawg. Hugs and handpounds in heaven.

Your boy,

Will.