O'Jays videos
O Jays, O-Jays, O' Jays
The group was originally formed as The Mascots in Canton, Ohio in 1958 by gospel duo Eddie Levert (b. June 16, 1942) and Walter Williams (b. August 25, 1943). Also featuring William Powell, Bobby Massey and Bill Isles, The Mascots made their recording debut in 1961 with "Miracles." The group made quite an impression on Cleveland D.J. Eddie O'Jay, who played their single often and gave them career advice. In return, they paid tribute to him by renaming themselves The O'Jays. Inducted into Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 2005 (Performer).
The O'Jays are an American R&B group from Canton, Ohio, formed in 1958 and originally consisting of Eddie Levert (born June 16, 1942), Walter Williams (born August 25, 1943), William Powell (January 20, 1942 – May 26, 1977), Bobby Massey and Bill Isles. The O'Jays made their first chart appearance with "Lonely Drifter" in 1963, but reached their greatest level of success once Gamble & Huff, a team of producers and songwriters, signed them to their Philadelphia International label in 1972. With Gamble & Huff, the O'Jays (now a trio after the departure of Isles and Massey) emerged at the forefront of Philadelphia soul with "Back Stabbers" (1972), and topped the Billboard Hot 100 the following year with "Love Train". Numerous other hits followed through the 1970s and into the 80s and 90s, and The O'Jays were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004, and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005.