Originating in Canton, Ohio, in 1958, the group began as The Mascots, comprised of high school classmates Eddie Levert, Walter Lee Williams, William Powell, Bobby Massey, and Bill Isles. They transitioned to The O’Jays in the early 1960s, a name chosen to honor Cleveland DJ Eddie O’Jay, recognizing his early support. While the 1960s saw consistent releases of singles and albums, mainstream chart success remained somewhat elusive. “I’ll Be Sweeter Tomorrow (Than I Was Today)” stood out as their most successful track from this period, achieving a notable No. 8 position on the R&B chart.
A pivotal shift occurred in the early 1970s when Isles and Massey departed, leaving the core trio of Levert, Williams, and Powell. This revised lineup signed with Philadelphia International Records, under the guidance of legendary songwriters and producers Gamble & Huff. This partnership proved transformative. Their 1972 album, Back Stabbers, became a breakthrough, reaching No. 10 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album’s title track, “Back Stabbers,” became their first major pop hit, reaching No. 3 and signaling a new era of success for o jays songs.
“Love Train,” the third single from Back Stabbers, became their signature song. It soared to the top of both the US pop and R&B charts and achieved Top 10 status in the UK, solidifying its global appeal. Its cultural impact was further recognized with its induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2006, a testament to its lasting legacy among o jays songs.
Back Stabbers initiated an impressive run of nine consecutive Top 40 albums for The O’Jays. This era included standout albums like 1975’s Family Reunion (No. 7) and 1978’s So Full of Love (No. 6). During this prolific period, they also achieved seven Top 40 pop singles, with three reaching the Top 10: “For the Love of Money” (1973, No. 9), “I Love Music (Part I)” (1975, No. 5), and “Use ta Be My Girl” (1978, No. 4), each showcasing the distinctive sound that defines o jays songs.
The group faced tragedy with the passing of William Powell due to cancer in 1977. In 1978, Sammy Strain, formerly of Little Anthony and the Imperials, joined The O’Jays, remaining until 1992. Nathaniel Best and later Eric Grant followed Strain in the lineup, ensuring the group’s continued evolution.
While their chart dominance lessened in the 1980s, The O’Jays have continued to create music and maintain a strong presence as a live act. Their cultural impact extended to film when Levert, Williams, and Grant appeared in the 2003 movie The Fighting Temptations. Recognition of their enduring contribution to music culminated in inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005 and the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2013, solidifying their status as legends in the realm of o jays songs and R&B music.
