The O'Jays

In case you were ever looking for any proof that Motown didn’t have a complete monopoly over the greatest vocal groups of the sixties and seventies, The O’Jays are it. They were never involved with that legendary label - instead releasing via Minit and MCA over the years - but were certainly titans of their genre all the same, becoming a household name in the early seventies, first with ‘Back Stabbers’ and then their legendary chart topper ‘Love Train’. Accordingly, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005, although not before they’d become part of the Vocal equivalent a year earlier. The group still sporadically play live today, with original lead vocalist Eddie Levert still a part of the lineup alongside Walter Williams and Eric Grant. Whilst they don’t tour quite as prodigiously as some of their contemporaries - The Four Tops and The Drifters spring to mind - they still show up for special occasions, such as receiving the BET Lifetime Achievement award in 2009; backed by a full live band, the trio rolled back the years to deliver the likes of ‘For the Love of Money’ and ‘Use ta Be My Girl’ in disarmingly energetic fashion; they remain treasures of the genre - and younger than some of their peers, too - so look out for potential UK dates in the future.

The O'Jays have been performing for half a century and are one of the most well practiced bands working to date. Two of the trio were in the original lineup and along with Eric Grant they are still touring those classic Motown tracks that brought them such fame and notoriety during the 70s and 80s.

They have a great amount of charm when performing live and instantly build great connection with the audience, they have enjoyed an intriguing and varied career which has taken them all over the world so of course the stories are almost as interesting as the tracks. The luscious accompanying brass band begins the introduction to 'Back Stabbers' and the audience cheer fondly as the veterans perform this classic track.

Clearly happy with their warm reception, the trio could not look more at ease or at home onstage and by the final tones of the infamous 'Love Train' both performer and spectator are urging the good soul vibes to continue.

My husband and I saw the O'Jays on Mother's Day here in Brooklyn at The Kings Theater. First, our seats (3 row in pit section) was AMAZING! Secondly, the O'Jays came out with this new song with fog as if in the jungle and it was totally different from what they usually come out with, and it got the show started. Aside from their many many hits, they also sang a lot of songs they generally don't sing during a concert: Work On Me, Sadie, Put Your Hands Together, 992 Arguments, etc.! They were extremely engaging to the audience and most importantly, Eddie and Eric signed one of my O'Jays CD!!!!! So, I highly recommend you to see the O'Jays in concert (try to get front row seats if possible) because you will not be disappointed!!!! I'm hoping to see them in PA this summer.

Concert was lots of fun because these guys had so many memorable hits. The two cuts they sang from a brand new album were also surprisingly good. However, there were times when their aging voices became apparent. Eddie’s voice sounded particularly strained for parts of the evening. Walter tripped on a speaker or cord at end of the concert and that looked a bit scary. It could be why they didn’t come out for an encore, despite the band anticipating it and the crowd calling for it. Wishing him well and thanking all of the performers for a good show!

The show was great! Their sound, their moves, their passion is just as powerful as has always been. Eddie, Walter and Eric crooned, swooned and just threw down. The only thing that would have made last night’s show better would have been them singing “Family Reunion” since they were at home. I remember as a kid running up to Karush Park when we heard the O’Jays were up there. My mom would put that album on and that song was on repeat! Thanks O’Jays for an awesome night. We love you!

I am a huge fan of the O’Jays and last night they did not disappoint! Only thing, I felt they were rushed and don’t get to sing two of their major songs: Back Stabbers and Use Ta Be My Girl. However, I was still pleased with their performance and the green suits were hot (good way!!) I can’t wait to see them again on the East coast

The show was amazing. This group of gentlemen are true entertainers at it's finest. I have gone to two of their concerts this year and each time has been very totally worth my while. My husband is one of their greatest fans. Their musical musical talents have not gone unnoticed for over 50 years! Absolutely excellent show!

As excellent as ever. So lucky to have seen them for the 4th time in my life.
They performed all my favorite songs; She used to be my girl, Love Train, Money Money Money.
Despite their age, they still put on a show like they used to do 30 years ago.

Yet another awesome show. The O'Jays are one of the greatest groups ever. Even though they are getting order years they still perform well. A must-see performance. If you've seen them in the past you should go see them again every show is different

I had a great time singing and dancing with the O'Jays.
They brought tears to my ears as this is their last tour.
I had a ball going down memory lane. Thanks for the memories O'Jays! They had the Schermerhorn rocking!