Gerald Levert, popular R&B singer and son of O'Jays lead singer Eddie Levert, died today (11/10) of an apparent heart attack. He was 40.

Levert died at his Cleveland home, according to a statement from his label, Atlantic Records.

"He was one of the greatest voices of our time, who sang with unmatched soulfulness and power, as well as a tremendously gifted composer and an accomplished producer," the statement reads. "Above all, he was an exceptional human being whose warmth and grace inspired us all. Gerald has been a member of our family for two decades, both with the group LeVert and as a solo artist, and he will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure and privilege of working with him through the years. This is a tremendous loss for the music community and for his millions of fans. Our thoughts and prayers are with Gerald's family during this very difficult time."

Levert first rose to fame in the mid-'80s as a member of the R&B trio LeVert, whose lineup included his brother, Sean Levert, and friend Marc Gordon. Among the group's hits were "Casanova," "(Pop, Pop, Pop, Pop) Goes My Mind" and "Baby I'm Ready."

In 1991, Levert issued his solo debut, "Private Line," which spawned the hit "Baby Hold on to Me," a duet that paired the singer with his father.

In the late '90s, Levert joined forces with Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill. Billed as LSG, the trio dished the hit "My Body."

In addition to his work as a singer, Gerald Levert was also a songwriter and producer who had worked with the O'Jays, Barry White, Stephanie Mills, Troop, Teddy Pendergrass, Patti Labelle and others.

Levert's most recent collection of all-new material is 2004's "Do I Speak for the World." A compilation set titled "Voices" followed last year.

Last month, Levert and his father traveled to South Africa, where they performed together on Oct. 29 and 31.

According to a message posted at Levert's official website earlier this year, the singer was to be the subject of an upcoming reality show during which he and 12 female fans would live and train together in order to lose weight. The woman who lost the most weight was to appear with Levert in an upcoming music video. At press time, it was unclear if Levert was already in the midst of taping the show.