Composed of Marc Gordon, an original founding member of the legendary group LeVert; Joe Little III, lead singer of The Rude Boys; and David Tolliver of Men At Large, The LeVert Experience is not a simple tribute act; It is a living extension of the LeVert legacy, led by an artist who helped create its signature sound and joined by two vocalists whose careers were directly shaped by Gerald Levert.
Together, Gordon, Little and Tolliver take audiences through a catalog of enduring R&B favorites, including LeVert’s “Casanova,” “(Pop, Pop, Pop, Pop) Goes My Mind” and “Baby I’m Ready,” The Rude Boys’ “Written All Over Your Face” and Men At Large’s “So Alone.”
(Photos Courtesy of Instagram)
The story of one of R&B’s most celebrated musical legacies began in Cleveland, where Gordon formed LeVert with brothers Gerald and Sean Levert in 1984. The trio became one of the era’s defining male R&B groups, earning a Grammy nomination and producing a run of hit records known for rich harmonies, energetic performances, and unmistakable soul. Gordon and Gerald later formed Trevel Productions, where they discovered, developed, and produced The Rude Boys and Men At Large. Sean remained an essential part of LeVert’s vocal identity, stage presence, and brotherhood, helping establish the foundation that continues to influence the group today.
“This is personal for us because we are not looking back at the legacy from the outside; we lived it,” Gordon said. “Gerald and Sean are part of the foundation of everything we do. The LeVert Experience allows us to honor what we built together while keeping the music alive, growing and connected to the people who have loved it for generations.”
On tour since mid-summer through October with more dates to come, N’DIGO recently caught up with the supergroup to talk about their R&B roots in nearby Cleveland, the legacy of the LeVert name, and their thoughts on the rise of AI in music production.
N’DIGO: What five words would you use to describe yourself?
Marc Gordon – Patient, chill, kind, meticulous, and creative.
Dave Tolliver – Loyal, loving, consistent, spoiled, and anxious.
Joe Little – Intuitive, ambivert, creative, empathetic, and unrelenting.
What three words would those closest to you use to describe you?
Marc – Cool, thoughtful, and a perfectionist.
Dave – Spoiled, real, and unfiltered sometimes
Joe – Intense, dedicated, and passionate.
Marc, can you talk about working with Gerald and Sean in LeVert and some of the gifts you witnessed up close?
Marc – As a group, we had a special chemistry. Sean was the youngest, and as a teenager, he was immersed in every aspect of the music. When we first started as a band, Sean would play drums on some songs and then step out front to sing. He was underrated as a vocalist. Gerald and I wrote a lot of songs together. Even as a teenager, Gerald wrote mature songs and sang them with incredible feeling and passion. His performances were always on another level.
Tell us about coming up in Cleveland’s music scene with LeVert as hometown heroes and eventually working with Gerald and the extended LeVert family.
Joe – Growing up as a singer and songwriter in Cleveland was very competitive. That experience pushed me to hone my craft as a child and teenager. Watching LeVert rise to fame was incredibly inspiring. Never in a million years did I think I would eventually work with Gerald and Marc. It became one of the best things that ever happened in my life.
Dave – It was a city where everyone wanted to sing, rap, dance, or entertain. Legendary talent shows and performance opportunities were everywhere. Everyone was hungry and took it seriously. They rehearsed constantly, hoping to be discovered and hear their songs played on the radio. When LeVert came out, I would watch them perform and dream about being onstage like them. I never imagined that I would one day perform with them. But when you ask, you shall receive. Who would have known that Gerald and Marc would handpick two fat boys from Cleveland who would go on to change how the world received and perceived big men in music? Gerald was a tough cookie in the studio, but that toughness came from the resilience and excellence displayed by the local groups performing throughout Cleveland.
How did the idea for The LeVert Experience come about?
Dave – We had all been recruited to perform on the Tom Joyner Morning Show Cruise. When we came together with barely any rehearsal, everything gelled like magic. We are all from the same city and had similar upbringings. At this point in our lives, we have matured and experienced enough to know there was no way it wouldn’t work. It was a fortunate opportunity born from unfortunate circumstances. Who else could do it?
We are literally family, minus the blood—and blood couldn’t bring us any closer. After the cruise, we decided to keep it going, and our manager, Al Nolan, gave us the name The LeVert Experience.
What can fans look forward to when they see you out on the road?
Marc – Fans can look forward to hearing a catalog of songs that helped shape the 1980s and ’90s. The music will bring back special times and memories of when things felt good in their lives.
Joe – It’s such an action-packed show featuring many of our jams over the years, including eight No. 1 hits from LeVert, The Rude Boys, and Men At Large.
Dave – We will celebrate the memory of my brother Gemini, my former partner who once graced the stage with me as a member of Men At Large. It will be a night of fun, love, and remembrance. Fans can expect great singing, good dancing, hit after hit, and an all-around great time.
What are your thoughts on the emergence of AI technology and how it will affect the music business?
Marc – AI is starting to get out of hand and needs to be regulated. I am not completely against AI or its use, but it can never replace what is real.
Dave – I have mixed feelings about it. On one hand, it reminds me of when Auto-Tune was introduced. It can become a crutch for people who do not have a natural talent for expression through their voice, an instrument, or a pen. On the other hand, when computers, artificial intelligence, or anything else are used to place someone in the same category as artists such as Joe Thomas, Gerald LeVert, Eddie Levert, Philippe Wynne, Dave Tolliver, Little Joe, Marc Gordon, Donny Hathaway, or Stevie Wonder, it can feel like a slap in the face to those who have worked extremely hard to perfect their craft and become recognized as elite artists. If used to enhance what someone is already doing, I’m okay with it, but if it is going to replace human intelligence and natural talent, I am not with it.
Joe – I believe real, organic, grassroots singing and songwriting will always prevail. AI technology has arrived, and when it comes to music, I see it as a tool that will eventually have its own category—separate from real singers, musicians, and songwriters who create from genuine human experiences. Technology can generate music, but it cannot replace the human connection. People still want to attend concerts and see real people perform. They want to hear real voices, feel real emotions, and experience the energy between an artist and an audience. That live connection is something technology cannot duplicate. AI can be a powerful tool, but the soul of music will always belong to the people who live it, feel it, write it, and sing it.
What is your best advice for aspiring artists?
Marc – Learn everything you can about the business and your craft. Never give up on your dream, and find your niche.
Joe – My advice to up-and-coming artists is to work on your craft consistently, always remain open to growth, and never give up on your dreams.
What is your favorite quote or affirmation?
Joe – “Control your day. Don’t let it control you.”
Marc – “You can’t change the things you don’t control. Be the best person you can be.”
Dave – “Make a statement and put a stamp on it.”
What’s next for The LeVert Experience?
Marc – New music is coming, along with a book, a docuseries, and possibly a movie.
Dave – We are going to continue traveling and performing the music that has become the soundtrack to people’s lives through the legacies of LeVert, Men At Large, and The Rude Boys. We have all made our own impact on the music industry, and coming together as one is monumental. New music is on the way as well—along with videos, bigger tours, documentaries and even movies and more. The world will have to wait and see.
For more information on The Levert Experience, please visit www.LeVertMusic.net and connect with them on social media at @the.levert.experience
