Cleveland, OH - R&B recording artist Gerald Levert has died at the age of 40, according to family reports and his label Atlantic Records.

"All of us at Atlantic are shocked and deeply saddened by his untimely death. 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 read.

Levert died of a heart attack while asleep in his home outside of Cleveland, Ohio early Friday morning.

"It's very sad. He was an amazing talent, obviously." long-time friend and R&B singer Will Downing told The Associated Press.

Levert's unmistakeable soulful sounds and passionate love ballads, reinvigorated the same style of music his legendary father -- Eddie Levert of the O'Jays, once produced.

Along with brother Sean and friend Marc Gordon, the trio "LeVert" was formed in the mid-'80s and produced hits such as "Casanova", "Just Coolin'", and "My Forever Love".

Gerald Levert went solo in 1991 and continued to produce chart-toppers including "Baby Hold On To Me", a duo with his father; "I Swear", and "I'd Give Anything". Recent albums included "The G Spot (2002)", "Do I Speak for the World (2004)", and "Ooh What your Do (2004)".

Even through all of his solo success, Gerald Levert helped form LSG (Levert, Sweat, Gill), which also include R&B singers Johnny Gill and Keith Sweat. Their self-titled album sold more than two million copies in 1997.

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