When Cleveland sends a brother home, it sends a brother home right.

The GBB paid respects to the late Gerald Levert Friday in Cleveland during a three-hour, star-studded celebration of the singer's life that included tributes by Stevie Wonder, Usher, Brian McKnight and Yolanda Adams, among others.

There were so many folks who wanted to attend the public memorial that it was moved from the Cleveland Music Hall to the much larger Public Hall. More than 7,500 people showed up, many wearing purple, Gerald's favorite color.

The R&B singer/writer/producer, who as the son of Eddie Levert was true music royalty, died Nov. 10 of heart disease. He was 40.

We're not gonna lie, it was difficult to keep our composure, especially when looking at his grieving father.

Wearing a white baseball cap, yellow sweater, blazer and jeans, Eddie sat on stage with other family members, including Gerald's mother, Martha, siblings and fellow O'Jays Walter Williams Sr. and Eric Nolan Grant.

Among the others who were there: Bobby Brown, Jermaine Dupri, Tyler Perry, comedienne/actress Kym Whitley, singer Christopher Williams, actor Clifton Powell, talk-show host Ed Gordon, singer Kelly Price, Philly Sound architect Bunny Sigler, "The Apprentice" star Omarosa, radio host Donnie Simpson and Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson.

Before the service began, Eddie thanked the crowd.

"You know Gerald loved all of y'all," he said. "He loved so hard y'all, you'll never know. When you saw him doing what he did, it came from his heart, his soul, his whole body."

He told the audience to love one another. "It's the only way to get through this life," he said.

In the press room, his brother Sean said Gerald wanted to be the Black Elvis.

Anybody who saw Gerald perform knew Elvis didn't have nothing on him.

He's the only one who could equal Otis Redding's rendition of "Try A Little Tenderness," which he did at the R&B Foundation Awards last summer.

A video montage of Gerald evoked sighs and tears as a backup band played his hits.

The incredible Angela Winbush prompted even more with a rendition of her hit "Your Smile," which Eddie had requested. His son, a teddy bear of a man, was known for his beautiful smile and his laugh.

"Gerald was a great talent but he was also a good man," said Angela.

But make no mistake y'all, it was a celebration.

A raucous version of the hit "Casanova" featured Johnny Gill and Keith Sweat, who along with Gerald formed the '90s trio LSG. It brought the crowd to its feet. Gerald's brother, Sean, and friend Marc Gordon, who with Gerald comprised the '80s group LeVert, joined in, as did Eddie.

During the song, Eddie danced over to his son's photo and kissed it.

In one of the most touching moments, he sat next to Stevie Wonder while Stevie, holding Eddie's hand at times, sang "All I Do ( Is Think About You)."

Judge Greg Mathis delivered Gerald's eulogy, telling the audience that God needed another singer for his heavenly soul choir that includes Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, Donny Hathaway, Sam Cooke and Jackie Wilson.

"Today is a day we must all stay strong and all keep our faith," said Judge Greg, sounding more like a preacher than an officer of the court. He asked everyone to stand up for a minute to help celebrate Gerald's life.

Also paying tribute were Gerald's children, son Lemicah and daughters Carlysia and Camryn.

The memorial ended with Sean and Eddie's duet of the Luther Vandross song, "Dance with My Father," tailoring the lyrics for Gerald.

Take your rest, G-Bear.