The O'Jays

The O'Jays are an American R&B group from Canton, Ohio, formed in the summer of 1958. The original lineup consisted of Eddie Levert, Walter Lee Williams, William Powell, Bobby Massey, and Bill Isles. The group made its first appearance on the music charts with the minor hit "Lonely Drifter" in 1963. Their greatest commercial success came after producers Gamble and Huff signed them to the Philadelphia International label in 1971. By that time, the group had become a trio following the departures of Bill Isles and Bobby Massey.