The O'Jays stay true to the formula that earned their place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Still led by founding members Eddie Levert and Walter Williams, the Canton, Ohio group make their mark with topical, and often outspoken "message songs" during the '70s.
Their latest album, The Last Word, follows that blueprint.
Walter Williams says The O'Jays signature became message music:"They started calling us the messengers. This was the kind of material that Gamble and Huff, once it caught on, they liked writing it and having us deliver it in the studio and suggest how we deliver it. And we were doing it with a really groovy beat -- so that they could enjoyed it. They learned what was going on."
As with Motown rivals Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, The O'Jays loved the challenge of going beyond love songs and dance songs.
Walter Williams says radio embraced The O'Jays sound: "This is something that we got known for doing and enjoyed doing it. 'We've Got a Message in Our Music' was one of the songs; 'Give The People What They Want' was one of the songs. 'Backstabbers,' 'For the Love of Money,' all these were really great, great songs. And 'Love Train,' especially."
The O'Jays perform their classics, along with new material, such as the acclaimed "Above the Law," in their current public TV special Live in New York. It was taped at the Saint George Theater on New York's Staten Island.
Eric Nolan, Walter Williams and Eddie Levert reflect on their PBS special The O'Jays Live in New York:
Eric: "We had just finished doing a couple of concerts, so we were flying at that point. After The O'Jays do two or three shows together, we can't do no wrong. So they caught us right. That's why they should look at this special, because... did I tell you we were killing it [laughter]..."
Walter: "And it was at an older theater that had been refurbished. Really a great place to attend and go back in the '20s and '30s."
Eddie: "The Saint George."