Sammy Strain, one third of the legendary R&B group the O’Jays, says he never received any royalties from his 16 years with the group, and is now suing his former band mates Eddie Levert and Walter Williams in an effort to retrieve his fair share.
“My client has been stabbed in the back for the love of money,” said lawyer Charles A. Whittier.
Strain’s lawsuit also names renowned R&B producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff as defendants, and their label, Philadelphia International Records.
Strain, a New Jersey native, joined the group in 1976 to replace original member William Powell, and remained with the group until 1992, according to the lawsuit. He recorded 11 albums with the O’Jays, three of which went gold and two were certified platinum.
