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{{short description|American family musical group}}
{{short description|American musical group}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2023}}


{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = The Isley Brothers
| name = The Isley Brothers
| image = The Isley Brothers.png
| image = The Isley Brothers.png
| background = group_or_band
| background = group_or_band
| caption = The Isley Brothers in 1969
| caption = The Isley Brothers in 1969. From left to right: [[Rudolph Isley|Rudolph]], [[Ronald Isley|Ronald]] and [[O'Kelly Isley Jr.|O'Kelly Isley]]
| alias = The Isley Brothers featuring Ronald Isley AKA "Mr. Biggs"<br />The Isleys
(Left to right: Rudolph, Ronald and O'Kelly Isley)
| origin = [[Cincinnati]], [[Ohio]], U.S.
| alias = The Isley Brothers featuring Ronald Isley AKA "Mr. Biggs"<br>The Isleys
| origin = [[Lincoln Heights, Ohio]], U.S.
| genre = {{flatlist|
*[[soul music|Soul]]
| genre = {{flatlist|
*[[funk]]
*[[Rhythm and blues|R&B]]
*[[Rhythm and blues|R&B]]
*[[Soul music|soul]]
*[[rock music|rock]]
*[[funk]]<ref name="AllMusic bio">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-isley-brothers-mn0000766893|title=The Isley Brothers - AllMusic Biography|publisher=[[AllMusic]]|last=Ankeny|first=Jason|accessdate=November 23, 2023}}</ref>
*[[funk rock]]<ref name=LaBriola/>
*[[progressive soul]]<ref name="Christgau">{{cite book|last=Christgau|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Christgau|year=1981|title=[[Christgau's Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies]]|publisher=[[Ticknor & Fields]]|isbn=089919026X|chapter=Consumer Guide '70s: I|chapter-url=https://www.robertchristgau.com/get_chap.php?k=I&bk=70|access-date=November 23, 2023|via=robertchristgau.com}}</ref>
* [[quiet storm]]<ref name=Gulla/>
}}
}}
| years_active = 1954–present
| discography = [[The Isley Brothers discography]]
| label ={{hlist|[[Wand Records|Wand]]| [[Motown]]| [[T-Neck Records|T-Neck]]| [[RCA Records|RCA Victor]]| [[Warner Records|Warner Bros.]]| [[Def Jam Recordings|Def Soul]]}}
| years_active = 1954–present
| discography = [[The Isley Brothers discography]]
| label = {{hlist|[[Wand Records|Wand]]| [[Motown]]| [[T-Neck Records|T-Neck]]| [[RCA Records|RCA Victor]]| [[Warner Records|Warner Bros.]]| [[Def Jam Recordings|Def Soul]]}}
| current_members = *[[Ronald Isley]]
| associated_acts = {{hlist|[[Isley-Jasper-Isley]]|[[Jimi Hendrix]]|[[Earth, Wind & Fire]]|[[R. Kelly]]}}
| current_members = *[[Ronald Isley]]
*[[Ernie Isley]]
*[[Ernie Isley]]
| past_members = <!-- do not put "deceased" in infobox; only name and no other information -->
| past_members = <!-- do not put "deceased" in infobox; only name and no other information -->
*[[Rudolph Isley]]
*[[Rudolph Isley]]
*[[O'Kelly Isley Jr.]]
*[[O'Kelly Isley Jr.]]
* Vernon Isley
*Vernon Isley
*[[Marvin Isley]]
*[[Marvin Isley]]
*[[Chris Jasper]]
*[[Chris Jasper]]
| website = {{URL|https://officialisleybrothers.com/}}
| website = {{URL|officialisleybrothers.com}}
}}
}}


'''The Isley Brothers''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|aɪ|z|l|i}} {{respell|EYEZ|lee}}) are an American family musical group originally from [[Cincinnati]], Ohio, that began as a vocal trio consisting of brothers [[O'Kelly Isley Jr.|O'Kelly "Kelly" Isley Jr.]], [[Rudolph Isley]] and [[Ronald Isley]] in the late 1950s.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pLgqFaYmgw8C&pg=PA207 |last=Gulla |first=Bob |title=Icons of R&B and Soul: An Encyclopedia of the Artists Who Revolutionized Rhythm|publisher=ABC-CLIO|year=2008|isbn=978-0-313-34044-4}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/01/arts/pop-review-two-brothers-who-are-carrying-on-the-family-act.html|title=POP REVIEW; Two Brothers Who Are Carrying On the Family Act|first=Jon|last=Pareles|work=The New York Times |date=January 2002 |access-date=July 17, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ghwwUyP1PuYC&pg=PA27 |title=Footsteps in the Dark|isbn=9780816650194|last1=Lipsitz|first1=George|year=2007|publisher=U of Minnesota Press }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.laweekly.com/westcoastsound/2012/11/alex_isley_isley_brothers.php|title=Alex Isley Has Her Own Thing|author=Moses Sumney|work=L.A. Weekly}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1997-05-06/entertainment/ca-56059_1_isley-brothers|title=A Playful Encounter With the Isley Brothers|work=Los Angeles Times|date=May 6, 1997 }}</ref> With a career spanning over six decades, the group has enjoyed one of the "longest, most influential, and most diverse careers in the pantheon of popular music".<ref name="Allmusic">{{cite web|title=The Isley Brothers - Music Biography on Allmusic.com|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-isley-brothers-mn0000766893/biography|publisher=Allmusic|last=Ankeny|first=Jason|access-date=February 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131108153658/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-isley-brothers-mn0000766893/biography |archive-date=November 8, 2013}}</ref>
'''The Isley Brothers''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|aɪ|z|l|i}} {{respell|EYEZ|lee}}) are an American musical group originally from [[Cincinnati]], [[Ohio]], that began as a vocal trio consisting of the brothers [[O'Kelly Isley Jr.]], [[Rudolph Isley]] and [[Ronald Isley]] in the 1950s.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pLgqFaYmgw8C&pg=PA207 |last=Gulla |first=Bob |title=Icons of R&B and Soul: An Encyclopedia of the Artists Who Revolutionized Rhythm|publisher=ABC-CLIO|year=2008|isbn=978-0-313-34044-4}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/01/arts/pop-review-two-brothers-who-are-carrying-on-the-family-act.html|title=POP REVIEW; Two Brothers Who Are Carrying On the Family Act|first=Jon|last=Pareles|work=The New York Times |date=January 2002 |access-date=July 17, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ghwwUyP1PuYC&pg=PA27 |title=Footsteps in the Dark|isbn=9780816650194|last1=Lipsitz|first1=George|year=2007|publisher=U of Minnesota Press }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.laweekly.com/westcoastsound/2012/11/alex_isley_isley_brothers.php|title=Alex Isley Has Her Own Thing|author=Moses Sumney|work=L.A. Weekly}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1997-05-06/entertainment/ca-56059_1_isley-brothers|title=A Playful Encounter With the Isley Brothers|work=Los Angeles Times|date=May 6, 1997 }}</ref> With a career spanning over seven decades, the group has enjoyed one of the "longest, most influential, and most diverse careers in the pantheon of popular music".<ref name="Allmusic">{{cite web|title=The Isley Brothers - Music Biography on Allmusic.com|url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=0000766893|pure_url=yes}}|publisher=Allmusic|last=Ankeny|first=Jason|access-date=March 27, 2013}}</ref>


Together with a fourth brother, Vernon, the group performed gospel music until Vernon's death a few years after its formation. After moving to [[New York City]] in the late 1950s, the group had their first successes during these early years, and rose to prominence in 1959 with their fourth single, "[[Shout (Isley Brothers song)|Shout]]", written by the three brothers, which became their first single to chart on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]], and sold over a million copies. In the 1960s, the group recorded songs for a variety of [[record labels|labels]], including the top 20 single "[[Twist and Shout]]" and the Motown single "[[This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)]]", before recording and releasing the [[1970 Grammy Awards|Grammy Award-winning]] hit "[[It's Your Thing]]" on their own label, [[T-Neck Records]].
Together with a fourth brother, Vernon, the group performed gospel music until Vernon's death a few years after its formation. After moving to [[New York City]] in the late 1950s, the group had their first successes during these early years, and rose to prominence in 1959 with their fourth single, "[[Shout (Isley Brothers song)|Shout]]", written by the three brothers, which became their first single to chart on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]], and sold over a million copies. In the 1960s, the group recorded songs for a variety of [[record labels|labels]], including the top 20 single "[[Twist and Shout]]" and the Motown single "[[This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)]]", before recording and releasing the [[1970 Grammy Awards|Grammy Award-winning]] hit "[[It's Your Thing]]" on their own label, [[T-Neck Records]].


The inclusion of younger brothers [[Ernie Isley]] (lead guitar, drums) and [[Marvin Isley]] (bass guitar), and Rudolph's brother-in-law [[Chris Jasper]] (keyboards, synthesizers), in 1973 turned the original vocal trio into a complete band and led to the group's reaching the height of their success. For the next full decade, they recorded a string of top-selling albums including ''[[3 + 3|3&nbsp;+&nbsp;3]]'', ''[[Between the Sheets (The Isley Brothers album)|Between the Sheets]]'', and ''[[The Heat Is On (album)|The Heat Is On]]'', with the latter peaking at number one on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] chart. The six-member band splintered in 1984, with Ernie, Marvin, and Chris Jasper forming the short-lived spinoff group [[Isley-Jasper-Isley]]. The oldest member, O'Kelly, died in 1986. Afterwards Rudolph and Ronald released a pair of albums as a duo before Rudolph retired to a life in the Christian ministry in 1989. After multiple lineup changes, the remaining duo of Ronald and Ernie achieved mainstream success with the albums ''[[Mission to Please]]'' (1996), ''[[Eternal (The Isley Brothers album)|Eternal]]'' (2001) and ''[[Body Kiss]]'' (2003). ''Eternal'' spawned the top 20 hit "[[Contagious (song)|Contagious]]". {{As of|2023}}, the Isley Brothers continue to perform under the lineup of Ronald and Ernie.
The inclusion of younger brothers [[Ernie Isley]] (lead guitar, drums) and [[Marvin Isley]] (bass guitar), and Rudolph's brother-in-law [[Chris Jasper]] (keyboards, synthesizers), in 1973 turned the original vocal trio into a complete band and led to the group's reaching the height of their success. For the next full decade, they recorded a string of top-selling albums including ''[[3 + 3|3&nbsp;+&nbsp;3]]'', ''[[Between the Sheets (The Isley Brothers album)|Between the Sheets]]'', and ''[[The Heat Is On (album)|The Heat Is On]]'', with the latter peaking at number one on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] chart. The six-member band splintered in 1983, with Ernie, Marvin, and Chris Jasper forming the short-lived spinoff group [[Isley-Jasper-Isley]]. The oldest member, O'Kelly, died in 1986. Afterwards Rudolph and Ronald released a pair of albums as a duo before Rudolph retired to a life in the Christian ministry in 1989. After multiple lineup changes, the remaining duo of Ronald and Ernie achieved mainstream success with the albums ''[[Mission to Please]]'' (1996), ''[[Eternal (The Isley Brothers album)|Eternal]]'' (2001) and ''[[Body Kiss]]'' (2003). ''Eternal'' spawned the top 20 hit "[[Contagious (song)|Contagious]]". {{As of|{{year}}}}, the Isley Brothers continue to perform under the lineup of Ronald and Ernie.


The Isley Brothers have sold over 18 million units in the United States alone.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/|title=Gold & Platinum|website=RIAA}}</ref> With their first major hit charting in 1959 ("Shout"), and their last one in 2001 ("Contagious"), they are among the few groups ever to have hit the Billboard Hot 100 with new music in six different decades. Sixteen of their albums charted in the Top 40 and thirteen of those albums have been [[RIAA certification|certified gold, platinum or multi-platinum by the RIAA]]. The brothers have been honored by several musical institutions, including [[List of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees|the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]], which inducted them in 1992.<ref name="rockhall">{{cite web|title=The Isley Brothers|url=http://rockhall.com/inductees/the-isley-brothers/|year=1992|publisher=Rock and Roll Hall of Fame|access-date=March 27, 2013}}</ref> Five years later, they were added to [[Hollywood's Rockwalk]], and in 2003 they were inducted to the [[Vocal Group Hall of Fame]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://vocalgroup.org/inductees/the-isley-brothers/|title=The Isley Brothers|website=The Vocal Group Hall of Fame}}</ref> They received the [[Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award]] in 2014.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/isley-brothers|title=Isley Brothers|website=Recording Academy Grammy Awards}}</ref>
The Isley Brothers have sold over 18 million units in the United States alone.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/|title=Gold & Platinum|website=RIAA}}</ref> With their first major hit charting in 1959 ("Shout"), and their last one in 2001 ("Contagious"), they are among the few groups ever to have hit the Billboard Hot 100 with new music in six different decades. Sixteen of their albums charted in the Top 40 and thirteen of those albums have been [[RIAA certification|certified gold, platinum or multi-platinum by the RIAA]]. The brothers have been honored by several musical institutions, including [[List of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees|the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]], which inducted them in 1992.<ref name="rockhall">{{cite web|title=The Isley Brothers|url=http://rockhall.com/inductees/the-isley-brothers/|year=1992|publisher=Rock and Roll Hall of Fame|access-date=March 27, 2013}}</ref> Five years later, they were added to [[Hollywood's Rockwalk]], and in 2003 they were inducted to the [[Vocal Group Hall of Fame]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://vocalgroup.org/inductees/the-isley-brothers/|title=The Isley Brothers|website=The Vocal Group Hall of Fame}}</ref> They received the [[Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award]] in 2014.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/isley-brothers|title=Isley Brothers|website=Recording Academy Grammy Awards}}</ref>


==Career==
==Career==
{{Moresources | section|date=February 2024}}
===Origins and initial recordings===
===Origins and initial recordings===
The Isley Brothers originally came from Cincinnati, Ohio, and were raised in the city's [[Lincoln Heights, Ohio|Lincoln Heights]] suburb, settling in the satellite town of [[Blue Ash, Ohio|Blue Ash]] when they were teenagers. Their father, O'Kelly Isley Sr., a former [[United States Navy]] [[sailor]] and [[vaudeville]] performer from [[Durham, North Carolina]], and their mother Sallye, from Georgia, guided the elder four Isley boys in their singing in church. The brothers began performing together in 1954, patterning themselves after groups such as [[Billy Ward and His Dominoes]] and [[The Dixie Hummingbirds]].{{sfn|Gulla|2008|p=193}} Eventually, they landed a spot on [[Ted Mack (radio-TV host)|Ted Mack]]'s ''Amateur Hour'', where they won the competition (their prize was a watch).{{sfn|Gulla|2008|p=193}} With Vernon singing lead vocals, the quartet soon began touring all over the [[East Coast of the United States|eastern US]], performing in a variety of churches. When Vernon was eleven, he was killed by a car that struck him as he was riding his bike in his neighborhood. Devastated, the remaining trio disbanded.{{sfn|Gulla|2008|p=193}}
The Isley Brothers originally came from Cincinnati, Ohio, and were raised in the city's [[Lincoln Heights, Ohio|Lincoln Heights]] suburb, settling in the satellite town of [[Blue Ash, Ohio|Blue Ash]] when they were teenagers. Their father, O'Kelly Isley Sr., a former [[United States Navy]] [[sailor]] and [[vaudeville]] performer from [[Durham, North Carolina]], and their mother Sallye, from Georgia, guided the elder four Isley boys in their singing in church. The brothers began performing together in 1954, patterning themselves after groups such as [[Billy Ward and His Dominoes]] and [[The Dixie Hummingbirds]].{{sfn|Gulla|2008|p=193}} Eventually, they landed a spot on [[Ted Mack (radio-TV host)|Ted Mack]]'s ''Amateur Hour'', where they won the competition (their prize was a watch).{{sfn|Gulla|2008|p=193}} With Vernon singing lead vocals, the quartet soon began touring all over the [[East Coast of the United States|eastern US]], performing in a variety of churches. When Vernon was thirteen, he was killed by a car that struck him as he was riding his bike in his neighborhood. Devastated, the remaining trio disbanded.{{sfn|Gulla|2008|p=193}}


Eventually persuaded to regroup, with Ronnie assuming the lead vocal position, the brothers decided to record popular music and left Cincinnati for New York in 1957 with their parents' blessings.{{sfn|Gulla|2008|p=193–194}} The group got in touch with Richard Barrett, who soon had them in contact with a variety of New York record producers. They eventually had their first recorded songs produced by [[George Goldner]], including "Angels Cried" and "The Cow Jumped Over the Moon" for the Teenage, Cindy, and Mark X imprints.{{sfn|Gulla|2008|p=194}} The songs were only regional hits, however. By 1959, the group had
Eventually persuaded to regroup, with Ronnie assuming the lead vocal position, the brothers decided to record popular music and left Cincinnati for New York in 1957 with their parents' blessings.{{sfn|Gulla|2008|p=193–194}} The group got in touch with Richard Barrett, who soon had them in contact with a variety of New York record producers. They eventually had their first recorded songs produced by [[George Goldner]], including "Angels Cried" and "The Cow Jumped Over the Moon" for the Teenage, Cindy, and Mark X imprints.{{sfn|Gulla|2008|p=194}} The songs were only regional hits, however. By 1959, the group had landed a recording deal with [[RCA Records]]. Later that year, the group recorded their first composition together, "[[Shout (The Isley Brothers song)|Shout]]", mixing their brand of gospel vocals and doo-wop harmonies, a song derived from a [[Washington, D.C.]], club performance in which the brothers had covered [[Jackie Wilson]]'s "[[Lonely Teardrops]]".{{sfn|Gulla|2008|p=194}} The original version of the song peaked at number 47 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and never reached the R&B chart. Nevertheless, it sold over one million copies and was awarded a [[music recording sales certification|gold disc]] by the [[Recording Industry Association of America|RIAA]].<ref name="The Book of Golden Discs">{{cite book
landed a recording deal with [[RCA Records]]. Later that year, the group recorded their first composition together, "[[Shout (The Isley Brothers song)|Shout]]", mixing their brand of gospel vocals and doo-wop harmonies, a song derived from a [[Washington, D.C.]], club performance in which the brothers had covered [[Jackie Wilson]]'s "[[Lonely Teardrops]]".{{sfn|Gulla|2008|p=194}} The original version of the song peaked at number 47 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and never reached the R&B chart. Nevertheless, it sold over one million copies and was awarded a [[music recording sales certification|gold disc]] by the [[Recording Industry Association of America|RIAA]].<ref name="The Book of Golden Discs">{{cite book
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}}</ref> Follow-up recordings on RCA failed to chart and the brothers left the label in 1961, and later signed with [[Scepter Records]]. In 1962, the Isley Brothers scored their first top 40 hit with the [[Bert Berns]] song "[[Twist and Shout]]", which reached number 17 on the Hot 100 and number 2 on the R&B chart, staying on the charts for 19 weeks.{{sfn|Gulla|2008|p=195}} The song had been produced by Berns for the brothers to teach then-struggling producer [[Phil Spector]] how to produce a hit.<ref>[http://www.bsnpubs.com/atlantic/atlanticstory.html David Edwards and Mike Callahan, ''The Atlantic Records Story''], February 1990, Bsnpubs.com</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bertberns.com/bio.html|title=Bert Berns: Songwriter, Producer and Label Chief|website=Bertberns.com}}</ref>


Moving their entire operations to [[New Jersey]],<ref name=Isley>Wilner, Paul. [https://www.nytimes.com/1977/03/13/archives/westchester-weekly-isley-brothers-a-family-affair.html "Isley Brothers: A Family Affair"], ''[[The New York Times]]'', March 13, 1977. Accessed September 18, 2011. "WHEN Sallye Isley moved her brood of children from Cincinnati to Englewood in the summer of 1959, she was participating in a show-business phenomenon.... While their older brothers toured America, the younger Isley boys enrolled successively in Englewood Junior High and Dwight Morrow High School.... Right now, the brothers reside near enough to each other to keep in close touch. Ronald lives in Teaneck, Kelly Jr. in Alpine, Rudolph in Haworth and Ernie in Englewood."</ref> the brothers continued to struggle with recordings, and formed [[T-Neck Records]] in 1964.{{sfn|Gulla|2008|p=196}} During that period, [[Jimi Hendrix]] began playing lead guitar for the brothers' band. Bringing Hendrix with them to the studio, they recorded the song "[[Testify (The Isley Brothers song)|Testify]]". Later, Hendrix contributed guitar to another Isleys single, "Move On Over and Let Me Dance", which was recorded for T-Neck and distributed by [[Atlantic Records]]. After both songs failed to chart and Hendrix left the Isleys for good in 1965, the brothers signed with [[Motown Records]]. Early the following year, the group released their second Top 40 hit single, "[[This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)]]". While the Isley Brothers' recordings with Motown were more successful than their earlier works, they struggled to score a follow-up Top 40 hit with the label. They left Motown in 1968.
Follow-up recordings on RCA failed to chart and the brothers left the label in 1961, and later signed with [[Scepter Records]]. In 1962, the Isley Brothers scored their first top 40 hit with the [[Bert Berns]] song "[[Twist and Shout]]", which reached number 17 on the Hot 100 and number 2 on the R&B chart, staying on the charts for 19 weeks.{{sfn|Gulla|2008|p=195}} The song had been produced by Berns for the brothers to teach then-struggling producer [[Phil Spector]] how to produce a hit.<ref>[http://www.bsnpubs.com/atlantic/atlanticstory.html David Edwards and Mike Callahan, ''The Atlantic Records Story''], February 1990, Bsnpubs.com</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bertberns.com/bio.html|title=Bert Berns: Songwriter, Producer and Label Chief|website=Bertberns.com}}</ref>
Moving their entire operations to [[New Jersey]],<ref name=Isley>Wilner, Paul. [https://www.nytimes.com/1977/03/13/archives/westchester-weekly-isley-brothers-a-family-affair.html "Isley Brothers: A Family Affair"], ''[[The New York Times]]'', March 13, 1977. Accessed September 18, 2011. "WHEN Sallye Isley moved her brood of children from Cincinnati to Englewood in the summer of 1959, she was participating in a show-business phenomenon.... While their older brothers toured America, the younger Isley boys enrolled successively in Englewood Junior High and Dwight Morrow High School.... Right now, the brothers reside near enough to each other to keep in close touch. Ronald lives in Teaneck, Kelly Jr. in Alpine, Rudolph in Haworth and Ernie in Englewood."</ref> the brothers continued to struggle with recordings, and formed [[T-Neck Records]] in 1964.{{sfn|Gulla|2008|p=196}}
During that period, [[Jimi Hendrix]] began playing lead guitar for the brothers' band. Bringing Hendrix with them to the studio, they recorded the song "[[Testify (The Isley Brothers song)|Testify]]". Later, Hendrix contributed guitar to another Isleys single, "Move On Over and Let Me Dance", which was recorded for T-Neck and distributed by [[Atlantic Records]]. After both songs failed to chart and Hendrix left the Isleys for good in 1965, the brothers signed with [[Motown Records]]. Early the following year, the group released their second Top 40 hit single, "[[This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)]]". While the Isley Brothers' recordings with Motown were more successful than their earlier works, they struggled to score a follow-up Top 40 hit with the label. They left Motown in 1968.{{cn|date=February 2024}}


===Major success===
===Major success===
Resurrecting their T-Neck label that year, the brothers signed a distribution deal with [[Buddah Records]] and issued "[[It's Your Thing]]" in February 1969. The song, which featured the first appearance of Ernie Isley on bass, became their biggest success to date, reaching number 2 on the Hot 100 and number 1 on the R&B chart. The song's parent album, ''[[It's Our Thing]]'', reached number 22 on the [[Billboard 200|Pop LP]] chart, and "It's Your Thing" became the group's second million-seller and won them a Grammy Award. The release of "It's Your Thing" brought record label conflicts between the Isleys and Motown, as Motown argued that the group had recorded the song while still under their Motown contract. A 1975 court decision found in the Isleys' favor.{{sfn|Gulla|2008|p=199}}
Resurrecting their T-Neck label that year, the brothers signed a distribution deal with [[Buddah Records]] and issued "[[It's Your Thing]]" in February 1969. The song, which featured the first appearance of Ernie Isley on bass, became their biggest success to date, reaching number 2 on the Hot 100 and number 1 on the R&B chart. The song's parent album, ''[[It's Our Thing]]'', reached number 22 on the [[Billboard 200|Pop LP]] chart, and "It's Your Thing" became the group's second million-seller and won them a Grammy Award. The release of "It's Your Thing" brought record label conflicts between the Isleys and Motown, as Motown argued that the group had recorded the song while still under their Motown contract. A 1975 court decision found in the Isleys' favor.{{sfn|Gulla|2008|p=199}}


In June 1969, the brothers independently recorded their concert at [[Yankee Stadium]] which featured an array of artists. The live album ''[[Live at Yankee Stadium]]'' was released later that year. They also filmed the concert which was released as a documentary titled [[It's Your Thing (film)|''It's Your Thing'']] in theaters in August 1970.<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=August 15, 1970|title=Isley Bros. Show Lists Film Dates|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/70s/1970/Billboard%201970-08-15.pdf|magazine=Billboard|pages=30}}</ref>
In June 1969, the brothers independently recorded their concert at [[Yankee Stadium]] which featured an array of artists. The live album ''[[Live at Yankee Stadium]]'' was released later that year. They also filmed the concert which was released as a documentary titled [[It's Your Thing (film)|''It's Your Thing'']] in theaters in August 1970.<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=August 15, 1970|title=Isley Bros. Show Lists Film Dates|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/70s/1970/Billboard%201970-08-15.pdf|magazine=Billboard|page=30}}</ref>


By 1971, the younger Isley brothers Ernie and Marvin and their brother-in-law Chris Jasper started to add to the band's music, first performing on the Isleys' ''[[Givin' It Back]]''. The album featured reinterpretations of rock songs mixing them with funk and gospel elements. The new members played an even bigger role in the 1972 album, ''[[Brother, Brother, Brother]]''. Both albums yielded Top 40 hits, including "[[Love the One You're With]]" and "[[Pop That Thang]]". By the end of their Buddah tenure in 1973, the brothers had signed a distribution deal with [[Epic Records]] and made Ernie, Marvin, and Chris official members. In 1973, the Isleys released ''[[3 + 3]]'', which included the Top 10 hit single "[[That Lady (song)|That Lady]]" and a UK Top 10 cover of "[[Summer Breeze (song)|Summer Breeze]]". Incorporating hard rock and folk-rock as well as funk and soulful balladry, the album became their breakthrough hit, eventually selling over two million copies.
By 1971, the younger Isley brothers Ernie and Marvin and their brother-in-law Chris Jasper started to add to the band's music, first performing on the Isleys' ''[[Givin' It Back]]''. The album featured reinterpretations of rock songs mixing them with funk and gospel elements. The new members played an even bigger role in the 1972 album, ''[[Brother, Brother, Brother]]''. Both albums yielded Top 40 hits, including "[[Love the One You're With]]" and "[[Pop That Thang]]". By the end of their Buddah tenure in 1973, the brothers had signed a distribution deal with [[Epic Records]] and made Ernie, Marvin, and Chris official members. In 1973, the Isleys released ''[[3 + 3]]'', which included the Top 10 hit single "[[That Lady (song)|That Lady]]" and a UK Top 10 cover of "[[Summer Breeze (song)|Summer Breeze]]". Incorporating hard rock and folk-rock as well as funk and soulful balladry, the album became their breakthrough hit, eventually selling over two million copies.


The following year, the album ''[[Live It Up (The Isley Brothers album)|Live It Up]]'' also reached platinum. In 1975, the brothers made one of their most successful recordings, ''[[The Heat Is On (album)|The Heat Is On]]'', which featured the hits "[[Fight the Power (Part 1 & 2)|Fight the Power]]" and "[[For the Love of You]]", and became their first album to reach number 1 on the Pop LP chart, going double-platinum at two million copies sold. The brothers would have more hit albums, including ''[[Harvest for the World]]'' (1976), ''[[Go for Your Guns]]'' (1977), and ''[[Showdown (The Isley Brothers album)|Showdown]]'' (1978), all of which went platinum, and yielded several Top 40 pop and R&B singles and popular radio cuts. By 1979, with the release of ''[[Winner Takes All (album)|Winner Takes All]]'', the brothers had incorporated disco and [[quiet storm]] music into their work. The Isley Brothers' final album under their six-member lineup, ''[[Between the Sheets (The Isley Brothers album)|Between the Sheets]]'' (1983), sold more than two million copies. By then, financial struggles, creative difficulties, and other issues affected the group. Shortly after the success of ''Between the Sheets'', Ernie, Marvin, and Chris left the Isley Brothers and formed [[Isley-Jasper-Isley]]. They later recorded the hit "[[Caravan of Love]]".
The following year, the album ''[[Live It Up (The Isley Brothers album)|Live It Up]]'' also reached platinum. In 1975, the brothers made one of their most successful recordings, ''[[The Heat Is On (album)|The Heat Is On]]'', which featured the hits "[[Fight the Power (Part 1 & 2)|Fight the Power]]" and "[[For the Love of You]]", and became their first album to reach number 1 on the Pop LP chart, going double-platinum at two million copies sold. The brothers would have more hit albums, including ''[[Harvest for the World]]'' (1976), ''[[Go for Your Guns]]'' (1977), and ''[[Showdown (The Isley Brothers album)|Showdown]]'' (1978), all of which went platinum, and yielded several Top 40 pop and R&B singles and popular radio cuts. By 1979, with the release of ''[[Winner Takes All (album)|Winner Takes All]]'', the brothers had incorporated disco and [[quiet storm]] music into their work. The Isley Brothers' final album under their six-member lineup, ''[[Between the Sheets (The Isley Brothers album)|Between the Sheets]]'' (1983), sold more than two million copies.
By then, financial struggles, creative difficulties, and other issues affected the group. Shortly after the success of ''Between the Sheets'', Ernie, Marvin, and Chris left the Isley Brothers and formed [[Isley-Jasper-Isley]]. They later recorded the hit "[[Caravan of Love]]".


===Later years===
===Later years===
{{more citations needed|section|date=March 2020}}
{{more citations needed|section|date=March 2020}}
In 1985, the original Isleys trio of O'Kelly, Rudy, and Ronnie signed with [[Warner Bros. Records]] and recorded and released the album ''[[Masterpiece (The Isley Brothers album)|Masterpiece]]''. A year after its release, O'Kelly Isley died from a heart attack while battling cancer, in March 1986.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qbADAAAAMBAJ&q=O%27Kelly+Isley,+Jr.+obituary&pg=PA52 |title=O'Kelly Isley, 48, Of The Isley Bros. Dies In N.J|magazine=Jet |access-date=February 11, 2010 |date=April 21, 1986 }}</ref><ref>[[Associated Press]]. [https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A0DE2DF153CF930A35757C0A960948260 "O'KELLY ISLEY"], ''[[The New York Times]]'', April 3, 1986. Accessed October 8, 2007. "He was 48 years old and lived in Alpine. Born Dec. 25, 1937, Mr. Isley grew up in Cincinnati and began his musical career singing gospel with his brothers, who performed with their mother accompanying them on piano."</ref> The remaining duo of Ron and Rudy released the [[Angela Winbush]]-produced albums, ''[[Smooth Sailin' (The Isley Brothers album)|Smooth Sailin']]'' in 1987 and ''[[Spend the Night (The Isley Brothers album)|Spend the Night]]'' in 1989. Shortly after the latter release, Rudy retired from the music industry and followed life in the [[Christian ministry|ministry]]. Ron put the group on a brief hiatus in 1990 while he recorded solo material. In 1991, Ron revived the group; Ernie Isley and brother Marvin returned to the fold. That year they released the album, ''[[Tracks of Life]]''.
In 1985, the original Isleys trio of O'Kelly, Rudy, and Ronnie signed with [[Warner Bros. Records]] and recorded and released the album ''[[Masterpiece (The Isley Brothers album)|Masterpiece]]''. Shortly a year after its release, Kelly Isley died from a heart attack while battling cancer, in March 1986.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qbADAAAAMBAJ&q=O%27Kelly+Isley,+Jr.+obituary&pg=PA52 |title=O'Kelly Isley, 48, Of The Isley Bros. Dies In N.J|magazine=Jet |access-date=February 11, 2010 |date=April 21, 1986 }}</ref><ref>[[Associated Press]]. [https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A0DE2DF153CF930A35757C0A960948260 "O'KELLY ISLEY"], ''[[The New York Times]]'', April 3, 1986. Accessed October 8, 2007. "He was 48 years old and lived in Alpine. Born Dec. 25, 1937, Mr. Isley grew up in Cincinnati and began his musical career singing gospel with his brothers, who performed with their mother accompanying them on piano."</ref> The remaining duo of Ron and Rudy released the [[Angela Winbush]]-produced albums, ''[[Smooth Sailin' (The Isley Brothers album)|Smooth Sailin']]'' in 1987 and ''[[Spend the Night (The Isley Brothers album)|Spend the Night]]'' in 1989. Shortly after the latter release, Rudy retired from the music industry and followed life in the [[Christian ministry|ministry]].


In 1996, Ron Isley gained popularity as video villain Frank Biggs (or Mr. Biggs) in the music video for [[R. Kelly]]'s hit "[[Down Low (Nobody Has to Know)]]", which included the Isley Brothers as featured artists. The success of the song and its video helped the brothers' 1996 album ''[[Mission to Please]]'' reach platinum status. That same year, Marvin Isley's career ended after a bout with diabetes forced him to have both of his legs amputated. Ron and Ernie have carried on as a duo from then on. In 2001, the duo released their best-selling album in years with the ''[[Eternal (The Isley Brothers album)|Eternal]]'' album, which sold over two million copies and featured the top 20 hit single "[[Contagious (song)|Contagious]]".
Ron put the group on a brief hiatus in 1990 while he recorded solo material. In 1991, Ron revived the group; Ernie Isley and brother Marvin returned to the fold. that year they released the album, ''[[Tracks of Life]]''. Five years later, Ron Isley gained popularity as video villain Frank Biggs (or Mr. Biggs) in the music video for [[R. Kelly]]'s hit "[[Down Low (Nobody Has to Know)]]", which included the Isley Brothers as featured artists. The success of the song and its video helped the brothers' 1996 album ''[[Mission to Please]]'' reach platinum status.


In 2003, the brothers' ''[[Body Kiss]]'' album peaked at number-one on the ''Billboard'' 200 album chart, becoming their second to reach the position and the first to do so since ''The Heat Is On''. Their next two released albums included 2006's ''[[Baby Makin' Music]]'' and the 2007 holiday album ''I'll Be Home for Christmas''. In 2007, the Isleys' career was interrupted by Ron Isley's three-year prison sentence for tax evasion.<ref name=3years>{{cite web |url=http://www.today.com/id/14681264/ns/today-entertainment/t/singer-ronald-isley-gets-years-prison/#.UVRKkTfKSSo |title=Singer Ronald Isley gets 3 years in prison |website=Today.com |date=September 12, 2006 |access-date=March 28, 2013}}</ref> He was released in 2010. In June of that year, youngest brother Marvin Isley died in Chicago after his longtime bout with diabetes.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/Music/06/07/marvin.isley.dead/|title=Marvin Isley of Isley Bros. dies at 56|date=June 7, 2010|publisher=[[CNN]]|access-date=June 7, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/us_and_canada/10261780.stm |work=BBC News |title=Isley Brothers bassist dies at 56 |date=June 8, 2010}}</ref> During the group's hiatus, Ernie toured as part of the ''Experience Hendrix'' concert festival, while Ron Isley released his first solo album, ''Mr. I'', in 2010. A year later, Ron and Ernie reunited and have since performed on the road.
That same year, Marvin Isley's career ended after a bout with diabetes forced him to have both of his legs amputated. Ron and Ernie have carried on as a duo from then on. In 2001, the duo released their best-selling album in years with the ''[[Eternal (The Isley Brothers album)|Eternal]]'' album, which sold over two million copies and featured the top 20 hit single "[[Contagious (song)|Contagious]]", making the Isley Brothers the only act to reach the Hot 100 (in fact, that chart's top 50) during the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. Two years later, the brothers' ''[[Body Kiss]]'' album peaked at number-one on the ''Billboard'' 200 album chart, becoming their second to reach the position and the first to do so since ''The Heat Is On''. Their next two released albums included 2006's ''[[Baby Makin' Music]]'' and the 2007 holiday album ''I'll Be Home for Christmas''.
In 2007, the Isleys' career was interrupted by Ron Isley's three-year prison sentence for tax evasion.<ref name=3years>{{cite web |url=http://www.today.com/id/14681264/ns/today-entertainment/t/singer-ronald-isley-gets-years-prison/#.UVRKkTfKSSo |title=Singer Ronald Isley gets 3 years in prison |website=Today.com |date=September 12, 2006 |access-date=March 28, 2013}}</ref> He was released in 2010. In June of that year, youngest brother Marvin Isley died in Chicago after his longtime bout with diabetes.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/Music/06/07/marvin.isley.dead/|title=Marvin Isley of Isley Bros. dies at 56|date=June 7, 2010|publisher=[[CNN]]|access-date=June 7, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/us_and_canada/10261780.stm |work=BBC News |title=Isley Brothers bassist dies at 56 |date=June 8, 2010}}</ref> During the group's hiatus, Ernie toured as part of the ''Experience Hendrix'' concert festival, while Ron Isley released his first solo album, ''Mr. I'', in 2010. A year later, Ron and Ernie reunited and have since performed on the road.
[[File:Ron and Ernie Isley.jpg|thumb|Ron and Ernie Isley in 1996]]
[[File:Ron and Ernie Isley.jpg|thumb|Ron and Ernie Isley in 1996]]
In 1993, The Isley Brothers song "[[Footsteps in the Dark]]" was sampled by hip-hop artist [[Ice Cube]] for the hit single "[[It Was a Good Day]]".<ref>{{cite web|title=Ice Cube, "It Was A Good Day"|first=Steven|last=Hyden|date=October 25, 2011|url=http://www.avclub.com/articles/ice-cube-it-was-a-good-day,63931/|work=[[The A.V. Club]]}}</ref> In 1994, The Isley Brothers song "[[Between the Sheets (song)|Between the Sheets]]" was sampled by [[The Notorious B.I.G.]] for his hit single "[[Big Poppa]]". "[[Luxurious]]", the fifth single from No Doubt frontwoman [[Gwen Stefani]]'s 2004 multi-platinum solo debut ''[[Love. Angel. Music. Baby.]]'' also benefited from a prominent sample of "[[Between the Sheets (song)|Between the Sheets]]".
In 1993, The Isley Brothers song "[[Footsteps in the Dark]]" was sampled by hip-hop artist [[Ice Cube]] for the hit single "[[It Was a Good Day]]".<ref>{{cite web|title=Ice Cube, "It Was A Good Day"|first=Steven|last=Hyden|date=October 25, 2011|url=http://www.avclub.com/articles/ice-cube-it-was-a-good-day,63931/|work=[[The A.V. Club]]}}</ref>


In 1994, The Isley Brothers song "[[Between the Sheets (song)|Between the Sheets]]" was sampled by [[The Notorious B.I.G.]] for his hit single "[[Big Poppa]]". That same year, R&B singer [[Aaliyah]] included a cover version of "[[(At Your Best) You Are Love]]" on her debut album, ''[[Age Ain't Nothing but a Number]]''.<ref name=rollingstoneisley/> <ref>{{cite magazine|last=Augustin|first=Camille|url=https://www.vibe.com/2016/08/age-aint-nothing-but-a-number-aaliyah-week/|title=Aaliyah Week: 'Age Ain't Nothing But A Number' & The Isley Brothers Cover That Placed Aaliyah On The Map
After the break-up of [[Isley-Jasper-Isley]] in 1987, Chris Jasper continued as a solo artist, multi-instrumentalist, and producer, forming his own independent record label, Gold City Records. He has since released 14 solo albums, including 4 gospel albums. He released the #1 R&B hit "Superbad" in 1988, a song which emphasized the importance of education, a theme Jasper continues to emphasize in many of the songs he has written since his days with the Isleys.
|date=August 26, 2016|magazine=[[Vibe Magazine|Vibe]]|access-date=September 14, 2023}}</ref> "[[Luxurious]]", the fifth single from No Doubt frontwoman [[Gwen Stefani]]'s 2004 multi-platinum solo debut ''[[Love. Angel. Music. Baby.]]'' also benefited from a prominent sample of "[[Between the Sheets (song)|Between the Sheets]]".


In January 2013, Jasper released ''Inspired: By Love, By Life, By the Spirit'', a compilation of love songs as well as socially conscious and spiritual tracks. In May 2014, Jasper released ''The One'', reminiscent of the soulful R&B and funk music he wrote for the Isleys. In 2016, Jasper released ''Share With Me'', which included a cover of the Billy Preston hit, "You Are So Beautiful" and a track called "America", a tribute to the nation and a call to come together. In April 2018, Jasper pre-released a double-A single "The Love That You Give/It's a Miracle" from his 15th solo album ''Dance With You'', scheduled for a July 2018 release.
After the break-up of [[Isley-Jasper-Isley]] in 1987, Chris Jasper continued as a solo artist, multi-instrumentalist, and producer, forming his own independent record label, Gold City Records. He has since released 14 solo albums, including 4 gospel albums. He released the #1 R&B hit "Superbad" in 1988, a song which emphasized the importance of education, a theme Jasper continues to emphasize in many of the songs he has written since his days with the Isleys. In January 2013, Jasper released ''Inspired: By Love, By Life, By the Spirit'', a compilation of love songs as well as socially conscious and spiritual tracks. In May 2014, Jasper released ''The One'', reminiscent of the soulful R&B and funk music he wrote for the Isleys. In 2016, Jasper released ''Share With Me'', which included a cover of the Billy Preston hit, "You Are So Beautiful" and a track called "America", a tribute to the nation and a call to come together. In April 2018, Jasper pre-released a double-A single "The Love That You Give/It's a Miracle" from his 15th solo album ''Dance With You'', scheduled for a July 2018 release.


Jasper, who earned a law degree in 2004, has continued to write, record, and perform all the music on his solo albums and produce artists for his Gold City label, including Liz Hogue, Out Front, and Brothaz By Choice. The most recent addition to the Gold City label is Jasper's son, Michael Jasper, a songwriter, recording artist and screenplay writer, who earned his law degree in 2018. In 1989, Chris Jasper wrote, produced and performed on "Make It Last" for [[Chaka Khan]]'s ''[[CK (album)|CK]]'' album. In 2015, in conjunction with Sony Music, Jasper released the ''Essential Chris Jasper'' which encompasses all of the tracks that Jasper sang lead on during his Isley-Jasper-Isley years and solo career at CBS/Sony Music. In 2015, he received the German Record Critics Lifetime Achievement Award ("Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik"). In 2016, Jasper was awarded the National R&B Society Lifetime Achievement Award.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.rnbmusicsociety.com/past-honorees|title=Past Honorees|website=rnbmusicsociety1}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rnbmusicsociety.com/?lightbox=dataItem-iwl0fdk0|title=Classic Soul &#124; The National R&B Music Society|website=rnbmusicsociety1}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rnbmusicsociety.com/productions|title=Productions|website=rnbmusicsociety1}}</ref>
Jasper, who earned a law degree in 2004, has continued to write, record, and perform all the music on his solo albums and produce artists for his Gold City label, including Liz Hogue, Out Front, and Brothaz By Choice. The most recent addition to the Gold City label is Jasper's son, Michael Jasper, a songwriter, recording artist and screenplay writer, who earned his law degree in 2018. In 1989, Chris Jasper wrote, produced and performed on "Make It Last" for [[Chaka Khan]]'s ''[[CK (album)|CK]]'' album. In 2015, in conjunction with Sony Music, Jasper released the ''Essential Chris Jasper'' which encompasses all of the tracks that Jasper sang lead on during his Isley-Jasper-Isley years and solo career at CBS/Sony Music. In 2015, he received the German Record Critics Lifetime Achievement Award ("Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik"). In 2016, Jasper was awarded the National R&B Society Lifetime Achievement Award.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.rnbmusicsociety.com/past-honorees|title=Past Honorees|website=rnbmusicsociety1}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rnbmusicsociety.com/?lightbox=dataItem-iwl0fdk0|title=Classic Soul &#124; The National R&B Music Society|website=rnbmusicsociety1}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rnbmusicsociety.com/productions|title=Productions|website=rnbmusicsociety1}}</ref>


In 2017, Ernie and Ronnie Isley collaborated with guitarist [[Carlos Santana]] and released ''Power of Peace'', released on July 28 by Sony Music's Legacy Recordings.
In 2017, Ernie and Ronnie Isley collaborated with guitarist [[Carlos Santana]] and released ''Power of Peace'', released on July 28 by Sony Music's Legacy Recordings. In 2019, Ron and Ernie Isley received the National R&B Music Society's<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rnbmusicsociety.com/|title=Classic Soul &#124; The National R&B Music Society|website=rnbmusicsociety1}}</ref> Lifetime Achievement Award and Proclamations<ref name="auto"/> from the City of Atlantic City, while on stage in Atlantic City, NJ. In 2021 the brothers participated in a [[Verzuz]] with fellow R&B band [[Earth, Wind & Fire]] hosted by [[Steve Harvey]], to celebrate both bands contributions to R&B & Pop music and African American culture.


On September 30, 2022, the Isley Brothers released a new album, titled ''Make Me Say It Again, Girl''.
In 2019, Ron and Ernie Isley received the National R&B Music Society's<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rnbmusicsociety.com/|title=Classic Soul &#124; The National R&B Music Society|website=rnbmusicsociety1}}</ref> Lifetime Achievement Award and Proclamations<ref name="auto"/> from the City of Atlantic City, while on stage in Atlantic City, NJ. In 2021 the brothers participated in a [[Verzuz]] with fellow R&B band [[Earth, Wind & Fire]] hosted by [[Steve Harvey]], to celebrate both bands contributions to R&B & Pop music and African American culture.

On September 30, 2022, the Isley Brothers released a new album, titled ''Make Me Say It Again, Girl'' featuring collaborations with [[Beyoncé]], [[Earth, Wind & Fire]], [[El DeBarge]], and [[Snoop Dogg]].

In March 2023, Rudolph Isley began legal action against his brother Ronald, claiming joint ownership of the Isley Brothers name. He contended that he was entitled to payments after he left the band in the early 1990s.<ref>[https://www.soultracks.com/story-isley-brothers-lawsuit "Isley Brothers headed to trial in family dispute over name", ''Soul Tracks'', September 1, 2023]. Retrieved September 1, 2023</ref> However, before the trial was to take place, Rudolph died on October 12, 2023, at the age of 84.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.tmz.com/2023/10/12/rudolph-isley-brothers-founding-member-dead-dies-singer-motown/ |title=Rudolph Isley, Isley Brothers Founding Member, Dead |work=[[TMZ]] |date=October 12, 2023 |accessdate=October 12, 2023}}</ref>


==Musical style and influences==
==Musical style and influences==
Influenced by gospel and doo-wop music, the group experimented with different musical styles over the course of their career, starting out in [[rock and roll]]<ref>{{AllMusic |class=album |id=r170622 |tab=review |label=The Isley Brothers - ''Shout!'' (1959) album review, credits & releases |first=Greg |last=Adams |accessdate=August 1, 2012}}</ref><ref name=CR>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/pitchfork-festival-isley-brothers-rock-ron-ernie/Content?oid=71742936|title=Why haven't the Isley Brothers conquered the rock market?|first=James|last=Porter|website=Chicago Reader|date=July 17, 2019 }}</ref> before shifting their sound to [[soul music]], then [[funk]] and [[funk rock]]. The group has also performed [[rhythm and blues]]<ref name="Allmusic" /> and [[pop music|pop]] [[ballad]]s.
{{Expand section|date=February 2023}}
The Isley Brothers began as a [[gospel music|gospel]]-influenced [[doo-wop]] group and expanded into [[rhythm and blues|R&B]], [[soul music|soul]], [[funk]], [[rock music|rock]] and [[disco]], often blending two or more of these genres within the same song;<ref name=Gulla>{{cite book |last=Gulla |first= Bob
|date=December 30, 2007 |title=Icons of R&B and Soul |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=6rjOEAAAQBAJ&dq=isley+brothers+%22quiet+storm%22&pg=PA192 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |page= 192 |isbn=9780313088070}}</ref> John La Briola of ''[[Riverfront Times]]'' wrote that the Isley Brothers "mastered every musical style from gospel and R&B to [[Motown]] soul and [[funk rock|funk-rock]] fusion -- and all before disco even reared its ugly, feathered head."<ref>{{cite news |last=La Briola |first=John |date=June 25, 2003 |title= The Isley Brothers: Body Kiss (T-Neck/Dreamworks)|url= https://www.riverfronttimes.com/music/the-isley-brothers-2465494|work=[[Riverfront Times]] |location=[[St. Louis]] |access-date=October 27, 2023}}</ref> Their 1966 single "[[Testify (Isley Brothers song)|Testify]]" was credited as inventing the funk genre.<ref name=Gulla/> In the early 1980s, they were credited for pioneering the soul ballad, also known as [[quiet storm]].<ref name=Gulla/><ref>{{cite book |date= October 11, 2007|title= Listen Again: A Momentary History of Pop Music |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=zXUVKoUDh0wC&dq=isley+brothers+%22quiet+storm%22&pg=PA180 |publisher=Duke University Press |page=180 |isbn=9780822390558}}</ref> According to [[AllMusic]], "the group's distinguished history spanned not only two generations of Isley siblings but also massive cultural shifts, which heralded their music's transformation from gritty R&B to Motown soul to blistering funk".<ref name="Allmusic"/>

According to the ''Chicago Reader's'' Frank Youngwerth, "While steps they took to survive on the developing [[pop music|pop]] scene of the 60s at times threatened to tie them to a manufactured sound and image, particularly during a stint on Motown, their break with that label in 1968 signaled the scrappy vocal trio’s rebirth as a self-reliant [[progressive soul]] band."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://chicagoreader.com/music/stayin-alive-2/ |title=Stayin' Alive |last=Youngwerth |first=Frank|date=September 9, 1999 |publisher=Chicago Reader |access-date=February 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018012541/https://chicagoreader.com/music/stayin-alive-2/ |archive-date=October 18, 2021 }}</ref> According to ''Chicago Reader'' writer James Porter, "one side of the Isley Brothers’ career during this era consistently gets swept under the rug: their status as a [[hard rock|hard-rock]] band";<ref name=CR/> [[Rock music|Rock]] elements were present in the band's music as early as 1964, when [[Jimi Hendrix]] played guitar for the band, but after [[Ernie Isley]] joined in 1973, Ernie's "atomic solos gave their music extra rock power".<ref name=CR/> Porter said that songs like "[[That Lady (song)|That Lady]]" and "[[Live It Up (Isley Brothers song)|Live It Up]]" were meant to "give [[Led Zeppelin]] and the other big guns of rock some competition" and that "In the 1970s, the Isley Brothers made [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]] you could dance to."<ref name=CR>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/pitchfork-festival-isley-brothers-rock-ron-ernie/Content?oid=71742936|title=Why haven't the Isley Brothers conquered the rock market?|first=James|last=Porter|website=Chicago Reader |date=July 17, 2019 |access-date=February 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718141803/https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/pitchfork-festival-isley-brothers-rock-ron-ernie/Content?oid=71742936 |archive-date=July 18, 2019 }}</ref>


== Awards and nominations ==
== Awards and nominations ==
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=== Timeline ===
=== Timeline ===
{{#tag:timeline|
{{#tag:timeline|
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bar:O'Kelly text:"O'Kelly Isley Jr."
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{{commons category|The Isley Brothers}}
{{commons category|The Isley Brothers}}
* {{allMusic|artist/the-isley-brothers-mn0000766893}}
* {{allMusic|artist/the-isley-brothers-mn0000766893}}
* {{discogs artist|The Isley Brothers}}
* {{imdb name|1499438}}
* {{YouTube|user=TheIsleyBrothersVEVO|The Isley Brothers|suffix='}} / [[Vevo|VEVO]]
* {{YouTube|user=TheIsleyBrothersVEVO|The Isley Brothers|suffix='}} / [[Vevo|VEVO]]
* {{Rockhall}}
* {{Rockhall}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071029041703/http://vocalhalloffame.com/inductees/the_isley_brothers.html The Isley Brothers] at the [[Vocal Group Hall of Fame]]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071029041703/http://vocalhalloffame.com/inductees/the_isley_brothers.html The Isley Brothers] at the [[Vocal Group Hall of Fame]]
* {{Discogs artist|artist=The Isley Brothers}}
* [http://www.chrisjasper.com/ Official Website of Chris Jasper]
* [http://www.chrisjasper.com/ Official Website of Chris Jasper]
* [http://www.goldcitymusic.com/ Gold City Records]
* [http://www.goldcitymusic.com/ Gold City Records]
* {{IMDb name|id=1499438|name=The Isley Brothers}}


{{Isley Brothers|state=expanded}}
{{Isley Brothers|state=expanded}}
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[[Category:African-American rock musical groups]]
[[Category:African-American hard rock musical groups]]
[[Category:American funk musical groups]]
[[Category:American funk musical groups]]
[[Category:American funk rock musical groups]]
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[[Category:Musicians from Englewood, New Jersey]]
[[Category:People from Englewood, New Jersey]]
[[Category:People from Lincoln Heights, Ohio]]
[[Category:People from Lincoln Heights, Ohio]]
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Revision as of 14:09, 20 July 2024

The Isley Brothers
The Isley Brothers in 1969. From left to right: Rudolph, Ronald and O'Kelly Isley
The Isley Brothers in 1969. From left to right: Rudolph, Ronald and O'Kelly Isley
Background information
Also known asThe Isley Brothers featuring Ronald Isley AKA "Mr. Biggs"
The Isleys
OriginCincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
Genres
DiscographyThe Isley Brothers discography
Years active1954–present
Labels
Members
Past members
Websiteofficialisleybrothers.com

The Isley Brothers (/ˈzli/ EYEZ-lee) are an American musical group originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, that began as a vocal trio consisting of the brothers O'Kelly Isley Jr., Rudolph Isley and Ronald Isley in the 1950s.[1][2][3][4][5] With a career spanning over seven decades, the group has enjoyed one of the "longest, most influential, and most diverse careers in the pantheon of popular music".[6]

Together with a fourth brother, Vernon, the group performed gospel music until Vernon's death a few years after its formation. After moving to New York City in the late 1950s, the group had their first successes during these early years, and rose to prominence in 1959 with their fourth single, "Shout", written by the three brothers, which became their first single to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, and sold over a million copies. In the 1960s, the group recorded songs for a variety of labels, including the top 20 single "Twist and Shout" and the Motown single "This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)", before recording and releasing the Grammy Award-winning hit "It's Your Thing" on their own label, T-Neck Records.

The inclusion of younger brothers Ernie Isley (lead guitar, drums) and Marvin Isley (bass guitar), and Rudolph's brother-in-law Chris Jasper (keyboards, synthesizers), in 1973 turned the original vocal trio into a complete band and led to the group's reaching the height of their success. For the next full decade, they recorded a string of top-selling albums including 3 + 3, Between the Sheets, and The Heat Is On, with the latter peaking at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The six-member band splintered in 1983, with Ernie, Marvin, and Chris Jasper forming the short-lived spinoff group Isley-Jasper-Isley. The oldest member, O'Kelly, died in 1986. Afterwards Rudolph and Ronald released a pair of albums as a duo before Rudolph retired to a life in the Christian ministry in 1989. After multiple lineup changes, the remaining duo of Ronald and Ernie achieved mainstream success with the albums Mission to Please (1996), Eternal (2001) and Body Kiss (2003). Eternal spawned the top 20 hit "Contagious". As of 2024, the Isley Brothers continue to perform under the lineup of Ronald and Ernie.

The Isley Brothers have sold over 18 million units in the United States alone.[7] With their first major hit charting in 1959 ("Shout"), and their last one in 2001 ("Contagious"), they are among the few groups ever to have hit the Billboard Hot 100 with new music in six different decades. Sixteen of their albums charted in the Top 40 and thirteen of those albums have been certified gold, platinum or multi-platinum by the RIAA. The brothers have been honored by several musical institutions, including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which inducted them in 1992.[8] Five years later, they were added to Hollywood's Rockwalk, and in 2003 they were inducted to the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.[9] They received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014.[10]

Career

Origins and initial recordings

The Isley Brothers originally came from Cincinnati, Ohio, and were raised in the city's Lincoln Heights suburb, settling in the satellite town of Blue Ash when they were teenagers. Their father, O'Kelly Isley Sr., a former United States Navy sailor and vaudeville performer from Durham, North Carolina, and their mother Sallye, from Georgia, guided the elder four Isley boys in their singing in church. The brothers began performing together in 1954, patterning themselves after groups such as Billy Ward and His Dominoes and The Dixie Hummingbirds.[11] Eventually, they landed a spot on Ted Mack's Amateur Hour, where they won the competition (their prize was a watch).[11] With Vernon singing lead vocals, the quartet soon began touring all over the eastern US, performing in a variety of churches. When Vernon was thirteen, he was killed by a car that struck him as he was riding his bike in his neighborhood. Devastated, the remaining trio disbanded.[11]

Eventually persuaded to regroup, with Ronnie assuming the lead vocal position, the brothers decided to record popular music and left Cincinnati for New York in 1957 with their parents' blessings.[12] The group got in touch with Richard Barrett, who soon had them in contact with a variety of New York record producers. They eventually had their first recorded songs produced by George Goldner, including "Angels Cried" and "The Cow Jumped Over the Moon" for the Teenage, Cindy, and Mark X imprints.[13] The songs were only regional hits, however. By 1959, the group had landed a recording deal with RCA Records. Later that year, the group recorded their first composition together, "Shout", mixing their brand of gospel vocals and doo-wop harmonies, a song derived from a Washington, D.C., club performance in which the brothers had covered Jackie Wilson's "Lonely Teardrops".[13] The original version of the song peaked at number 47 on the Billboard Hot 100 and never reached the R&B chart. Nevertheless, it sold over one million copies and was awarded a gold disc by the RIAA.[14]

Follow-up recordings on RCA failed to chart and the brothers left the label in 1961, and later signed with Scepter Records. In 1962, the Isley Brothers scored their first top 40 hit with the Bert Berns song "Twist and Shout", which reached number 17 on the Hot 100 and number 2 on the R&B chart, staying on the charts for 19 weeks.[15] The song had been produced by Berns for the brothers to teach then-struggling producer Phil Spector how to produce a hit.[16][17]

Moving their entire operations to New Jersey,[18] the brothers continued to struggle with recordings, and formed T-Neck Records in 1964.[19]

During that period, Jimi Hendrix began playing lead guitar for the brothers' band. Bringing Hendrix with them to the studio, they recorded the song "Testify". Later, Hendrix contributed guitar to another Isleys single, "Move On Over and Let Me Dance", which was recorded for T-Neck and distributed by Atlantic Records. After both songs failed to chart and Hendrix left the Isleys for good in 1965, the brothers signed with Motown Records. Early the following year, the group released their second Top 40 hit single, "This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)". While the Isley Brothers' recordings with Motown were more successful than their earlier works, they struggled to score a follow-up Top 40 hit with the label. They left Motown in 1968.[citation needed]

Major success

Resurrecting their T-Neck label that year, the brothers signed a distribution deal with Buddah Records and issued "It's Your Thing" in February 1969. The song, which featured the first appearance of Ernie Isley on bass, became their biggest success to date, reaching number 2 on the Hot 100 and number 1 on the R&B chart. The song's parent album, It's Our Thing, reached number 22 on the Pop LP chart, and "It's Your Thing" became the group's second million-seller and won them a Grammy Award. The release of "It's Your Thing" brought record label conflicts between the Isleys and Motown, as Motown argued that the group had recorded the song while still under their Motown contract. A 1975 court decision found in the Isleys' favor.[20]

In June 1969, the brothers independently recorded their concert at Yankee Stadium which featured an array of artists. The live album Live at Yankee Stadium was released later that year. They also filmed the concert which was released as a documentary titled It's Your Thing in theaters in August 1970.[21]

By 1971, the younger Isley brothers Ernie and Marvin and their brother-in-law Chris Jasper started to add to the band's music, first performing on the Isleys' Givin' It Back. The album featured reinterpretations of rock songs mixing them with funk and gospel elements. The new members played an even bigger role in the 1972 album, Brother, Brother, Brother. Both albums yielded Top 40 hits, including "Love the One You're With" and "Pop That Thang". By the end of their Buddah tenure in 1973, the brothers had signed a distribution deal with Epic Records and made Ernie, Marvin, and Chris official members. In 1973, the Isleys released 3 + 3, which included the Top 10 hit single "That Lady" and a UK Top 10 cover of "Summer Breeze". Incorporating hard rock and folk-rock as well as funk and soulful balladry, the album became their breakthrough hit, eventually selling over two million copies.

The following year, the album Live It Up also reached platinum. In 1975, the brothers made one of their most successful recordings, The Heat Is On, which featured the hits "Fight the Power" and "For the Love of You", and became their first album to reach number 1 on the Pop LP chart, going double-platinum at two million copies sold. The brothers would have more hit albums, including Harvest for the World (1976), Go for Your Guns (1977), and Showdown (1978), all of which went platinum, and yielded several Top 40 pop and R&B singles and popular radio cuts. By 1979, with the release of Winner Takes All, the brothers had incorporated disco and quiet storm music into their work. The Isley Brothers' final album under their six-member lineup, Between the Sheets (1983), sold more than two million copies.

By then, financial struggles, creative difficulties, and other issues affected the group. Shortly after the success of Between the Sheets, Ernie, Marvin, and Chris left the Isley Brothers and formed Isley-Jasper-Isley. They later recorded the hit "Caravan of Love".

Later years

In 1985, the original Isleys trio of O'Kelly, Rudy, and Ronnie signed with Warner Bros. Records and recorded and released the album Masterpiece. Shortly a year after its release, Kelly Isley died from a heart attack while battling cancer, in March 1986.[22][23] The remaining duo of Ron and Rudy released the Angela Winbush-produced albums, Smooth Sailin' in 1987 and Spend the Night in 1989. Shortly after the latter release, Rudy retired from the music industry and followed life in the ministry.

Ron put the group on a brief hiatus in 1990 while he recorded solo material. In 1991, Ron revived the group; Ernie Isley and brother Marvin returned to the fold. that year they released the album, Tracks of Life. Five years later, Ron Isley gained popularity as video villain Frank Biggs (or Mr. Biggs) in the music video for R. Kelly's hit "Down Low (Nobody Has to Know)", which included the Isley Brothers as featured artists. The success of the song and its video helped the brothers' 1996 album Mission to Please reach platinum status.

That same year, Marvin Isley's career ended after a bout with diabetes forced him to have both of his legs amputated. Ron and Ernie have carried on as a duo from then on. In 2001, the duo released their best-selling album in years with the Eternal album, which sold over two million copies and featured the top 20 hit single "Contagious", making the Isley Brothers the only act to reach the Hot 100 (in fact, that chart's top 50) during the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. Two years later, the brothers' Body Kiss album peaked at number-one on the Billboard 200 album chart, becoming their second to reach the position and the first to do so since The Heat Is On. Their next two released albums included 2006's Baby Makin' Music and the 2007 holiday album I'll Be Home for Christmas.

In 2007, the Isleys' career was interrupted by Ron Isley's three-year prison sentence for tax evasion.[24] He was released in 2010. In June of that year, youngest brother Marvin Isley died in Chicago after his longtime bout with diabetes.[25][26] During the group's hiatus, Ernie toured as part of the Experience Hendrix concert festival, while Ron Isley released his first solo album, Mr. I, in 2010. A year later, Ron and Ernie reunited and have since performed on the road.

Ron and Ernie Isley in 1996

In 1993, The Isley Brothers song "Footsteps in the Dark" was sampled by hip-hop artist Ice Cube for the hit single "It Was a Good Day".[27]

In 1994, The Isley Brothers song "Between the Sheets" was sampled by The Notorious B.I.G. for his hit single "Big Poppa". That same year, R&B singer Aaliyah included a cover version of "(At Your Best) You Are Love" on her debut album, Age Ain't Nothing but a Number.[28] [29] "Luxurious", the fifth single from No Doubt frontwoman Gwen Stefani's 2004 multi-platinum solo debut Love. Angel. Music. Baby. also benefited from a prominent sample of "Between the Sheets".

After the break-up of Isley-Jasper-Isley in 1987, Chris Jasper continued as a solo artist, multi-instrumentalist, and producer, forming his own independent record label, Gold City Records. He has since released 14 solo albums, including 4 gospel albums. He released the #1 R&B hit "Superbad" in 1988, a song which emphasized the importance of education, a theme Jasper continues to emphasize in many of the songs he has written since his days with the Isleys. In January 2013, Jasper released Inspired: By Love, By Life, By the Spirit, a compilation of love songs as well as socially conscious and spiritual tracks. In May 2014, Jasper released The One, reminiscent of the soulful R&B and funk music he wrote for the Isleys. In 2016, Jasper released Share With Me, which included a cover of the Billy Preston hit, "You Are So Beautiful" and a track called "America", a tribute to the nation and a call to come together. In April 2018, Jasper pre-released a double-A single "The Love That You Give/It's a Miracle" from his 15th solo album Dance With You, scheduled for a July 2018 release.

Jasper, who earned a law degree in 2004, has continued to write, record, and perform all the music on his solo albums and produce artists for his Gold City label, including Liz Hogue, Out Front, and Brothaz By Choice. The most recent addition to the Gold City label is Jasper's son, Michael Jasper, a songwriter, recording artist and screenplay writer, who earned his law degree in 2018. In 1989, Chris Jasper wrote, produced and performed on "Make It Last" for Chaka Khan's CK album. In 2015, in conjunction with Sony Music, Jasper released the Essential Chris Jasper which encompasses all of the tracks that Jasper sang lead on during his Isley-Jasper-Isley years and solo career at CBS/Sony Music. In 2015, he received the German Record Critics Lifetime Achievement Award ("Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik"). In 2016, Jasper was awarded the National R&B Society Lifetime Achievement Award.[30][31][32]

In 2017, Ernie and Ronnie Isley collaborated with guitarist Carlos Santana and released Power of Peace, released on July 28 by Sony Music's Legacy Recordings. In 2019, Ron and Ernie Isley received the National R&B Music Society's[33] Lifetime Achievement Award and Proclamations[30] from the City of Atlantic City, while on stage in Atlantic City, NJ. In 2021 the brothers participated in a Verzuz with fellow R&B band Earth, Wind & Fire hosted by Steve Harvey, to celebrate both bands contributions to R&B & Pop music and African American culture.

On September 30, 2022, the Isley Brothers released a new album, titled Make Me Say It Again, Girl.

Musical style and influences

Influenced by gospel and doo-wop music, the group experimented with different musical styles over the course of their career, starting out in rock and roll[34][35] before shifting their sound to soul music, then funk and funk rock. The group has also performed rhythm and blues[6] and pop ballads.

Awards and nominations

The Isley Brothers were inducted the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.[8] In 1997, they were inducted into Hollywood's Rockwalk, and in 2003 they were inducted to the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.[9]

Grammy Awards

The Isley Brothers have won two Grammy Awards, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.[10] Two of their songs are inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.[36]

Year Nominee / work Award Result
1970 "It's Your Thing" Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group Won
2002 "Contagious" Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal Nominated
2004 "Busted" Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal Nominated
2004 Body Kiss Best R&B Album Nominated
2014 Isley Brothers Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award Won
Year Nominee / work Award Result
1999 "Shout" Hall of Fame (Single) Inducted
2010 "Twist and Shout" Hall of Fame (Single) Inducted

Members

Current members
  • Ronald Isley – lead vocals (1955–present), backing vocals (1954–1955)
  • Ernie Isley – guitars, bass, drums, percussion (1969–1984, 1991–present)
Former members

Timeline

Discography

Studio albums

References

  1. ^ Gulla, Bob (2008). Icons of R&B and Soul: An Encyclopedia of the Artists Who Revolutionized Rhythm. ABC-CLIO. ISBN 978-0-313-34044-4.
  2. ^ Pareles, Jon (January 2002). "POP REVIEW; Two Brothers Who Are Carrying On the Family Act". The New York Times. Retrieved July 17, 2018.
  3. ^ Lipsitz, George (2007). Footsteps in the Dark. U of Minnesota Press. ISBN 9780816650194.
  4. ^ Moses Sumney. "Alex Isley Has Her Own Thing". L.A. Weekly.
  5. ^ "A Playful Encounter With the Isley Brothers". Los Angeles Times. May 6, 1997.
  6. ^ a b Ankeny, Jason. "The Isley Brothers - Music Biography on Allmusic.com". Allmusic. Retrieved March 27, 2013.
  7. ^ "Gold & Platinum". RIAA.
  8. ^ a b "The Isley Brothers". Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 1992. Retrieved March 27, 2013.
  9. ^ a b "The Isley Brothers". The Vocal Group Hall of Fame.
  10. ^ a b "Isley Brothers". Recording Academy Grammy Awards.
  11. ^ a b c Gulla 2008, p. 193.
  12. ^ Gulla 2008, p. 193–194.
  13. ^ a b Gulla 2008, p. 194.
  14. ^ Murrells, Joseph (1978). The Book of Golden Discs (2nd ed.). London: Barrie and Jenkins Ltd. p. 115. ISBN 0-214-20512-6.
  15. ^ Gulla 2008, p. 195.
  16. ^ David Edwards and Mike Callahan, The Atlantic Records Story, February 1990, Bsnpubs.com
  17. ^ "Bert Berns: Songwriter, Producer and Label Chief". Bertberns.com.
  18. ^ Wilner, Paul. "Isley Brothers: A Family Affair", The New York Times, March 13, 1977. Accessed September 18, 2011. "WHEN Sallye Isley moved her brood of children from Cincinnati to Englewood in the summer of 1959, she was participating in a show-business phenomenon.... While their older brothers toured America, the younger Isley boys enrolled successively in Englewood Junior High and Dwight Morrow High School.... Right now, the brothers reside near enough to each other to keep in close touch. Ronald lives in Teaneck, Kelly Jr. in Alpine, Rudolph in Haworth and Ernie in Englewood."
  19. ^ Gulla 2008, p. 196.
  20. ^ Gulla 2008, p. 199.
  21. ^ "Isley Bros. Show Lists Film Dates" (PDF). Billboard. August 15, 1970. p. 30.
  22. ^ "O'Kelly Isley, 48, Of The Isley Bros. Dies In N.J". Jet. April 21, 1986. Retrieved February 11, 2010.
  23. ^ Associated Press. "O'KELLY ISLEY", The New York Times, April 3, 1986. Accessed October 8, 2007. "He was 48 years old and lived in Alpine. Born Dec. 25, 1937, Mr. Isley grew up in Cincinnati and began his musical career singing gospel with his brothers, who performed with their mother accompanying them on piano."
  24. ^ "Singer Ronald Isley gets 3 years in prison". Today.com. September 12, 2006. Retrieved March 28, 2013.
  25. ^ "Marvin Isley of Isley Bros. dies at 56". CNN. June 7, 2010. Retrieved June 7, 2010.
  26. ^ "Isley Brothers bassist dies at 56". BBC News. June 8, 2010.
  27. ^ Hyden, Steven (October 25, 2011). "Ice Cube, "It Was A Good Day"". The A.V. Club.
  28. ^ Cite error: The named reference rollingstoneisley was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
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