The Isley Brothers, formed in the 1950s, are an iconic American musical group known for their enduring influence on R&B, soul, and funk. With a career spanning over six decades, the Isleys have continually reinvented their sound, blending genres and pioneering new musical styles.
Timeline of Career Highlights
- 1954: The Isley Brothers are formed in Cincinnati, Ohio, initially consisting of brothers O'Kelly, Rudolph, and Ronald Isley.
- 1959: Release their breakthrough single "Shout," which becomes a major hit and an enduring party anthem.
- 1962: Achieve success with the single "Twist and Shout," later covered by The Beatles.
- 1966: Release "This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)" on Motown's Tamla label, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- 1969: Form their own label, T-Neck Records, and release "It's Your Thing," which wins a Grammy Award.
- 1973: Release the album “3 + 3”, featuring younger brothers Ernie and Marvin Isley, and brother-in-law Chris Jasper, marking a significant stylistic shift with hits like "That Lady."
- 1975: Achieve major success with the album “The Heat Is On”, which includes the hits "Fight the Power" and "For the Love of You."
- 1983: Release “Between the Sheets”, featuring the titular hit and solidifying their place in the R&B genre.
- 1992: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
- 2001: Release the platinum-selling album “Eternal”, featuring the hit single "Contagious."
- 2010s: Continue to tour and release new music, maintaining their influence in contemporary R&B and hip hop.
Albums and Discography
1. Notable Studio Albums
- “Shout!” (1959)
- “Twist & Shout” (1962)
- “This Old Heart of Mine” (1966)
- “It's Our Thing” (1969)
- “3 + 3” (1973)
- “The Heat Is On” (1975)
- “Harvest for the World” (1976)
- “Go for Your Guns” (1977)
- “Between the Sheets” (1983)
- “Eternal” (2001)
- “Baby Makin' Music” (2006)
- “Power of Peace” (2017) - with Santana
2. Notable Singles
- "Shout" (1959)
- "Twist and Shout" (1962)
- "This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)" (1966)
- "It's Your Thing" (1969)
- "That Lady" (1973)
- "For the Love of You" (1975)
- "Fight the Power" (1975)
- "Between the Sheets" (1983)
- "Contagious" (2001)
Lineup
Founding Members~
O'Kelly Isley Jr.
Rudolph Isley
Ronald Isley
Later Additions~
Ernie Isley (guitar, drums)
Marvin Isley (bass)
Chris Jasper (keyboards)
Jimi Hendrix (toured briefly)
Grammy Awards
1970 Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group for "It's Your Thing."
Multiple nominations throughout their career, celebrating their contributions to R&B and soul music.
Famous Songs and Compositions
- "Shout" (1959) - A quintessential rock and soul classic.
- "It's Your Thing" (1969) - An anthem of independence and musical innovation.
- "That Lady" (1973) - Known for its iconic guitar riff and soulful vocals.
- "Between the Sheets" (1983) - A smooth, sultry ballad sampled by numerous hip hop artists.
Collaborations and Cover Versions
Worked with artists like R. Kelly, who produced "Contagious."
Songs covered by The Beatles ("Twist and Shout") and many others.
Frequently sampled in hip hop, with "Between the Sheets" being one of the most sampled tracks.
Quotes
Ronald Isley
We just wanted to make music that felt good to us and hoped it would feel good to others too.
Ernie Isley
Our music is a reflection of our lives and the times we've lived through.
Gossip and Personal Anecdotes
The band's dynamic changed significantly with the addition of the younger Isley brothers and Chris Jasper in the early 1970s, leading to a more funk-rock oriented sound.
Despite internal tensions and the tragic loss of O'Kelly Isley in 1986, the band has continued to produce music and tour.
Ronald Isley, known as "Mr. Biggs," became a prominent figure in R&B and hip hop collaborations in the 2000s, revitalizing the band's presence in contemporary music.
Legacy
The Isley Brothers remain one of the most significant and beloved groups in music history.
Songs: Summer Breeze, Harvest for the World