The Isley Brothers have moved fluidly through time and a wide range of musical genres (including R&B, rock 'n' roll, funk, psychedelic rock and smooth urban soul) to create an essential body of work.
Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, brothers O'Kelly (December 25, 1937-March 31, 1986), Rudolph (born April 1, 1939), Ronald (born May 21, 1941) and Vernon (who died in '55 bicycle accident) Isley first began performing as a gospel group in the early-50s. They moved to the New York-area in '57 to record doo wop for Teenage Records.
Their first successful release, the album Shout, came out in 1959 and was produced by Hugo & Luigi. The title track, the famous raw, uproarious call-and-response screamer, only went to No. 47 on the pop chart at the time, but established the group's rock 'n' roll credentials and has sold over a million copies in the ensuing years, in addition to becoming the centerpiece of the movie Animal House.
Recalls Luigi Creatore: "We brought 'Shout' down to the review board at RCA and we played it. A guy sitting there said, 'I don't understand what they are saying.' I said, 'Well the kids understand.' He said, 'But I don't understand this whole record, let's hear the other side.' So, we played the other side, which was a continuation. He said, 'I don't understand it.' I said, 'If you were fourteen years old you would understand it.'"
In addition to the title track, the original version of "Twist and Shout" also appeared on the album - both became rock 'n' roll party staples.
After casting about in the mid-'60s (recording one hit for Motown, "This Old Heart of Mine" in '66), the Brothers returned with a vengeance in '69 writing and producing the Grammy-winning "It's Your Thing" for their own T-Neck Records.
Article comments
1 - cjones
although this is not well known, Jimi Hendrix actually played with them at one point.
2 - Chris Arabia
Yes. Even though he was a backup guy, you can clearly hear his sound on some of those songs.
3 - tiara
is js sisters realated to ronald isley
4 - Mac Diva
The Isley Brothers would go on my Sexiest Singers of All Times list. Some of their music just delivers even the reticent right into that 'let's get down, baby,' groove. I wonder how many births they've been responsible for.
5 - AJ
Apparently Ernie Isley taught Jimi Hendrix how to play guitar
6 - Eric Olsen
no, other way around