The Isley Brothers

Artist

Composer

Genre

Mood

Cugate Only

Reset Find

The Isley Brothers

The Isley Brothers are a legendary American music group originating from Cincinnati, Ohio. Formed in the mid-1950s as a gospel quartet by brothers O'Kelly, Rudolph, Ronald, and Vernon Isley, the group faced an early tragedy with Vernon's death at age 13. Encouraged by their parents, the remaining trio moved to New York City in 1957 to pursue a career in rock 'n' roll. They achieved their first major success with the 1959 hit "Shout," which became a cultural staple.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the Isley Brothers evolved their sound, incorporating elements of soul, funk, and R&B. They recorded for various labels, including Motown, where they released the hit "This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)." In 1969, they founded their own label, T-Neck Records, and released the Grammy Award-winning "It's Your Thing."

The group expanded in 1973 with the addition of younger brothers Ernie and Marvin Isley, and brother-in-law Chris Jasper, transforming into a full band. This lineup produced a series of successful albums, including "3 + 3" and "The Heat Is On," the latter reaching number one on the Billboard 200 chart.

The Isley Brothers are notable for their influence on artists like The Beatles and their ability to chart hits across six consecutive decades, from the 1950s to the 2000s. They have sold over 18 million units in the U.S. and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992. Despite lineup changes and the deaths of O'Kelly and Marvin, the group, led by Ronald and Ernie Isley, continues to perform and record, maintaining their status as one of the most enduring and influential bands in American music history.