Since the late 1950's The Isley Brothers have been providing the world with smooth and sensual R&B. Whether the group is down to a duo or a sextet they are versatile and one of a kind. No matter what generation you grew up in, chances are you were at one time or another, a fan of The Isley Brothers.

The Isley Brothers

"My life's a masquerade, a world of let's pretend."

Since the late 1950's The Isley Brothers have been providing the world with smooth and sensual R&B. Whether the group is down to a duo or a sextet they are versatile and one of a kind. No matter what generation you grew up in, chances are you were at one time or another, a fan of The Isley Brothers.

The Originals

When they first began, The Isley Brothers consisted of three brothers. Rudolph, Ronald and O'Kelly Jr. Raised in Cincinnati, Ohio they performed in churches occasionally. Their parents, who were also musicians, knew the importance of learning how to perform in front of a crowd. The group officially formed in 1957, they promptly moved to New York. Back then, they consisted of doo wop and rock and roll sounds. RCA Records quickly picked them up after hearing them in concert, opening for Jackie Wilson. Their first single, Shout made it to #47 on the Billboard hot 100. After several covers RCA tried their hand again with a re release of the song in 1961. When it still did not bring much success they were released from their contract.

The following year they signed with Wand Records. With this label they were able to see their first top forty hit, Twist & Shout. This version of the song influenced many bands such as the The Beatles. After releasing a few more singles they moved on and formed their own label.

More Labels

T-Neck Records was formed in 1964 by The Isley Brothers. They were unable to hit the stride that they had with Twist and Shout under this label. They had one single, Testify, performed with a young Jimi Hendrix on guitar. Unfortunately they only saw local success with this single and decided to fold up T-Neck Records temporarily. Then, in 1965 they found themselves with Motown's Tamla imprint.

In 1965 they were able to get their biggest hit yet. This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You) went all the way to #12 on the Hot 100 and even put them on the R&B charts at #6. Once again they were unable to follow their own act. They complained that they were given unwanted tracks and asked to be released from their contract in 1968.

After this they went to England where they learned they had a large following. They came back with a new look and sound. They quickly signed with Buddah Records and released their award winning single, It's Your Thing. They gave Buddah Records seven albums, none with singles as large as It's Your Thing. They left Buddah in 1973 for Epic Records after being offered a deal by Clive Davis.

Expansion

They expanded their trio to a sextet after signing with Epic Records. They included their two younger brothers and brother-in-law. Their first album with Epic was aptly titled 3+3. With this album they were able to produce another huge single. That Lady became the new sound of the now expanded Isley Brothers. This album brought in a big change to their career. It was their first album to be certified gold. They produced a total of eleven albums with Epic. In 1983 the group split up, Chris Jasper, Ernie and Martin Isley went and formed their own band, Isley-Jasper-Isley.

After Epic

Once the band went back to the original three they left Epic for Warner Bros. Records. In 1985 they released an album entitled Masterpiece. The following year, O'Kelly passed away from a heart attack. The remaining brothers in the band dedicated their next album, Smooth Sailin' to his memory. Just a year later Rudy left Ron alone in the band to become a minister. Ron found success collaborating with Rod Stewart with The Isley Brothers early single This Old Heart of Mine.

In 1992 Ernie and Marvin joined Ron to form the album, Tracks of Life. Later that year, they were inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame. Then, in 1996 they released their first hit album in years. The album, Mission to Please was opened up to a new audience thanks to the Mr. Biggs character that collaborator R. Kelly created.

In 2001, Ron and Ernie came out with Eternal, which was able to bring them a #1 hit, Contagious. In 2003 they were able to get a #1 album with Body Kiss.

Unfortunately they still have struggles and over the years have seen their share of hard times. Ron Isely was imprisoned for tax evasion. He was released in October of 2009 six months before his release date. He also suffers from kidney cancer. Marvin retired in 1997 due to amputation in both of his legs caused by diabetes. Rudy lives with his wife of 50 years California, he suffers from health problems.

Did You Know