You may not think you know the Isley Brothers, siblings out of Cincinnati, but it’s likely that you’ve heard at least some of their music, even if it was performed by someone else.
O’Kelly Jr., Rudolph, Ronald, and Vernon started out in gospel until Vernon’s early death from a bike accident. The remaining trio moved to the New York City area in the late 1950s. Their first significant song was Shout [LISTEN] in 1959, written by the brothers, which only went to #47, but eventually sold a million copies, and was heavily covered.
In a similar vein, Twist and Shout [LISTEN] got all the way to #17 in 1962. It was originally recorded by the Topnotes, and produced by Phil Spector, who was still learning his craft. The Isleys version spurred other covers, notably by a band from Liverpool, England.
The trio spent three or four years with Motown, but like other groups that weren’t developed in-house, such as the Spinners, they would fare better elsewhere. They did have one Top 40 hit, This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You) [LISTEN], which went to #12 in 1966, but which would become a bigger hit for Rod Stewart, featuring Ronald Isley when it went to #10 in 1990.
Their biggest hit was It’s Your Thing [LISTEN] which soared to #2 in 1969. “By 1971, the Isleys’ younger brothers Ernie Isley and Marvin Isley and brother-in-law Chris Jasper started to add musical input to the band’s music.”
The big hit for them in 1975 was Fight the Power [LISTEN] which does, I should note, have an eight-letter word starting with bull contained therein.
After this, the brothers continued to perform in different combinations. Kelly succumbed to a heart attack in 1986, and Marvin died from diabetes in 2010.
They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.
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Beastie Boys send copyright threat to toy company that remixed “Girls” However:
Before GoldieBlox, Beasties plundered the “Girls” melody (fair and square): “Here’s a timely (and fully rockin’) reminder that the Beastie Boys plundered the melody of The Isley Brothers’ ‘Shout’ for Girls.”
Believe it or not, this week I thought to myself; I wonder if Roger will feature the Isley brothers for I week.
Wonderful, I love your soul ballads!
It’s interesting to see how their style morphed over the decades. I always liked their music.
I have heard of Isley brothers.
Sorry I have not heard of Isley brothers.
It’s interesting how their music seemed to fair better by someone else. I do remember a few of their songs…old fuddy duddy that I seem to be in the music genre.
Good to know about them.
I always enjoy your music history lessons, as I have a very eclectic taste in music. I didn’t recognize the name of the Isley Brothers, but I most certainly recognized the songs you mentioned in this post. Blessings!
I never could sit still when their music played on the radio!
This Old Heart of Mine, classic floor filler and a Northern Soul favourite. I was sure it went to Number 1 in the UK but when I checked unbelievably it only reached number 3.
Love the links!!! Have a great week.
I really like the Isley Brothers. Good info on them. An Arkie’s Musings
Haven’t heard of them but the song titles seem intriguing!
Had not heard of them but now I know! Thank you.
The Liverpool group who recorded Twist and Shout were The Beatles and it was an INCREDIBLE hit for them…
I saw them perform it at The Cavern Club in my home town of Liverpool….
A golden time in my IMMENSELY, wonderful teenage years during the Sixties.
Di.xx
Yep! Loved them!
leslie
abcw team
“This Old Heart of Mine” is long a favorite of mine. Remember that version Ron Isley did with Rod Stewart in the 90s? What a strange time the 90s were…
The are a flash from my past. – Margy
I still remember and enjoy this group. Loved their music. Once again a very informative, enjoyable post.
I’m not familiar with any of their songs but I listened to It’s Your Thing. They sound fun.
Thank you Roger for introducing them to me:)
http://amitaag.blogspot.in/2014/03/infinity.html
It is so interesting how you never know who the original entertainers were sometimes. I loved all the music above and anything out of Motown was usually great. You are really taking us on a great adventure this round.
Ann
A new group for me! But you’re right, I do know some of their songs. 🙂
Damn that Shout is a great performance. Too bad the video is marred with someone’s nostalgic garbage.