Singer and Founding Member of R&B Group the Isley Brothers, Rudolph Isley, Dies at 84
Rudolph Isley, the renowned singer and songwriter who co-founded the legendary R&B group the Isley Brothers, has sadly passed away at the age of 84. The news of his death was confirmed by a publicist for the group, who shared a heartfelt statement from Ronald Isley expressing his love for his brother and the immense sadness felt by their family.
Rudolph Isley, along with his brothers O’Kelly, Ronald, and Vernon, formed the iconic Isley Brothers group during their youth. They began their musical journey by singing at their local church in a Cincinnati suburb, eventually moving on to perform at various churches across the region. Tragically, their early success was cut short in 1955 when Vernon, the lead vocalist of the group, was struck and killed by a car at the young age of 13.
Despite this heartbreaking setback, the Isley Brothers regrouped in 1957 and relocated to New York. In 1959, they released their debut single Shout, a gospel-infused rock-and-roll track that garnered attention and sparked controversy within their community. This marked the beginning of their rise to prominence.
Throughout the 1960s, the Isley Brothers achieved further success with hit singles like Twist and Shout, their own rendition of Bert Berns’ iconic song, which became their first top-40 hit in 1962. In 1966, they signed to Motown and found success yet again with This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You), their second top-40 hit.
As the years went on, the Isley Brothers continued to captivate audiences with their music, bringing in additional family members and relatives to join their performances. They released more hits such as That Lady, Summer Breeze, and Fight the Power throughout the 1970s.
Following his departure from the group in 1989, Rudolph Isley pursued a new path as a Christian minister. Nonetheless, he remained an integral part of the Isley Brothers’ legacy and was honored when the group was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.
Rudolph Isley’s undeniable talent and contributions to the music industry will always be remembered. His loss is deeply felt by his loved ones, fans, and the entire music community. As we mourn his passing, let us celebrate and cherish the timeless music he created with the Isley Brothers, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that will continue to resonate for generations to come.
