The Isley Brothers

The Isley Brothers

The genre and decade-spanning hit makers from Cincinnati.

Founded

The 1950s in Cincinnati, Ohio

Full Name

Date of Birth

The 1950s in Cincinnati, Ohio

Still Alive

Date of Death

Later Influenced

The Beatles, The Jackson 5, Talking Heads, Michael Jackson, Prince, Boyz II Men, Hip Hop, Outkast, Ice Cube

The Isley Brothers in 1975
The Isley Brothers in 1975

About The artist

The Isley Brothers originally performed gospel music, but they later transitioned to rhythm and blues. Over the years, their style morphed from Motown to funk to modern R&B. They would go on to have hit songs in six different decades.

The Isley Brothers' influence on music can be traced back to their early recordings in the 1950s, which helped pave the way for the emergence of rock and roll. Their 1959 hit single "Shout" became a cultural phenomenon, with its infectious beat and call-and-response chorus inspiring countless cover versions and imitations.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the Isley Brothers continued to produce hit after hit, including "Twist and Shout," "It's Your Thing," and "That Lady." Their music reflected the cultural and political changes of the era, with songs that spoke to the African American experience and advocated for social justice.

Did you know...

"With the possible exception of the Beatles, no band in the history of popular music, and certainly no African American act, has left a more substantial legacy on popular music than the Isley Brothers.”

Bob Gulla, ‘Icons of R&B and Soul’

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