The Isley Brothers (/ˈaɪzli/ EYEZ‑lee) are an American soul group originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, formed in 1954 as a vocal trio consisting of brothers O’Kelly Isley Jr., Rudolph Isley and Ronald Isley. Together with a fourth brother, Vernon, the group initially performed gospel music until Vernon’s death in 1954. After relocating to New York City in the late 1950s, the group achieved its first successes and rose to prominence in 1959 with their fourth single, “Shout,” written by the three brothers. The song became their first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 and sold over a million copies. During the 1960s, the Isleys recorded for several labels, releasing the Top 20 single “Twist and Shout” and the Motown hit “This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)”. In 1969, they issued the Grammy Award‑winning “It’s Your Thing” on their own label, T‑Neck Records. The addition of younger brothers Ernie Isley (lead guitar, drums) and Marvin Isley (bass), along with Rudolph’s brother‑in‑law Chris Jasper (keyboards, synthesizers), in 1973 transformed the original vocal trio into a full band and marked the height of their commercial success. Over the next decade, they released a series of top‑selling albums, including 3 + 3, Between the Sheets, and The Heat Is On, the latter reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The six‑member lineup split in 1983, with Ernie, Marvin and Chris Jasper forming the short‑lived spinoff Isley‑Jasper‑Isley. The eldest brother, O’Kelly, died in 1986. Rudolph and Ronald continued as a duo, releasing two albums before Rudolph retired to pursue Christian ministry in 1989. After several lineup changes, the remaining duo of Ronald and Ernie Isley achieved renewed mainstream success with the albums Mission to Please (1996), Eternal (2001) and Body Kiss (2003). Eternal produced the Top 20 hit “Contagious.” As of 2026, The Isley Brothers continue to perform as a duo featuring Ronald and Ernie Isley.
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Who’s That lady
Contagious
Busted ft. JS
Summer Breeze
Between The Sheets
Secret Lover
Hello It’s Me
Shout
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