They began as a Gospel / R&B Trio out of Cincinnati and became one of the most righteous musical forces in American music in the 70s and 80s.
The Isley Brothers. Funk, Soulful and Socially Present. Their 1975 "Fight the Power" was a masterful stake in the ground that transcended race...and is just as important a statement today as it was almost 50 years ago.
At the same time, as a young rock radio programmer in the 70s, they provided me multiple avenues. Beginning with the "Fight the Power" LP, The Isleys would funk out on side one and go sensually romantic on side two of the LP. So, as the 6-Midnight DJ, I'd play "Who's That Lady" before 10 and "For the Love of You" after 10. I had a lot of listeners in hot tubs and passion pits calling in requests for side two as we approached midnight.
Co-Founder and brother Rudolph Isley left us this week for that next adventure...and we recognize the coolness with which he blessed us.
On this sad Music Friday, we say thank you with "Shout."
Well played, Bill. Another iconic passing.
Posted by: Lee T | October 13, 2023 at 11:41
They were simply amazing...Now, there are only 2: https://officialisleybrothers.com/
Posted by: Bill Geist | October 13, 2023 at 17:21