Rudolph Isley

Rudolph Isley, Founding Member of The Isley Brothers, Dead at 84

by
Rudolph Isley, Founding Member of The Isley Brothers, Dead at 84

Rudolph Isley, one of the Isley Brothers’ founding members, died at the age of 84.

According to TMZ, Rudolph Isley died in the state of Illinois and is believed to have suffered from a heart attack.

Rudolph Isley and his brothers O’Kelly, Ronald, and Vernon established The Isley Brothers at the beginning of the 1950s. Initially, the group, which had its roots in gospel music, subsequently switched to the rhythm and blues style and enjoyed significant financial success and critical acclaim. Rudolph’s combined contributions to the group—as a vocalist and a percussionist—significantly influenced the distinctive musical identity of The Isley Brothers.

The Isley Brothers released several number-one singles throughout their career, including timeless standards like “Twist and Shout,” “Shout,” “It’s Your Thing,” and “Between the Sheets.” The distinctive musical style of the group was greatly influenced by Rudolph’s melodic voice and musical talent.

The impact of Rudolph Isley’s efforts on the music business is immeasurable. As a crucial part of one of the most recognizable acts in the genre, he continues to be honored and recognized for his significant contribution to influencing the sound of soul and R&B music.

The post Rudolph Isley, Founding Member of The Isley Brothers, Dead at 84 first appeared on The Source.

The post Rudolph Isley, Founding Member of The Isley Brothers, Dead at 84 appeared first on The Source.

Rudolph Isley, A Founding Member Of The Isley Brothers, Is Reportedly Dead At 84

by
Rudolph Isley brothers 1969
Getty Image

Rudolph Isley, a founding member of The Isley Brothers, is dead at 84 years old, TMZ reports. The publication says he passed away in Illinois on Wednesday, October 11. The cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

Isley was born on April 1, 1939, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Alongside brothers O’Kelly “Kelly” Isley Jr. and Ronald Isley, he co-founded the musical trio The Isley Brothers in the late-1950s, with the group later expanding to include additional Isleys. The group reached its commercial peak in the ’70s and had its first No. 1 album with 1975’s The Heat Is On. The band is known for songs like “Twist And Shout” (which was famously later covered by The Beatles), “This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You),” and “It’s Your Thing.”

Isley left the group in 1989 to become a Christian minister. In 1992, The Isley Brothers were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame.

Rudolph was in the news earlier this year when it was reported he had sued his brother Ronald over a trademark issue. Rudolph claimed Ronald improperly registered the “The Isley Brothers” trademark as a sole individual, which legally excluded Rudolph from equal ownership over the asset. Rudolph claimed he was “unaware of the degree to which Ronald exploited the Mark, the licenses and/or other transactions that Ronald entered into.”