Rudolph Isley, a founding member of The Isley Brothers, has passed away.
The musician died in his sleep on Wednesday, his brother Ernie said.
He was 84.
“Heaven has gained another angel. Our hearts are heavy as we announce the passing of our beloved brother, Rudolph Isley,” The Isley Brothers confirmed in a statement shared on their social media.
If you ask me which Isley is Rudy, I'll say "the one who looks least like somebody you want a run-in with." And legendary stories about the brothers always had Rudolph & O'Kelly, the two eldest, at the center.
— Naima Cochrane (@naima) October 12, 2023
Rudolph Isley transitioned to ancestor today at the age of 84 ????️ pic.twitter.com/laUOnvzGaL
“There are no words to express my feelings and the love I have for my brother,” Ronald Isley said in a separate statement. “Our family will miss him. But I know he’s in a better place.”
Rudolph Bernard Isley, one of the group’s primary writers, was born on April 1, 1939, in Cincinnati. He was the second of six sons of Sallye (Bell) and O’Kelly Isley. His love of music was sparked by his time singing in church as a child. He began singing in church as a child.
The group’s first iteration comprised of brothers Rudolph, Marvin, O’Kelly, Ronald and Ernie Isley and Chris Jasper in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1954. The group disbanded the following year after their 13-year-old brother Vernon was struck and killed by a car while riding his bike in the local neighborhood. O’Kelly, Rudolph and Ronald would regroup as a trio in the late 1950s. Some of their biggest hits include “Shout” and “Twist and Shout,” “This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You),” and “It’s Your Thing,” — the latter winning a Grammy for best R&B vocal performance by a duo or group.
My condolences and prayers to the @isleybrothers family on the loss of their beloved brother Rudolph Isley. I performed on the @apollotheater stage with them when I was 11 yrs old. My first professional show I opened up for them when I was a teenager. Hold the family in your ???????????? pic.twitter.com/BBW5kd9sxC
— Stephanie Mills (@PrettyMill1) October 12, 2023
The group’s career spanned over six decades, collaborating with some of the industry’s biggest stars, including Carlos Santana, Beyoncé, Earth, Wind & Fire, El DeBarge and Snoop Dogg.
Rudolph Isley was one of the main songwriters of all the Isley Brothers classics. Along with producing and handling the business of the label.
— Hart (@hartofamerica76) October 12, 2023
Also, ALWAYS showed up looking clean, doing his dance and hitting those backup harmonies. ????️ https://t.co/ik4N69ILQm pic.twitter.com/nbza2LgLYP
Last year, the band was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
