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

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.

“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.

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.

Last year, the band was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.