The Isley Brothers starting their legendary careers in the gospel performing circuit in the early 1950s. They eventually crossed over to secular music, first finding modest success in doo-wop until the release of their first million-selling hit, “Shout,” in 1959. After several flops resulted in them being dropped from their record label, they found success again with sixties hits such as “Twist & Shout,” later covered successfully by The Beatles and the Motown hit, “This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You).” The group didn’t find success again until the end of the decade when their 1969 single, “It’s Your Thing,” (with Ernie Isley on bass guitar) was released. The song brought them success in the then-fledgling funk genre. The group revamped into a sextet in 1973 with the release of their landmark album, 3 + 3, this time featuring younger brothers Ernie Isley and Marvin Isley and brother-in-law Chris Jasper. The addition of Ernie, Marvin, and Chris led to their most successful period as they successfully mixed their brand of R&B with rock, soul and funk elements. Other hits they would have during that period included “Fight the Power” (written by Ernie), “For the Love of You” and “Between the Sheets” (written by Ernie and Marvin). The Isleys were inducted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame by Little Richard in 1992 and are the recipient of a Grammy Award. In 2006, The Isleys released Baby Makin’ Music. They continue to tour the world.
