Moving to the East Coast in ’56, they record for big and small labels with limited success apart from their two early big hits before joining Motown. Brothers O’Kelly, Rudy, Vernon and Ronald Isley begin as a gospel quartet in Cincinnati, Ohio after Vernon is killed by a motorist while bike riding in 1954, they continue as a trio powered by Ronnie’s fervent, rugged lead tenor voice.Career highlight: While still at Motown and enjoying consistent success in the U.K., the Isley Brothers write “It’s Your Thing.” It is recorded after their Motown contract expires and catapults them into superstardom.Top Motown Album: This Old Heart Of Mine.In 1969, on their own T-Neck label, “It’s Your Thing” goes to No. 3 in the U.K. when released there in 1968. Biggest Hit: For Motown in 1966, “This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You),” which reaches No.First Hit: Before coming to Motown, the Isleys create two classics, the gospel-drenched “Shout” in 1959, which is only a modest hit for them, and then “Twist and Shout” in 1962, famously covered by the Beatles.
Known for what author Bill Dahl calls a “holy-roller brand of gymnastic, fire-breathing excitement,” the Isley Brothers have big hits both before and after their three-year Motown tenure (1965-1968), but their recordings for Berry Gordy’s company are beloved by aficionados for perfectly blending the New Jersey-based group’s gospel-like fury with the Detroit Sound.
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