The Isley Brothers

• Genre: Funk
• Hometown: Cincinnati
• The Isley Brothers Website

About

The Isleys have had success in many genres since their beginnings in the 1950s, arguably hitting their peak and writing some of their tightest music in the '70s. From "Who's That Lady" to "It's Your Thing," they've produced numerous hits that are still blaring on radios (and commercials) across the land. Centered for most of their career on the vocal talents of Ronald, Rudolph and Vernon, in their 3 + 3 era the Isleys benefited from the addition of a couple more brothers to the backing band: bassist Marvin and fiery guitar player Ernie (plus a brother-in-law on keyboards). Some of their best work can be found on the album Brother, Brother, Brother, but the seminal "Footsteps in the Dark" is not to be missed either. Among other accomplishments, they toured with a young guitarist named Jimmy James (later known as Jimi Hendrix -- his work can be heard on the single "Testify"). From Doo-Wop songs to Soul tracks, Funk grooves to Disco beats, the Isley Brothers have always remembered how to inject a memorable melody into every number they record.

- Jessy Terry