Rudolph Isley, Founding Member Of Iconic R&B/Soul Group Isley Brothers, Passes Away At 84

Rudolph Isley

Rudolph Isley, Founding Member Of Iconic R&B/Soul Group Isley Brothers, Passes Away At 84

Prayers up for the Isley family.

Rudolph Isley, known for performing in the legendary male group Isley Brothers, reportedly died yesterday (October 11th) at the age of 84.

Rudolph Isley

TMZ first broke the news, reporting that Rudolph Isley is said to have died in Illinois under unknown circumstances. A source familiar with the situation reportedly shared that it seems the musician likely suffered from a heart attack. However, there have been no details confirmed about the nature of his passing. The brother of the singing icon and fellow group member Ronald Isley does not seem to have spoken publicly about the matter. However, his official Instagram page did announce the postponement of an event that was planned for today (October 12th). Unforeseen circumstances were cited as the reason for the rescheduled event.

Rudolph Isley was 1/3 of the brother brand Isley Brothers, who began their singing career in the 1950s. Reportedly, the group started singing at church and consisted of siblings O’Kelley, Rudolph, Ronald, and Vernon Isley. After Vernon was fatally struck by a car at the age of 13, the remaining three brothers continued to grow their music careers and moved to New York to pursue more opportunities. The group reportedly saw success early on after inking a deal with RCA Records. In 1959, they began to see mainstream success with their hit single “Shout,” which became their first song to chart the Billboard Hot 100 and sold over a million copies.

Over their career the group continued to cement their legacy, dropping another top 20 single “Twist and Shout” and the popular Motown single “This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You).” In 1969, they released “It’s Your Thing,” which eventually earned them a Grammy Award. In 1971, they added younger brothers Ernie and Marvin and Rudolph’s brother-in-law Chris Jasper. In the following decades, the Isley Brothers continued to make music and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1992.

In 1989, Rudolph reportedly left the group to pursue a career in Christian ministry. However, he reunited with his brothers several times over the years to perform a few of their big hits. Wikipedia notes that the group is among a short list of bands to have a record chart on the Billboard Hot 100 with new music in six different decades, with their last being in 2001 with their song “Contagious.” Additionally, sixteen of their albums have charted in the top 40, with thirteen of them being certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum by the RIAA.

The Isley Brothers

With Rudolph’s passing, the only remaining living group members include Ronald Isley, 82, Earnie Isley, 71, and Chris Jasper, 71, though he no longer is associated with the band. We continue to keep Rudolph’s loved ones in our thoughts and prayers at this time.

[VIA]

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