(L-R) Ronald Isley, O’Kelly Isley and Rudolph Isley of The Isley Brothers.Photo:Michael Ochs Archives/Getty
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty
Rudolph Isley, a founding member ofThe Isley Brothers,has died. He was 84.
The singer “died peacefully in his sleep” on Wednesday morning in Illinois, his daughter Elaine confirms to PEOPLE in a statement.
Rudolph’s brother and bandmate Ronald tells PEOPLE in a statement, “There are no words to express my feelings and the love I have for my brother. Our family will miss him. But I know he’s in a better place.”
TMZwas first to report the news. A cause of death has yet to be determined.
O’Kelly Isley, Ronald Isley, Rudolph Isley.GAB Archive/Redferns
GAB Archive/Redferns
Born and raised in Cincinnati, Rudolph grew up singing in church and became a member of The Isley Brothers with his siblings O’Kelly, Ronald and Vernon in his teens. After Vernon died in 1955 in a car accident, the band relocated to New York City where they sought out a record deal. Just a year before the family band would sign with RCA Records and land their breakout hit “Shout,” Rudolph married Elaine Jasper.
Over the course of their career, the group, known for their soul and doo-wop sound, produced hits like “Twist and Shout” (which The Beatles covered), “This Old Heart of Mine” and “It’s Your Thing.” In 1964, The Isley Brothers formed their own record company, T-Neck Records, and even recruited Jimi Hendrix to play guitar for their band for a brief period. But one year later, they ended up signing with Motown.
By 1973, The Isley Brothers expanded to include their younger brothers Ernie and Marvin and brother-in-law Chris Jasper.
In 1989, Rudolph departed The Isley Brothers to carry out his goal of being a Christian minister and because of poor health and the death of his brother and bandmate O’Kelly, according toa complaint filed in March, but reunited with the band throughout their tenure. Three years later, the Isley Brothers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Ronald Isley, Ernie Isley, Rudolph Isley.Chris Walter/WireImage
Chris Walter/WireImage
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Rudolph wanted transparency on all of the transactions made and revenues earned “through Ronald’s improper registration,” and was seeking his “rightful 50% share of all results and proceeds” since his brother registered the trademark.
Although Rudolph left the group in the ’80s, he has remained active in promoting and managing the group’s properties, according to the complaint, including a multi-million dollar music publishing deal in 2018 and, more recently, negotiation of a licensing deal that saw “Shout” used in a 2023 Super Bowl commercial.
source: people.com
