Isley Brothers Honored With A Street In Teaneck, New Jersey

Teaneck, New Jersey: The Isley Brothers formed a pantheon of musicians that have been creating music for seven decades. 70 years in the music industry is almost unheard of. Cincinnati, Ohio is where the Isley’s started out, first as a trio. O’Kelly Isley Jr., Rudolph Isley, and Ronald Isley in the ’50s.

Gospel music was the first genera the brothers got into as a quartet the fourth member being brother Vernon. Shortly after their start, Vernon passed away. Dealing with such a loss the surviving brothers decided to head east towards New York City in the late 1950s looking for a fresh start.

By 1959 the brothers had released three singles, and their fourth single was the one that hit. “Shout” is one of those joints everyone knows loves, sings and dances to at weddings. From that point, it was go time for the Isley’s. The 1960s were a huge decade they released a top 20 single “Twist and Shout,” “This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You)” was a Motown single, and they dropped “It’s Your Thing” their Grammy Award Winner on their own label T-Neck Records.

The 70’s rang in an era of experimentation for the Brothers Isley. Inspired by gospel and doo-wop music the crew needed some new inspiration to grow. Welcome into the fold Ernie Isley (Lead Guitar, Drums), Marvin Isley (Bass Guitar), and Chris Jasper (Keyboards and Synthesizers), Chris was Rudolph’s brother-in-law so it was still a family thang. Only now with a full band!!!

By 1983 the six-member group separated. By the ’90s only two brothers were still walking the Earth Ronald and Ernie. Combined the duo was able to achieve mainstream success with 1996s “Mission To Please,” 2001 they dropped “Eternal,” and in 2003 they released “Body Kiss.”

Fast-forward to today the duo just performed on Verzuz and in a huge honor, yesterday afternoon the Isley Brothers seriously cemented their place in history with a street named after the legendary group. IMUer’s be sure to check out the video above and the beautiful gallery below celebrating a beautiful day for the culture. Congratulations Isley Brothers you gentlemen deserve this and will now never be forgotten.

Honoring The Isley Brothers In T-Neck New Jersey

Awards & Accolaids

• 1970- “It’s Your Thing”; Grammy for best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group
• 1999- “Shout”; Inducted Into The Hall Of Fame
• 2002- “Contagious”; Nominated for best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group
• 2004- “Busted”; Nominated for best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group
• 2004- “Body Kiss”; Best R&B Album; Nominated
• 2010- “Twist And Shout”; Inducted Into The Hall Of Fame
• 2014- Isley Brothers; Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award Winner

Source: Wikipedia

Video: AP

Cover Photo: Donald Acree

Photo Gallery: Donald Acree