The genre and decade-spanning hit makers from Cincinnati.
The Isley Brothers originally performed gospel music, but they later transitioned to rhythm and blues. Over the years, their style morphed from Motown to funk to modern R&B. They would go on to have hit songs in six different decades.
The Isley Brothers' influence on music can be traced back to their early recordings in the 1950s, which helped pave the way for the emergence of rock and roll. Their 1959 hit single "Shout" became a cultural phenomenon, with its infectious beat and call-and-response chorus inspiring countless cover versions and imitations.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the Isley Brothers continued to produce hit after hit, including "Twist and Shout," "It's Your Thing," and "That Lady." Their music reflected the cultural and political changes of the era, with songs that spoke to the African American experience and advocated for social justice.
"With the possible exception of the Beatles, no band in the history of popular music, and certainly no African American act, has left a more substantial legacy on popular music than the Isley Brothers.”
Bob Gulla, ‘Icons of R&B and Soul’