A legendary guitarist and songwriter behind iconic hits like "That Lady" and "It's Your Thing", known for blending rock, funk, and soul to create a unique sound.
Ernie Isley, the American musician and songwriter, is best known as a member of the legendary ensemble The Isley Brothers and its splinter group Isley-Jasper-Isley. With a career spanning over five decades, Ernie has left an indelible mark on the music industry, shaping the sound of funk, rock, and R&B with his innovative guitar playing and songwriting prowess.
Born on March 7, 1952, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Ernie grew up in a family steeped in music. His older brothers, O'Kelly, Rudolph, and Ronald, formed The Isley Brothers, first as a gospel group and later as a secular singing group. The family's move to Englewood, New Jersey, in 1960 brought Jimi Hendrix into their lives, who lived with the Isleys from 1963 to 1965. Ernie credits Hendrix as a significant influence on his guitar playing, fascinated by watching him practice and play.
With instruments lying around the house, Ernie and his brothers naturally took to playing. He started playing drums at 12 and made his live debut as a drummer for his brothers' band in 1966, at just 14 years old. A year later, Ernie was inspired by José Feliciano's version of "Light My Fire" and picked up the guitar. He is a self-taught musician, and his early influences ranged from rock to funk to jazz.
In 1968, Ernie played bass on the Isley Brothers' breakthrough funk hit "It's Your Thing," released in 1969. He went on to play electric and acoustic guitar, drums, and percussion on the group's early 1970s albums, including "Get Into Something," "Givin' It Back," and "Brother, Brother, Brother." By 1973, Ernie had fully joined the group, becoming a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter.
Ernie is a prolific songwriter, penning some of the Isley Brothers' most iconic hits, including "Fight the Power Part 1 & 2," "Harvest for the World," "Voyage to Atlantis," "At Your Best (You Are Love)," "Footsteps in the Dark," and "Brown Eyed Girl." His songwriting contributions have been instrumental in shaping the group's unique sound and style.
Ernie Isley's influence on modern music is undeniable. He has been an inspiration to numerous artists, from rock legends like Eric Clapton to R&B icons like Prince. His work with the Isley Brothers has been recognized with numerous awards, including Grammy nominations and inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.
Today, Ernie Isley continues to perform and record music, remaining a vital force in the music industry. His legacy serves as a testament to the power of creativity, innovation, and dedication to one's craft.
88 Years Old
A legendary R&B/soul singer-songwriter, known for their smooth, soulful voice and iconic hits like "Shout" and "It's Your Thing", which have become staples of American music.
72 Years Old
A renowned R&B bassist and songwriter, known for his iconic bass lines and songwriting credits on numerous hits with The Isley Brothers, including "That Lady" and "What It Comes Down To".
83 Years Old
A legendary musician who revolutionized rock music with his experimental and psychedelic sound, iconic guitar playing, and poetic lyrics.
81 Years Old
A highly influential blues and rock musician, known for his mastery of the electric guitar and hits like "Layla" and "Wonderful Tonight".
Born in 1925
A legendary blues musician renowned for his soulful voice, masterful guitar playing, and iconic hits like "The Thrill Is Gone." He's the embodiment of blues music, inspiring countless artists across genres.
76 Years Old
A legendary musician and innovator who pioneered soul and R&B music, known for his iconic voice, masterful keyboard playing, and socially conscious songwriting.
