: Rudolph Isley, left, was an integral founding member of the renowned musical family ensemble, The Isley Brothers, which included his brothers Ronald Isley, middle, and O’Kelly “Kelly” Isley Jr., right. (Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons)
By Stacy M. Brown,
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspond
(NNPA NEWSWIRE) – Rudolph Isley, a key figure in creating the popular soul group The Isley Brothers, has died at 84.
Ronald Isley, his brother and fellow bandmate, expressed heartbreak 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.
”The family didn’t disclose the cause of death.
Rudolph Isley was an integral founding member of the renowned musical family ensemble, which included his brothers O’Kelly “Kelly” Isley Jr. and Ronald Isley
The Isley Brothers skyrocketed to fame in the late 1950s and maintained their musical legacy for over sixdecades, leaving an indelible mark on the R&B and soul genres.
Among their enduring hits are the timeless classics “Between the Sheets,” “Who’s That Lady?” and “Shout.”
In recognition of their profound impact on the music industry, the band received induction into the Rockand Roll Hall of Fame in 1992. Just last year, they were further honored with induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, a testament to their enduring influence on the music world.
In the late 1980s, Rudolph departed from the band to pursue a life dedicated to ministry.
The family has not yet announced his funeral arrangements or memorial services.
