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Rudolph Isley, Founding Member of the Isley Brothers, Passes Away at 84

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Rudolph Isley, one of the founding members of the iconic Isley Brothers and the harmonious voice behind many of the legendary soul group’s timeless hits, has passed away at the age of 84.

In a heartfelt statement to Rolling Stone, Rudolph’s brother, Ronald Isley, expressed the indescribable loss and the deep love he held for his brother, saying, “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.”

Rudolph, along with his brothers Ronald (“Ronnie”), Vernon, and O’Kelly (“Kelly”), formed the Isley Brothers during their teenage years in Cincinnati in 1954. Tragically, Vernon’s life was cut short when he was struck by a car in 1955. After this heartbreaking loss, the surviving brothers briefly disbanded but eventually reunited, with Ronald taking the lead vocals and Kelly and Rudolph providing the harmonious backing.

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As a trio, the Isley Brothers secured a recording contract with RCA Victor and crafted their breakout hit in 1959, the beloved “Shout.” This was followed by their rendition of “Twist and Shout,” a hit three years later.

Although Rudolph rarely took the lead in vocals, he made significant contributions by lending his songwriting talents and harmonious backing to the group’s chart-toppers. Their hits, including “That Lady,” “Nobody But Me,” and “Testify” – the latter featuring a young and promising guitarist by the name of Jimi Hendrix – showcased his musical prowess.

After a brief period with Motown’s Tamla label, where they primarily recorded compositions by Holland-Dozier-Holland, the trio established their own T-Neck Records in 1966. Their very first release on the label, the Isleys-penned “It’s Your Thing,” swiftly climbed into the Top 10.

In the late 1960s, Rudolph was joined by his younger brothers, Marvin and Ernie. Rudolph remained dedicated to the Isley Brothers through their genre transitions, from funk and disco to quiet storm and R&B.

However, his musical journey with the family act came to a close in 1989. Following Kelly’s passing three years earlier, Rudolph made the decision to step away from the music industry and pursue a new calling as a Christian minister. In the decades that followed, Rudolph occasionally reunited with his brothers. Notably, he wasn’t present when the Isley Brothers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.

In the wake of Rudolph’s passing, the sole surviving members of the Isley Brothers are Ronald and Ernie. This marks the end of an era for the celebrated group, yet their enduring legacy in the world of music remains indelible.

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