Family members have confirmed the passing of Rudolph Isley, a founding member of the R&B group The Isley Brothers. He was 84. “I wish I could find the words to describe how much I care for and adore my brother, but I don’t. When he leaves, it will leave a hole in our family.”
Ronald Isley, brother of Rudolph and co-founder of the Isley Brothers, said on Thursday, “But I know he’s in a better place.” CNN was informed by a spokesperson of The Isley Brothers that Rudolph had passed away on Wednesday.
There was initially no information about what caused death. Rudolph, Ronald, O’Kelly, and Vernon Isley founded a gospel quartet as youngsters in the mid-1950s, which eventually evolved into the Isley Brothers band.
Tragically, Vernon passed away when he was just 13 years old, before his brothers released their first big song, “Shout!” in 1959. Love The One You’re With, “Testify,” and “Between the Sheets” were all huge hits for The Isley Brothers, even though the band’s lineup changed over time.
Since 1986, Rudolph has not taken the stage with the group. He quit the music business in 1989 to enter the ministry but returned to The Isley Brothers in 1992 for their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.
The group won a Grammy in 1970 for their smash single “It’s Your Thing,” which originally appeared on their 1969 album of the same name. Billboard reports that legal actions between Rudolph and Ronald for ownership of the band’s name have been ongoing since March.
If you like this piece and would want to read more about your favorite Hollywood actors and actresses, then head on over to Newswatchlist.com.
Check Out Some More of Our Most Recent Additions to Content Here: