Biography
Born in April 1939 to Sally and O'Kelly Isley, Sr. in Cincinnati, Rudy began singing in church at a young age and by his teen years was singing regularly with brothers O'Kelly, Ron and Vernon. In 1957, following their younger brother Vernon's death, the three Isleys moved from Cincinnati to New York recording with small record labels before landing a major deal with RCA Records in 1959 where the group recorded and released their breakthrough hit, "Shout". By the summer of 1959, the Isley family had moved from Cincinnati to a home in Englewood, New Jersey.
After recording several minor hits, including their first top 40 smash, "Twist & Shout", the group landed a deal with Motown Records in 1965. However their tenure, save for the hit, "This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)", was lackluster and they soon left Motown to reform their own label, T-Neck Records, in 1969 where they co-wrote and released the 1969 funk anthem, "It's Your Thing". The group's lineup - and style - changed drastically following the release of the single and by the early 1970s, the brothers had adapted a more flamboyant image after reforming the group as a sextet featuring younger brothers Ernie Isley and Marvin Isley and in-law Chris Jasper.
During the Isleys' so-called 3 + 3 period, Rudy's gruff vocals helped to deliver some of the brothers' funk-driven recordings including "Fight the Power" and "Livin' in the Life". Most of the time, Rudy shared leads with his younger brother Ron. Rudy got to take full lead on at least a few songs, notably the 1976 funk track, "You Still Feel the Need" from the band's Harvest for the World as well as the brothers' 1979 disco hit, "It's a Disco Night (Rock Don't Stop)". Rudy wrote the initial lyrics to the Isleys' "For the Love of You (Part 1 & 2)" as a poem to his wife, Elaine Jasper (Chris Jasper's elder sister), with whom he had married seventeen years prior. Isley lived with his wife and children in a home they bought in Teaneck, New Jersey, where they lived for ten years. By the mid-1970s, Rudy was living in Haworth, New Jersey.
In 1985, the Isleys' lineup shortened to three following the departures of the second younger-thirds of the group. In 1986, the Isleys' career was nearly derailed following eldest brother O'Kelly's death. After recording two more albums, 1987's Smooth Sailin' and 1989's Spend the Night, Rudy left the Isley Brothers for good in 1989 to make good on his plan to be a reverend leaving Ron Isley to carry on the Isley Brothers name as a solo artist though he has since recorded with several of the younger brothers, billing himself as The Isley Brothers featuring Ronald Isley, AKA Mr. Biggs.
Rudy Isley has survived several health problems including a stroke and a heart attack following his departure from the Isley Brothers. In 2004, Rudy briefly made a return to the stage with Ron and Ernie Isley performing "Shout" at the BET Awards where the Isleys were honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Isleys were inducted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992. Rudy served as the best man for his brother Ron's 2006 marriage to his backup singer Kandy Johnson. Rudy quietly lives with his wife in California.
Read more about this topic: Rudolph Isley
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