O' Kelly Isley (b. 25th December 1937, Cincinnati, U.S.A., d. 31st March 1986)

Rudolph Isley (b. 1st April 1939, Cincinnati, U.S.A.)

and Ronald Isley (b. 21st May 1941, Cincinnati, U.S.A.)

Marvin Isley was one of the members of the family music group, The Isley Brothers and a bass guitarist. Marvin Isley grew up in Englewood, New Jersey and graduated from Dwight Morrow High School in 1972.
In the late-1960s, he formed a trio with older brother Ernie and brother-in-law Chris Jasper. By the end of the decade, the group joined the older half of the Isleys as its instrumentalists.
The instrumental lineup became official band members to the Isleys in 1973, resulting in platinum record success with the band's 3+3 album. For the next ten years, Marvin Isley played bass guitar on tracks including "Fight the Power (Part 1 & 2)", "I Wanna be With You (Part 1)", "The Pride, Pt. 1 & 2", "Don't Say Goodnight (It's Time for Love)", "For the Love of You (Part 1 & 2)", "Voyage to Atlantis", and "Between the Sheets".
The 3+3 lineup splintered into two groups in 1984, with the original Isleys carrying on as the Isley Brothers; while Marvin, Ernie and Chris formed Isley-Jasper-Isley. The group released three albums and had a US number one R&B hit single, "Caravan of Love".
In 1991, Marvin Isley returned as member of the Isley Brothers with Ronald and Ernie and carried on until 1997, when Marvin developed diabetes. He had both legs removed. Marvin was inducted along with his brothers to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.
Marvin Isley died on June 6, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois, at the age of 56.

The Isley Brothers began singing gospel in their hometown of Cincinnati, U.S.A.

During the early 50's, the trio were accompanied by their brother Vernon, who died in a car crash during 1957.

The group relocated to New York the following year and issued a few one-off singles before being signed by the RCA Records production team, Hugo And Luigi.

One of their compositions 'Shout' built the group a reputation during live performances.

The song sold well in the black market, and has since become an R & B standard and covered by several rock artists including the Beatles and Lulu.

The Isleys switched labels to Wand in 1962, where they enjoyed another sizeable hit with a cover version of the Top Notes' 'Twist And Shout', another song covered by the Beatles.






Tags: marvin isley, O' Kelly Isley, Ronald Isley, Rudolph Isley, Ernie, Chris Jasper