Rudolph Isley, co-founding member of the R&B trio, The Isley Brothers, has died, aged 84.
His death on Wednesday (11 October) was confirmed by a publicist of the group. No cause of death was given.
“There are no words to express my feelings and the love I have for my brother,” Ronald Isley said in a statement, according to The Los Angeles Times. “Our family will miss him. But I know he’s in a better place.”
Rudolph was the second eldest of the three-brother vocal harmony group, which included Ronald and O-Kelly.
Formed in the 1950s in Cincinnati, Ohio, during the beginning years of rock n’ roll, they spent their career navigating shifting musical forms, all while building a successful repertoire.
Rudolph was mainly a backup vocalist for the group. He ended up retiring from The Isley Brothers in the late 1980s, although he played a pivotal role in their first 30 years, during which they were one of the biggest acts in R&B.
Best known for their hits, including “Shout” and “Twist and Shout”, which were released in the late 1950s and early 1960s, respectively, as well as their 1966 smash song “This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)”, they have been covered and sampled by the likes of the Beatles, Rod Stewart, Ice Cub,e The Notorious BIG and Kendrick Lamar.
(L-R) O’Kelly Isley Jr., Ronald Isley and Rudolph Isley
(Getty Images)
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