Serving as the primary vocalist for the Isley Brothers over many decades, Ronald Isley has steered the storied family outfit from the mid-1950s forward, an interval that witnessed successive lineups of relatives alongside sweeping cultural changes that guided stylistic evolutions through raw soul, searing funk, ethereal quiet storm ballads, and refined modern R&B. Beyond the ensemble’s work, Isley joined forces with Burt Bacharach on Here I Am (2003) and issued two stand-alone solo efforts—the fully current Mr. I (2010) and the vintage-infused This Song Is for You (2013). Ronald and sibling Ernie have sustained leadership of the Isley Brothers through the 2020s.
Born May 21, 1941, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Ronald Isley formed the group’s earliest version as a preteen alongside brothers Rudolph, O’Kelly, and Vernon. Following Vernon’s death in a 1955 bicycling accident, Ronald assumed lead vocal duties for the surviving trio. Initial releases went nowhere, yet their 1959 RCA debut “Shout” moved a million units even though it never reached the Top 40. A move from RCA to the Wand label finally yielded another success via their landmark 1962 rendition of the Top Notes’ “Twist and Shout.” After operating their own T-Neck imprint, the Isleys joined Motown’s Tamla subsidiary in 1965 and partnered with the celebrated Holland-Dozier-Holland songwriting and production unit. Their debut Tamla single, the luminous “This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You),” marked their strongest recording to date and came close to the pop Top Ten.
Feeling restricted by Motown’s standardized production approach, the group departed Tamla in 1969 and revived the T-Neck label. The subsequent release, the robust and funky “It’s Your Thing” (introducing Ernie Isley’s first recorded bassline), climbed to number two on the U.S. charts that year and became their biggest hit. In 1973 the Isleys achieved a major success with their rock-funk hybrid version of their earlier single “Who’s That Lady,” now retitled “That Lady.” The album 3 + 3 also performed strongly, as did 1975’s The Heat Is On, which featured the blockbuster “Fight the Power.” As the decade progressed, the group shifted toward the surging disco sound; although pop-radio momentum faded, they regularly led the R&B charts with tracks such as 1977’s “The Pride,” 1978’s “Take Me to the Next Phase,” 1979’s “I Wanna Be with You, Pt. 1,” and 1980’s “Don’t Say Goodnight.”
O’Kelly Isley passed away from a heart attack in 1986, after which Rudolph entered the ministry; Ronald nevertheless persisted, working with younger brothers Ernie and Marvin on several albums including Smooth Sailin’ (produced by then-future spouse Angela Winbush; 1987), Mission to Please (1996), Eternal (2001), Body Kiss (issued shortly after Isley and Winbush separated; 2003), and Baby Makin’ Music (2006). He also delivered three solo projects: Here I Am: Isley Meets Bacharach (2003), Mr. I (2010), and This Song Is for You (2013). These were followed by Power of Peace (2017), a joint effort featuring Ronald, Ernie, and Carlos Santana. Ronald and Ernie reemerged in the 2020s, previewing fresh material through two collaborations. “Friends & Family” (with Snoop Dogg) appeared in April 2021, while a new version of “Make Me Say It Again Girl” (featuring Beyoncé) arrived in August 2022.
