What defines a classic song? Whatever it is, the Isley Brothers have the gift for creating them. From high powered, deep-grooved funk to the most mellifluous, seductive pop ballads, the Isleys have left a permanent imprint on the American musical landscape --- beloved by millions of fans, a seminal influence on such sonic heavyweights as Prince, L.A. and Babyface, Jimmy Jam, and Terry Lewis.

Inductees in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Isley Brothers have been turning out memorable and enduring hits since 1959, when they wrote, produced, and recorded 'Shout, part 1 and 2.' The song was a No.1 hit that's resurfaced consistently through the years, most notably in National Lampoon's Animal House, as fervent and fun-loving as ever.

The Isley Brothers first developed their inimitable style on the gospel circuit Ronald, Rudolph, and O'Kelly Isley performed with their mother, Sallye Bernice Isley, accompanying them on piano. The brothers eventually moved from their native Cincinnati home to New York, where they enjoyed their first success with "Shout" and then with "Twist and Shout," another Isley classic that was eventually recorded by the Beatles, and many other artists.

"You're pleased when other people do your songs," says Ronald Isley, "when your catalogue has songs that you hear all the time." Indeed, everyone from Whitney Houston ("For The Love Of You") to the Doobie Brothers ("Need Little Taste Of") have picked up on an Isley Brothers song. Rod Stewart joined with Ronald Isley on "This Old Heart Of Mine," an Isley smash from 1966, for a Top Ten hit of 1991. The Isley Brothers are also a sampling favorite of rappers, including Ice Cube ("Footsteps In The Dark") and Boss ("Ain't I Been Good To You.")

One of the first African-American performers to have complete control over the business end of their career, the Isley Brothers formed T-Neck Records in 1964; some early tracks featured the then unknown guitarist, Jimi Hendrix. The label (distributed at various times by Atlantic, Buddah and then CBS) would eventually account for eighteen platinum Isley records.

In the 1970's, younger brothers Ernie (guitar) and Marvin (Bass), along with brother in law Chris Jasper (keyboards) became an integral part of the Isley Brothers, who went on to produce a new string of chart-toppers, including "That Lady" and "Fight the Power," both included on Isley Brothers Live.

The mid-1980's were a turbulent time for the Isleys, with the untimely death of O'Kelly Isley, shortly after the release of the band's 1985 disc, Masterpiece. Soon thereafter, Rudolph Isley's spiritual commitment led him to join a ministry. The Isley Brothers continued, however, releasing Smooth Sailin' in 1987, the first of the Brother's discs to be co-produced by songwriter/musician Angela Winbush, who's become an invaluable collaborator to the Isleys. After Ronald's solo release, 1989's Spend the Night, he re-teamed with Marvin and Ernie Isley for 1990's Tracks of Life.

The Isley Brothers are one of the most sampled artist used by the youth oriented hip-hop community, preserving their history of R&B music and introducing the younger generation to their timeless talent. With the support of some of the hottest R&B producers available R. Kelly, Babyface and Keith Sweat, the Isley Brothers step into the present with an LP filled with lyrics reminiscent of their classic hits and a sound that brings them into the 90's.

The anticipation of the Isley's LP is spurred on by the massive acceptance at radio of singles featuring the Isley's as guest vocalist, including the Quincy Jones and R.Kelly projects. These have whet the appetite of the consumer, perfectly setting up the first LP from the Isley's in two years 'MAKE YOUR BODY SING'{31452-4214-2} for CD and {31452-4214-4} for Cassette. This album is due out in late May of 1996.

The first single from the album is 'Let's Lay Together', which was produced by R.Kelly. This single is also included on the soundtrack 'Don't Be A Menace to South-central While Drinking your Juice In the Hood'. This track is included on this web site page for your enjoyment. The second single will be a duet with Babyface called 'Tears'. When the album is completed we will have a sample of this track for you to hear.

"We try to keep our ears to the street," Says Ronald Isley, explaining the group's remarkable longevity. "Our main secret is our faith in God, but beyond that, we try to keep real close in touch with what direction music is going; and what direction it should go in." Whatever that direction is the, the Isley Brothers will be front and center, creating new music for new generations of fans."