Rudolph Isley, founding member of The Isley Brothers, dies at 84
Rudolph Isley, a founding member of legendary R&B group The Isley Brothers, died Wednesday morning at the age of 84.
The Isley Brothers confirmed the news in a statement on social media. "Heaven has gained another angel. Our hearts are heavy as we announce the passing of our beloved brother, Rudolph Isley," the statement said.
Rudolph's brother and bandmate Ronald Isley shared his feelings about the loss in a statement to ABC News, saying, "There are no words to express my feelings and the love I have for my brother. Our family will miss him. But I know he's in a better place."
Rudolph founded The Isley Brothers in 1954 with brothers O'Kelly, Ronald and Vernon, although Vernon passed away a few years after their formation. The group had their first hit in 1959 with "Shout," which was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.
Other songs made famous by The Isley Brothers include "Twist and Shout" and "This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak For You)" along with "It's Your Thing," which earned them a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.
O'Kelly Isley died in 1986.
Rudolph, who was known for wearing hats and fur-attired clothing, retired from the group in 1989. He and his brothers were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.
Earlier this year, Rudolph filed a lawsuit against Ronald over the trademark rights to the group's name, claiming that despite the name being jointly owned by both of them, Ronald alone filed for a federal trademark of the name in 2021, and it was approved by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
He sought to have a judge declare that the trademark rights to the name were equally and jointly owned by both brothers, and he wanted any revenue Ronald made from exploiting the trademark to be divided.
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on April 1, 1939, Rudolph Bernard Isley began singing in church at a young age with his brothers. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Elaine Jasper Isley, and their children Elizabeth, Valerie, Elaine and Rudy, and several grandchildren.
