Music Legend Rudolph Isley Dies at 84

American vocal trio the Isley Brothers, UK, 24th October 1964. From left to right, they are brothers Rudolph Isley, Ronald Isley and O’Kelly Isley Jr.
American vocal trio the Isley Brothers, UK, 24th October 1964. From left to right, they are brothers Rudolph Isley, Ronald Isley and O’Kelly Isley Jr.


American vocal trio the Isley Brothers, UK, 24th October 1964. From left to right, they are brothers Rudolph Isley, Ronald Isley and O’Kelly Isley Jr.

Some artists are such an essential part of our lives, they feel like family. From celebrations to memorials, their music is the soundtrack to every major occasion. That’s how many of us feel about The Isley Brothers. On Thursday, we lost a member of that family when Rudolph Isley, one of the group’s founding members, died at the age of 84. According to Pitchfork, Rudolph’s attorney confirmed the news and provided a statement from the artist’s daughter.

“Rudolph Isley, a founding member of the world famous Isley Brothers, died peacefully in his sleep on the morning of October 11, 2023. He died at his home, with his devoted wife Elaine by his side. They had been married for 68 years. Rudolph was a deeply religious man who loved Jesus.”

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Rudolph left the group in 1989, moving on to become a minister. Recently, he and Ronald have been locked in a legal battle for The Isley Brothers trademark, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t still love one another. This loss is another stark reminder to cherish your loved ones every day, as time is never promised.

The Root sends our deepest condolences to Rudolph Isley’s family, friends and fans.

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