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Marvin Isley of the Isley Brothers Dead at 56
- Posted on Jun 7th 2010 12:05PM by Mike Ayers
Marvin Isley, bassist for the legendary R&B/funk-infused group the Isley Brothers, died June 6 in Chicago at the age of 56, as Chicago Now first reported. While Isley was too young to join his three older brothers in the group in the '60s, he and his guitarist brother Ernie, along with cousin Chris Jasper on keyboards, were ushered into the band in the early 1970s after it signed with Epic and started working on '3+3,' the group's first gold album. Though the pre-Marvin days saw the Isleys chart with songs including 'Twist and Shout,' 'This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)' and 'It's Your Thing,' Marvin's bass playing helped usher in a fresher, funkier side of the group, with well-known staples such as 'Fight the Power,' 'That Lady' and 'For the Love of You.'
Along with the rest of his Isleys, Marvin was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 and eventually retired from active playing in 1997, due to complications stemming from diabetes. Both his legs were eventually amputated due to his condition.
Marvin and Ernie Isley and Chris Jasper split from the Isley Brothers for a brief time, forming the Isley-Jasper-Isley trio and scoring a US No. 1 R&B hit with 'Caravan of Love' in 1985. The Isley Brothers' and Marvin's output didn't see commercial success in the '80s and '90s, yet they made their mark on the world of hip-hop, with many of their songs sampled over the years by the likes of Ice Cube, N.W.A., Jim Jones and Lily Allen.
Via L.A. Weekly, watch this clip of Isley performing with his band on 'Soul Train' in 1974.
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petra brown
Oh no! I was just googling an Isley Brothers album and up came "Marvin Isley dies". I listen to the Isley Brothers damn near everyday, realising that what is really missing from music today is good use of bass as part of melody in music. Marvin was underrated when it comes to the music press, but those who know about music know that Marvin Isley could work that bass! My thoughts and prayers go out to Rudolph, Ron and Ernie Isley as well as their family, friends and fellow fans and music lovers. we have to appreciate the elders while they are still here because music with soul is hard to find today.
June 09 2010 at 2:45 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Kevin Bailey
I would like to pass along my prayers to the Isley Family as they lost another yesterday. Marvin Isley passed away due to complications from diabetes. It was so bad for Marvin, he had both his legs amputaded a few years ago. ...He was one of the best bass players of his time. May you Rest In Peace, Marvin. Even though I didn't know them personally, I felt they were like family because I've been listening to their music since I was 9 years old. Marvin Isley is no longer suffering and is with GOD. He has a smile on his face because he lived the life GOD wanted him to live now he has been rewarded by being with HIM in the promise land.
June 08 2010 at 9:45 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Pamela Heebner
My condolences to Marvin's family, friends and fans. I used to play "This Old Heart of Mine" all the time as I was in school in the sixties. I still listen to the oldie but goodies stations and The Isley Brothers are played daily thank goodness!
June 08 2010 at 8:34 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
odotson
1 reply to odotson's comment
There is a special place in hell reserved for people who have the capacity to make such ignorant statements about someone's death.
June 08 2010 at 8:13 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Replyto odotson , what ignorant statements that were made about my brother? V Isley.
November 28 2011 at 2:15 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Jo Gamble
OMG Teddy Pendergrass.Ron Banks ,Robertk(Squrrel)Lestet Chi-lites. Now brother I amlooking forward to Ron's 1st concert since his release just reflected back to the night in the 80's when older brother O'Kelly. Died after a concert Merrilliville, Indiana that was hard, but now we as apeople most go into prayer for the family and anyone who needs prayer.To all who read this give a little piece of yourselve and help someone from the heart,
Peace Jo Gamble
Theosaurus
Just a couple of days ago, I heard "Voyage To Atlanits" on the radio, and it started me going through my Isley Brothers collection. Marvin, along with oldest Isley brother O'Kelly (who died in 1986) can be proud of the legacy they left behind. While Ron's vocals and Ernie's guitar became hallmarks of the Isley Brothers' sound, Marvin's bass provided a solid foundation for the grooves they created, be it a ballad or a rump shaker. I knew that complications due to diabetes forced Marvin to retire from performing, but I didn't think it would claim his life so soon.
So long, Marvin (1953-2010). You will bw missed
Mary
for the love of you.... ah..what a great tune. RIP Marvin, never will forget your music.
June 08 2010 at 1:03 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
bhop1974@aol.com
A very talentive man.I grew up on the Isleys.I have done everything under sun with their music.One of my favorite groups.RIP Marvin.
June 08 2010 at 12:12 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Star
Loved your music. So sorry to hear of Marvins passing. RIP Marvin. God be with your family & friends in this time of sorrow.
June 07 2010 at 11:45 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
David Antonisse
Marvin, thank you very much for all the beautiful music you played. There are many good bands, but there is only one Isley Brothers with a very unique, deep soul and funk, sound. It is every time easy to hear the music comes complete from the heart. Together with the other members you gave us a lot of wonderful hours of music. For now, rest in peace, you will stay alive by your fans!
David Antonisse, the Netherlands
64 Comments