Rudolph Isley has died at the age of 84. Rudolph was best known for his founding role in hit Motown band The Isley Brothers. It’s said he died In Illinois on Wednesday with the cause of death not yet confirmed. TMZ reports one source saying it’s believe the singer suffered a heart attack.
Rudolph began singing at a young age at his local church. Alongside his brothers Ronald, O’Kelly and Vernon, he formed the popular band The Isley Brothers when he was a teenager.
Sadly, Vernon was hit by a car aged just 13 in 1955 and the brothers moved to New York to launch their music career. Their debut song titled Shout, and arguably one of their biggest hits, was released a few years later under RCA Records.
Other hit tunes included Twist & Shout, It’s Your Thing, and This Old Heart of Mine. Often, Rudolph was thrust into the front of the band and took on the lead vocals on a number of tunes ahead of Ronnie.
In 1989 he left the group to become a Christian minister. However, he reunited with the band on a number of occasions in the years that followed.
In 1992, the group received an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, receiving the accolade from none other than fellow music legend Little Richard.
As well as their own iconic tunes, the band also featured on a number of popular rap hits. They were sampled on Ice Cube’s It Was a Good Day and Notorious B.I.G’s Big Poppa.
Fans were quick to take to Twitter following the news to pay their respects. Many simply wrote RIP Rudolph Isley alongside images of the star.
Another penned: “Please send your prayers and condolences to the Isley family as it is being reported that #RudolphIsley has passed away,” while another wrote: “Awww damn. Rest In Peace to you, #RudolphIsley”
In other news – Manaka Ranaka wants to fight Zodwa Wabantu in a boxing ring
Manaka Ranaka challenges Zodwa Wabantu to a boxing match. The actress confidently called out the dancer in a video shared on her Instagram account.
“@zodwalibram laaaaaaaaaleeeeela👂🏽 Skhokhorinko angijimi 🏋🏿♂️ and angikusabi 💪🏾 shem!!! I’m challenging YOU kwi #InfinityBoxing. Ps: Ngaku trapa la, ngiyohamba nale bobodlwani lakho elidla amaRiceCrispies!” Read More
