Today is the fifth day of Black History Month. Over the course of the month, I’ll spend some time paying tribute to Black artists across a wide and diverse array of genres and styles. My hope is that these posts should serve as an important reminder that the Black experience is the American experience, that Black culture is American culture — and importantly, Black lives and Black art matter. You can’t love Black art and Black artists without giving a shit about Black people.
This month won’t be a comprehensive study of Black music. It’ll be more idiosyncratic because — well, JOVM after all. Now, if you’ve been following this site, you may recall that so far I’ve paid tribute to:
- Chaka Khan
- Reverend Al Green
- The Whispers
- Rick James
- Aretha Franklin
- Sylvester
- Sister Rosetta Tharpe
- Chuck Berry
- Donna Summer
- Janet Jackson
- Prince.
So I have to pay tribute to a legendary act that I’ve neglected — The Isley Brothers. Over their eight decade career — yes, eight decades! — the act originally founded by O’Kelly, Rudolph and Ronald Isley has written and recorded some of the most beloved songs ever recorded. “This Old Heart of Mine,” “Who’s That Lady,” “Fight the Power Parts 1&2,” “Footsteps in the Dark,” “Live It Up,” and a lengthy list of others have been covered, sampled or referenced endlessly. And let’s face it, Ronald Isley has a timeless voice. Long live The Isleys! Long live Ronald Isley!
