There is only one band in the history of American music that has had a documented influence on both The Beatles and the rapper Ice Cube and who had a hit in six straight decades from the ‘50s to the 2000s. That band is the mighty Isley Brothers, one the most influential bands in American musical history, who recently celebrated their 60th anniversary.
From their first single “Shout” in 1959, the Isley Brothers repeatedly redefined what their music was and what it was called, and they dominated the Black music charts like no band before or since. In 2022, the Isley Brothers released their latest album Make Me Say It Again, Girl, which includes appearances by Beyoncé, Snoop Dogg and Earth, Wind & Fire.
All of this to say: If you have a pulse, there is an Isley Brothers album for every mood you will ever have. They have a peerless catalogue of songs and albums that has more styles and vibes than any other classic band from their era
The Isley Brothers joined us in the Gumbo Kitchen for a conversation.