"TRUTH IN RHYTHM" - Ernie Isley (The Isley Brothers), Part 1 of 2
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Published 2018-06-06
Brought to you by FUNKNSTUFF.NET and hosted by Scott Goldfine — musicologist and author of “Everything Is on THE ONE: The First Guide of Funk” ― “TRUTH IN RHYTHM” is the interview show that gets DEEP into the pocket with contemporary music’s foremost masters of the groove.
Featured in TIR Episode 55 (Part 1 of 2; see Part 2 here • "TRUTH IN RHYTHM" - Ernie Isley (The ... ):
One of the most prominent, distinctive and accomplished funk and R&B guitar players of all time -- Mr. Ernie Isley of the rock era’s first family, the fabulous Isley Brothers. Not only was his searing and soaring soloing out front on all 12 of the Isleys’ platinum-selling 3+3 band albums from 1973-1983, but he also played most of the drums too. Before Ernie was even out of grade school, the Isley Brothers’ Ronald, O’Kelly and Rudolph had already carved out quite a career for themselves as a vocal trio during the late 1950s and 1960s. After starting out playing drums as a 12-year-old, in 1966, at just age 14, Ernie found himself holding down the beat for his famous older siblings. Notably, his first studio recording with the Isley Brothers was playing bass on 1969’s funky smash hit “It’s Your Thing.” He then played guitar and drums on his brothers’ subsequent albums, Get Into Something, Givin’ It Back and Brother, Brother, Brother.
In 1973, a new golden era of superlative funk-rock and smooth R&B began when the older Isley Brothers officially appointed Ernie on guitar and drums, youngest brother Marvin on bass and brother-in-law Chris Jasper on keyboards as the group’s band. Not only was their overall sound immediately identifiable, but they were very unique in being equally adept at hardcore funk, guitar-driven rock and sensual ballads. Their work in any of those categories ranks with the best from anyone during that era. A sampling of their classic songs includes “Who’s That Lady,” “Live It Up,” “Fight the Power,” “Harvest for the World,” “At Your Best (You Are Love),” “Take Me to the Next Phase,” “Coolin’ Out,” “Groove With You,” “I Wanna Be With You,” “Here We Go Again,” “Hurry Up and Wait,” “Between the Sheets,” “The Pride,” “Livin’ in the Life,” “Climbin’ Up the Ladder,” “Voyage to Atlantis, “Footsteps in the Dark” and so many others. Those last five were from the 1977 funk-rock masterpiece, Go for Your Guns.
The key ingredients were one-of-a-kind lead vocalist Ron Isley, who was masterful in both gritty and delicate settings; Jasper, a classically trained composer and arranger, who had the distinction of being the very first TRUTH IN RHYTHM guest; and then there was Marvin, with his super funky bass playing and rhythms; and of course, the man you are about to get to know much better, Ernie, a blistering and masterful guitar player.
In the early 1980s, the players notched some success on their own as Isley-Jasper-Isley, notably with the hit song “Caravan of Love.” In subsequent years, Ernie and Marvin reunited in various configurations with their older brothers, and as the only surviving brothers Ernie and Ronald continue to perform today as the Isley Brothers. Jasper also remains active and has released numerous solo albums. Speaking of which, Ernie delivered his only solo album, the wonderful High Wire, in 1990. The Isley Brothers’ many honors and awards include being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.
In this episode’s interview, Ernie talks about growing up in a household of music stars that for a time also included Jimi Hendrix; what it was like breaking into the group; how he developed his signature guitar sound; insights into their amazing albums and compositions; the hugely influential shadow the Isley Brothers cast on all contemporary music; and recently collaborating with Carlos Santana. As is the case with all TRUTH IN RHYTHM shows, the video quality can only be as good as the remotely located guest’s device and Internet connection permit. So bear with it here as the video does get choppy in spots, but fortunately the audio is mostly unaffected.
Recorded May 2018
LEGAL NOTICE: All video and audio content is protected by copyright. Any use of this material is strictly prohibited without expressed consent from original content producer and owner Scott Goldfine, dba FUNKNSTUFF. For inquiries, email [email protected]. TRUTH IN RHYTHM is a registered U.S. Trademark (Serial #88540281).
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All Comments (21)
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I had THEE experience in 1976 when I was at the ISLEY BROS. concert at MSG , ERNIE Damm near blown my eardrums out ,he was on fire ,guitar wizard for sure, that night I stayed up til the morning playing.....thank you ERNIE !💯🎸👑👈🏿
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I keep playing because of him
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Great job Scott!! Ernie Isley guitar playing was absolutely fantastic. He all around funky great musician!!! All the Isley Brothers records was in my home growing up!
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Earnie's High Wire album is FANTASTIC. Don't' know if it got any recognition by anyone other than ME. He could really sing well.
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His guitar playing in "Who's that Lady" is #EPIC!!!One of a KIND!!📀🎸🎸
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Believe it or not, I’m a guitar journalist ( The Guitar Magazine, UK) and you brought out some excellent memories and information from this compelling guitar god. Just like the guitarists in Lynyrd Skynyrd, Ernie also started out on drums first . A true musical genius. With respect and love, TS.
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My Favourite Band of AllTime. Six decades of hits neither Elvis or The Beetles could top that,and a groove they rode thru the 70s like wild fire.
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The single most underrated guitar player ever...Ernie is probably my introduction to rock guitar coming from a soul group.
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Ernie Isley!!!!!! one of my favorite Musicians of all time!!!!!!!!
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Ernie is one of The Greatest Guitarists in This World or ANY OTHER! His legendary solos on “Voyage To Atlantis”, “Summer Breeze” & “Who’s That Lady?” are staples in Musical History.
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Mosttalentedisleybrother
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Take it to the next phase was one of my favorites. Ok t was their first recording that I put on my playlist ✊🏾
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man there is only one ernie isley and he is the best..
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One of my all time favorite guitar players!!! Very very underrated!!!!!!
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This man and his family are to be blessed and protected for eternity by The Entities of Music (Allen aka Aleem Brothers) for nurturing and mentoring The Son of Music, James Marshall Hendrix. The Isleys helped create JMH and in turn they recreated themselves. The Isleys home in Teaneck, NJ is where the magic happened. A core of roots music and its progression. The Iskeys are GIANTS and Ernie is so underappreciated. Talk about enduring greatness. These fellows define it. Gospel, do wop; r&b, soul, funk, hip hop. Who does that? THE ISLEY BROTHERS. That's a dynasty.
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Ernie lsley is my favorite guitarest and I would love to have a left hand maple neck but it cost more than my pocket can do.l am still trying to play like Ernie lsley
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I LOVE the Go For Your Guns album. But I'm madly in love with Live It Up. It's so overlooked
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Ernie Isley 🔥🎸🎶♾️
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Love this interview...Thank you Scott and especially Thank you Ernie for your talent and for giving us such a clear and informative insight into the early years of the Isley Brothers. I strongly believe that the Isley Brothers should be the recipients of all the recognition and the highest awards in music and should be given the financial rewards and status comparable to or even surpassing that of the Beetles, Elvis and The Rolling Stones. Just my opinion.
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ERNIE !!! One of my early guitar heros ! That Lady, Live It Up, Climbing The Ladder....... Mom, get me a guitar....I gotta learn how to do this !!
