Ronald Isley is a talented American artist known for his talents as a singer, songwriter, and record producer.
With his soulful voice and musical talents, Isley became the driving force behind the beloved family music group, the Isley Brothers, which he co-founded.
With his passion for music and dedication to creation, Isley has had a profound impact on the music industry and continues to inspire audiences around the world with his wonderful performances.
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- Full name: Ronald Eisley
- Stage name: Ronald Isley
- Date of birth: May 21, 1941
- Age: 83 years old.
- Birthplace: Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Country: United States
- Occupation: singer, songwriter, record producer
- Height: 2 meters
- Parents: Sallye Bernice, O’Kelly Isley, Sr.
- siblings: Rudolph Isley, Ernie Isley, Marvin Isley and O’Kelly Isley, Jr.
- Spouse: Candy Johnson Isley, Angela Wimbush
- Children: Tawanna Isley, Trenisha Isley and Ronald Isley Jr.
- Relationship: Married
- Net worth: $2 million
early life
Ronald Isley was born in 1941 to Sally Bernice and O’Kelly Isley I. He is the third of six brothers, the other four brothers are O’Kelly Isley II, Rudolph Isley, Vernon Isley, Ernie Isley and Marvin Isley. Ronald grew up in a musical family and began his singing career in church at a very young age.
His talent was apparent early on when, at the age of two, he sang in a spiritual competition at the Union Baptist Church and won $25 in war bonds. This experience marked the beginning of Ronald Isley’s successful musical career.
At the age of seven, Isley began to showcase his musical talents in various venues, including the famous Regal Theater in Chicago, where he had the opportunity to perform on the same stage with famous artists such as Dinah Washington.
Tragically, the youngest member of the Isley Brothers, Vernon, died in 1954 when he was hit by a car while riding his bicycle at the age of 11. His untimely death left a lasting impact on the family and their musical journey.
educate
Ronald Isley showed his musical talent by singing in church at the age of two, and he and his brothers began their musical journey at an early age by performing gospel music.
Ronald grew up in Cincinnati’s public schools, and it’s clear that his education may have taken a backseat to his burgeoning music career.
As their music careers began to flourish during their teenage years, formal education may no longer be a priority for Ronald and his brothers as they focused on making a name for themselves in the music industry.
Profession
Ronald Isley’s illustrious career is inextricably linked to the musical legacy of the Isley Brothers, the musical group he co-founded with his siblings. Born in 1941, Ronald showed extraordinary musical talent at an early age.
His early success in singing competitions and performances with renowned artists such as Dinah Washington showcased his exceptional talent. Like his brothers, Ronald grew up in a musical family and gained a strong foundation in gospel music through his involvement in church.
This upbringing would later shape the Isley Brothers’ unique sound and style, defining their musical careers.
The Isley Brothers’ musical journey began as a quartet singing gospel music before branching out into doo-wop and R&B in the 1950s. In 1959, they shot to fame with the hit single “Shout.”
As the 1960s progressed, the Isley Brothers continued to develop their sound, scoring hits with tracks like “Twist and Shout” and “This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You).” In 1969, they formed their own record label, T-Neck Records, and released the Grammy Award-winning track “It’s Your Thing,” solidifying their reputation as soul pioneers.
Throughout the 1970s, the Isley Brothers experienced a genre shift, exploring funk and rock more deeply, a shift that was largely due to the addition of younger brothers Ernie and Marvin.
Songs like “That Lady” and “Fight the Power” became classics of this period, showcasing the band’s versatility and innovation. Despite these changes, Ronald’s distinctive voice remained a consistent and defining feature of their evolving music.
Ronald Isley’s career spans six decades, cementing his place as an icon in American music history. Since the 1990s, he has collaborated with hip-hop icons such as R. Kelly, Nas and Jay-Z, demonstrating his enduring influence across generations.
The creation of Ronald Isley’s “Mr. Biggs” persona in the 1990s further highlighted his timeless style and creativity. Notably, Ronald Isley’s solo work dominated the Billboard Hot 100 chart from the 1950s to the 2000s, while his collaborative work continued this success into the 2020s.
His ability to adapt and innovate throughout his career is a testament to his unparalleled artistry and lasting influence on the music world.
Awards and nominations
Grammy Awards:
victory:
- Lifetime Achievement Award (member of The Isley Brothers)
Nominations:
- Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals (for “You’ve Got a Friend” featuring Aretha Franklin)
- Best R&B Album (Body Kiss, featuring the Isley Brothers)
- Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group (“Busted” with the Isley Brothers)
- Album of the Year for his contribution to Kendrick Lamar’s “To Pimp a Butterfly” (Note: Although Ronald Isley is not listed as a performer on the album, he was nominated for his role as songwriter)
- Soul Train Awards:
victory:
- Legend Award – Male
- Best R&B/Soul Single – Group, Band or Duo (“Contagious” featuring the Isley Brothers)
- Quincy Jones Career Achievement Award (as part of the Isley Brothers Band)
Nominations:
- Best Independent R&B/Soul Performance (Dinner and a Movie)
- Best R&B/Soul Album – Duo or Group (Body Kiss with the Isley Brothers)
- Michael Jackson Award for Best R&B/Soul or Rap Video (“Contagious” with The Isley Brothers, R. Kelly and Chanté Moore)
social media
- Instagram account: @Ronaldisley
- Facebook account: Ron Isley
- Twitter account: N/A
personal life
Ronald Isley’s personal life was filled with various marriages and children. In 1960, he married Margaret Tinsley and welcomed their daughter, Terenisa Isley, in 1969. After his divorce, Isley married singer Angela Wimbush in 1993 and had a daughter, Tawanna Isley.
After divorcing in 2002, Isley reunited with Kandy Johnson, a backing singer for the duo JS/Johnson Sisters, in 2005. They have one son, Ronald Isley Jr., born in December 2006.
Interestingly, Isley met Johnson when her band was signed by his agency. Despite his ups and downs in his personal life, Isley suffered a health crisis in 2004 when he suffered a mild stroke.
Discography
personal album
- my husband
- Here I Am: Eisley Meets Bacharach (with Burt Bacharach)
- This song is for you
singles
- “No More” (from “Mr. I”)
- “Friends & Family” (Snoop Dogg)
- “Make Me Say It Again Girl” (with Beyoncé)
- “The Power of Peace” (with The Isley Brothers and Carlos Santana)
net worth
Ronald Easley is a talented musician from the United States who is known for being a singer and songwriter and has even ventured into acting. With his impressive career achievements, Ron Easley’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million.
His dedication to his art and undeniable talent have solidified his respected position in the music industry.
