Isley Brothers: Historical Significance
INDIANA UNIVERSITY SOUTHEAST
THE ISLEY BROTHERS:
AN IN-DEPTH LOOK OF THEIR HISTORY, MUSIC, STYLE, CAREER AND INFLUENCE FROM THE 20TH THROUGH THE 21ST CENTURY
BY
CHRISTIAN HANNAH
M404 TWENTIETH CENTURY MUSIC
PROFESSOR NIREN
NEW ALBANY, INDIANA
APRIL 13, 2011
When I begin to think of 20th century music, I immediately jump to my favorite music period in all of history, the 1960’s-1980’s, specifically the alternative rock, soul, R&B and funk genres. When studying 20th century music, I feel that academia tends to overlook this particular time period and these particular genres, although they have great influence throughout the 21st century. My favorite band that span throughout all of these genres and have great influence through the 21st century is the Isley Brothers. Throughout their long career, they showed virtuosic abilities in vocals, lyrics, instrumentation and composition, worthy of being studied academically. First formed in the 1950’s the Isley Brothers succeeded in creating one of the longest, most influential and diverse careers over the course of nearly a half century of performing and recording. The Isley Brothers history spanned over two generations of Isley siblings. Their musical transformations reflect that the world and cultural changes that took place during the second half of the 20th century. From classic vocal group R&B to Motown soul to electrifying funk, the Isley Brothers showed a virtuosic discipline of instrumentals, vocals and performing. Their music still has a major influence in the 21st century. Many of their songs have been sampled or remixed by Hip Hop producers or DJs, many of these songs have become top selling hits. Born in Cincinnati and raised in a household ringing with the sounds of gospel music, The Isley Brothers began performing together in the 1950s as teenagers. This was perhaps not surprising as their father was a professional singer and their mother was
THE ISLEY BROTHERS:
AN IN-DEPTH LOOK OF THEIR HISTORY, MUSIC, STYLE, CAREER AND INFLUENCE FROM THE 20TH THROUGH THE 21ST CENTURY
BY
CHRISTIAN HANNAH
M404 TWENTIETH CENTURY MUSIC
PROFESSOR NIREN
NEW ALBANY, INDIANA
APRIL 13, 2011
When I begin to think of 20th century music, I immediately jump to my favorite music period in all of history, the 1960’s-1980’s, specifically the alternative rock, soul, R&B and funk genres. When studying 20th century music, I feel that academia tends to overlook this particular time period and these particular genres, although they have great influence throughout the 21st century. My favorite band that span throughout all of these genres and have great influence through the 21st century is the Isley Brothers. Throughout their long career, they showed virtuosic abilities in vocals, lyrics, instrumentation and composition, worthy of being studied academically. First formed in the 1950’s the Isley Brothers succeeded in creating one of the longest, most influential and diverse careers over the course of nearly a half century of performing and recording. The Isley Brothers history spanned over two generations of Isley siblings. Their musical transformations reflect that the world and cultural changes that took place during the second half of the 20th century. From classic vocal group R&B to Motown soul to electrifying funk, the Isley Brothers showed a virtuosic discipline of instrumentals, vocals and performing. Their music still has a major influence in the 21st century. Many of their songs have been sampled or remixed by Hip Hop producers or DJs, many of these songs have become top selling hits. Born in Cincinnati and raised in a household ringing with the sounds of gospel music, The Isley Brothers began performing together in the 1950s as teenagers. This was perhaps not surprising as their father was a professional singer and their mother was