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Ronald Isley

R&B

Ronald Isley Tickets

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About

The longtime lead vocalist for the Isley Brothers, Ronald Isley helmed the influential family group for close to a half century, a period spanning not only two generations of siblings but also massive cultural shifts that heralded their music's transformation from gritty R&B to Motown soul to blistering funk. Born in Cincinnati, OH, on May 21, 1941, as a preteen he joined siblings Rudolph, O'Kelly, and Vernon to form the earliest incarnation of the group. After Vernon's 1955 death in a bicycling accident, Ronald was tapped as the remaining trio's lead vocalist. Early singles stiffed, but "Shout" -- their 1959 debut for RCA -- sold a million copies, despite failing to crack the Top 40. Only after the Isleys left RCA for the Wand label did they have another hit, this time with their seminal 1962 cover of the Top Notes' "Twist and Shout." After recording for their own T-Neck label, they signed to the Motown subsidiary Tamla in 1965, joining forces with the famed Holland-Dozier-Holland writing and production team. The Isleys' first single, the shimmering "This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)," was their finest moment yet and barely missed the pop Top Ten. The group still felt straitjacketed by the Motown assembly line production formula and in 1969, they exited Tamla to resuscitate the T-Bone label. Their next release, the muscular and funky "It's Your Thing," hit number two on the U.S. charts in 1969 and became their most successful record. In 1973, the Isleys scored a massive hit with their rock-funk fusion cover of their own earlier single "Who's That Lady," retitled "That Lady (Pt. 1)." The album 3 + 3 also proved highly successful, as did 1975's The Heat Is On, which spawned the smash "Fight the Power (Pt. 1)." As the decade wore on, the group again altered its sound to fit into the booming disco market; while their success on pop radio ran dry, they frequently topped the R&B charts with singles like 1977's "The Pride," 1978's "Take Me to the Next Phase (Pt. 1)," 1979's "I Wanna Be With You (Pt. 1)," and 1980's "Don't Say Goodnight." In 1986, O'Kelly Isley died of a heart attack and brother Rudolph left to join the ministry soon after; Ronald forged on, however, teaming with younger siblings Ernie and Marvin for albums, including 1996's Mission to Please. ~ Jason Ankeny, Rovi

Reviews

Rating: 4.8 out of 5 based on 14 reviews
  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Ronald isley

    by gbass on 12/27/10Star Plaza Theatre - Merrillville

    The show was great...better than I expected. Brought back some good old memories. That thx Mr Isley

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Memorable

    by Irresistable on 12/22/10Star Plaza Theatre - Merrillville

    I think Ron did an amazing job considering he didn't have any of his brothers performing with him, especially Ernie whom I missed playing the guitar with his mouth. I've attended so many of Ron Isleys concerts and I think he still has such a wonderful voice which is so soothing and senuous. I was surprised to find out that Ron would perform after battleing the health issues in the past, but he performed just fine without any problems.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Ron Isley was the bomb!!!!

    by MzMack on 12/21/10Star Plaza Theatre - Merrillville

    Was not sure what to expect but Mr I was awesome. He sang all my favorites and then some had a wonderful evening.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Mr. Bigs Was In The House...

    by Kutie on 12/21/10Star Plaza Theatre - Merrillville

    Great show ... He sung all of his hits.. Wonderful show

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Ron Isley brought down the house!

    by rorandles on 12/21/10Star Plaza Theatre - Merrillville

    It was a wonderful, magical tour through our teenage and young adult lives. Songs we had forgotten about, sung in his powerful style. Voice is still the same. Age has not taken away anything from him.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Ron rocked the house.

    by Cymone on 12/21/10Star Plaza Theatre - Merrillville

    This was a truly inspiring concert. I enjoyed every minute. Ron had a endless stable of songs to draw from and he sang all my favorites effortlessly. Very little conversation but he did spend some time interacting with the fans, thanking them and giving praise to the Lord. You really get your money's worth.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Ron Isley, magnetic and a compelling artist!

    by BikeDiva on 12/21/10Star Plaza Theatre - Merrillville

    Ronald Isley is one of the most talented artists in the field. He is very charismatic which enhances his stage performance. He did his rendition of “yesteryear” Isley Brothers classic, which the crowd was very excited and welcomed. Reminiscing over the good ole’ days of what music use to be like. Old School music, ABSOLUTELY! New School music, ABOSLUTELY! Ron Isley, took the crowd to new school music with his stage appearance as Mr. Big! Wow, what more can I say. My husband and I were completely entertained. I was kind of expecting R Kelly to make an appearance because the concert was in 10 miles from Chicago! So this is home for R Kelly!!!! Anyway - FANTASTIC!!!!!!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Wonderful Concert from Mr. Ronald Isley

    by drc98 on 12/21/10Star Plaza Theatre - Merrillville

    It was amazing. He sounded so good. Would attend another concert if given the chance. Thanks for a wondeful concert, Mr. Isley.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Great Old School Concert!

    by Lynnp9 on 12/21/10Star Plaza Theatre - Merrillville

    It appeared that Ronald Isley's voice was not very strong as he sang the 1st couple of songs but it became stronger and stronger as he continued to sing. He provided an awesome spritual experience for those in attendance as well as an opportunity to experience almost every Isley hit going many years back. Thank you Mr. Isley and welcome back.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    by Ruvons on 12/21/10Star Plaza Theatre - Merrillville

    Ron Isley and his crew was fantastic! Too bad he was solo.