The Isley Brothers Reflect on Beyoncé, Jimi Hendrix and Their Path to the Walk of Fame

The Isley Brothers, whose musical journey began in the 1950s, will cement their legendary status with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The ceremony is scheduled for January 28 on Hollywood Boulevard, an honor that follows their first hit, "Shout," by over six decades. Interestingly, the Walk of Fame itself did not break ground until February 1960, months after "Shout" was released and years after the brothers started performing.

Their influence is a tapestry woven through American culture. The group holds the unique Billboard distinction of scoring Hot 100 hits across six consecutive decades, from the 1950s through the 2000s. Their sound evolved from R&B rave-ups like "Twist & Shout" to funky anthems such as "It's Your Thing" and the psychedelic soul of "That Lady." This musical versatility has made their work a staple at everything from weddings to major films like "Anchorman" and "Bridget Jones's Baby." Their legacy also includes giving a young Jimi Hendrix his recording debut on their 1964 single "Testify," a testament to their early eye for talent. Hendrix, then an Army veteran, even lived with the Isley family, profoundly influencing a young Ernie Isley.

The Isleys' impact powerfully resonates in hip-hop, where their catalog is a foundational sample source. Tracks like "Between the Sheets" and "Footsteps in the Dark" have been reinterpreted by icons from The Notorious B.I.G. to Ice Cube and, more recently, Megan Thee Stallion and SZA. "They are an evergreen resource for producers," notes Rachael Conte, VP at Sony Music Publishing. "The timeless quality of Ron Isley's vocals or a signature bassline means these songs can be deconstructed and rebuilt into new hits generation after generation." This cross-genre appeal was showcased when Garth Brooks led President Obama and others in a "Shout" sing-along at the 2009 inauguration, and when Paul McCartney credited the Isleys as the inspiration for the Beatles' career during a star-studded private event.

Despite the passage of time and the loss of brothers O'Kelly, Marvin, and Rudolph, founding members Ronald and Ernie Isley continue to create. Their 2022 collaboration with Beyoncé on "Make Me Say It Again, Girl" topped the Adult R&B Songs chart for 37 weeks, proving their enduring relevance. Producer Tony Maserati, who worked on that track, marvels at their longevity: "To release an album yearly for so long is an athletic feat in this industry—it's like competing in the Olympics annually."

Now, inspired by that success, the duo is crafting a new album of collaborations with contemporary artists. For Ernie, who turns 74 this March, and Ronald, who will be 85 in May, the music and the bond with his brothers, past and present, remain a driving spiritual force. "We collectively share in the music, so there's no disconnect," Ernie reflects. Their upcoming star is not just a marker on a sidewalk; it's a monument to a sound that has shouted, twisted, and funked its way into the very heart of American music for generations.