The Isley Brothers, one of the most enduring and influential groups in soul music, received a long-awaited honor this week with the unveiling of their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
On Wednesday morning (Jan. 28), Ronald “Ronnie” Isley and Ernie Isley were present as the group received the 2,834th star on Hollywood Boulevard, marking more than 70 years of musical innovation. The ceremony celebrated a career that has bridged gospel, soul, R&B, funk, rock, and hip-hop, while influencing generations of artists across genres.
KTLA 5 entertainment anchor Melvin Robert emceed the event. Sony Music Publishing chairman and CEO Jon Platt spoke about the group’s songwriting legacy and business impact. Producer and songwriter Terry Lewis highlighted the Isleys’ role in shaping modern Black music, calling their catalog foundational.
Formed in Cincinnati in 1954, The Isley Brothers began as a gospel trio featuring O’Kelly Isley Jr., Rudolph Isley, and Ronald Isley. Their path shifted after the 1955 death of younger brother Vernon Isley. By the late 1950s, the group relocated to New York and moved toward secular music, a decision that changed their trajectory.
The Isley Brothers Awarded Star On Hollywood Walk of Fame
That shift led to their 1959 breakthrough, “Shout,” a call-and-response anthem that became a cultural touchstone. The song’s influence stretched across rock and pop, shaping live performance traditions for decades.
The group soared through the 1970s and early 1980s with albums including “3 + 3,” “The Heat Is On,” and “Between the Sheets.” “The Heat Is On” topped the Billboard 200, while “Between the Sheets” later became a cornerstone of hip-hop sampling culture.
After the group’s expanded lineup disbanded in 1983, Ronald and Ernie Isley carried the name forward. Albums such as “Mission to Please,” “Eternal,” and “Body Kiss” introduced the Isleys to a new generation, driven by hits like “Contagious.”
With more than 18 million records sold in the U.S. and charting hits across six decades, the Isley Brothers’ star cements a legacy defined by resilience, reinvention, and lasting cultural power.
Leave a Reply