Songs from 3 + 3
American band The Isley Brothers have been around in various formations since 1954.
They started out as a Cincinnati, Ohio-based vocal trio consisting of brothers O’Kelly Isley Jr, Rudolph Isley and Ronald Isley.
In Australia, only two singles appeared on the charts: Shout in 1959 (clip below) and Behind a Painted Smile in 1969.
In 1973, the inclusion of younger brothers Ernie Isley (lead guitar, drums) and Marvin Isley (bass guitar) and Rudolph’s brother-in-law Chris Jasper (keyboards, synthesizers) turned the original vocal trio into a complete band and led to the group reaching the height of their success.
The Isley Brothers’ one charting album in Australia came in 1975 with The Heat is On.
However, it is a couple of singles from their 1973 album 3 + 3 that they are best remembered for in this country. With this album, the group incorporating hard rock and folk-rock as well as funk and soulful balladry.
That Lady and a cover of Summer Breeze (Seals & Crofts) gained substantial airplay, despite not achieving sufficient record sales to gain a Top 40 placing.
Here they are – the guitar solos may sound familiar:
Scroll down for Summer Breeze live
The Isley Brothers’ highest charting single in Australia reached #2 in 1959 during their initial vocal group days. Shout is an Isley Brothers original that was covered by Australia’s Johnny O’Keefe and many others.
Of the original 1954 lineup, Ronald Isley (now aged 81) is the only member still involved today. Brother Ernie Isley (aged 70), who first played with the band in 1968, and fully joined in ’73, also still performs with the band.
More about The Isley Brothers: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Isley_Brothers
Summer Breeze live:
After you’ve listened to these songs, click HERE to pick another one!
New to Bang a Gong? Click HERE to learn more about us.