Ron Isley talks about life, longevity and the Lord
The veteran soul crooner lays it on the line
- Courtesy of 135th Street Agency
- Ron Isley and guitarist Ernie Isley
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Ronald Isley has seen it all. As part of a pioneering musical family dating back to 1959 that first came to notoriety with its original recording of the mega hit “Twist and Shout,” to the ’80s baby making anthem “Between the Sheets,” to “Contagious” with R. Kelly, Isley and his soul brothers in the truest sense of the word are ever-present. A new generation has come to appreciate his work through collaborations with younger R&B stars and sampling by hip-hop artists. In recent years, he only slowed down in the face of major challenges: a 37-month stint in federal prison for tax evasion after surviving a mild stroke and a bout with kidney cancer. Today, he’s back on the touring circuit and in the studio to carry out his “secret” musical plans.
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If you missed the show this past Saturday, you missed out, but brother Ron took a few minutes to talk with Crib Notes about his journey through life and music, and into the here and now.
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What is it like to be called a soul icon?
I have a great appreciation for that. In order to stay aggressive in music you have to love it that much. I appreciate the feeling of being an icon. It’s God’s blessing.
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What do you think of R&B artists of today like Chris Brown or Trey Songz?
I think Chris Brown is a great dancer. As a singer, he’s coming through the same ropes that I went through. He’s working on his craft.