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Tag: Ernie Isley

  • Alex Isley’s ‘When The City Sleeps’: A Sonic Diary

    There’s a special kind of magic that happens when the world quiets down. For singer Alex Isley, the stillness of the night became the perfect backdrop for her major label debut album, “When the City Sleeps.” This collection of 15 songs is more than just music; it’s an intimate journey through her deepest thoughts on love, heartbreak, and finding herself.

    A Nocturnal Vibe: Love, Loss, and Self-Discovery

    Isley describes “When the City Sleeps” as a “collective of a lot of my deepest thoughts and feelings about my love life and what the future of my love life looks like.” It’s a deeply personal project, filled with reflection, self-questioning, and affirmations of her own strength and competence. The album truly captures a nocturnal vibe, perfect for late-night listening.

    While rooted in R&B, a genre she knows well as the daughter of Ernie Isley of The Isley Brothers, Alex is forging her own path. She’s not leaning on her legendary family name but rather exploring her own identity and experiences, opening herself up to face her truths.

    Inspired by Home and a Jazz Standard

    The album draws inspiration from two key sources. Firstly, her hometown of Los Angeles. Isley follows in the footsteps of artists like Outkast, Lupe Fiasco, Solange, and Kendrick Lamar, who have beautifully rendered their homes in their music. She explores what “home” means, considering the roles of systemic oppression, displacement, and identity in how we love and live.

    Her second muse is the classic jazz standard, “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning.” The lyrics, which speak of lying awake thinking about a loved one while the world sleeps, resonated deeply with Isley and sparked the album’s central concept. “I think that birthed the whole idea,” she explained.

    Collaboration and Artistic Growth

    The foundation for “When The City Sleeps” was laid four years ago, a period marked by the pandemic’s profound impact on how we connect and consume art. Isley experimented and collaborated, releasing two EPs prior: “Marigold” with Jack Dine and “I Left My Heart in Ladera” with Terrace Martin.

    This spirit of collaboration continues on her debut album, featuring an impressive lineup including Syd, James Fauntleroy, and Kaytranada. Isley describes the guest spots as an “Avengers-level” link-up, reminiscent of the collaborative energy on The Internet’s “Ego Death” album. She specifically highlighted Fauntleroy as a “bucket list collaborator” and shared how connections with Syd and Kaytranada were made through DMs and shared acquaintances.

    The Color of ‘Dodger Blue’

    A distinct visual theme of “royal blue,” or “Dodger Blue,” permeates the album’s visuals and will be a key element of her upcoming “When The City Sleeps Tour.” Isley hopes that fans attending her shows will leave feeling loved, experiencing a sense of release, and perhaps gaining new insights into their own lives and hearts.

    Ultimately, Alex Isley wants her music to be a source of connection and understanding. “I hope that they feel loved and feel the love from me. And I hope that, I just, I hope that they leave full,” she shared.

    Have you listened to Alex Isley’s ‘When The City Sleeps’? What are your favorite tracks and what themes resonate most with you? Share your thoughts in the comments!

  • Isley Brothers Honored by New Jersey Hall of Fame

    The legendary Isley Brothers, whose soulful music has resonated for decades, have officially been recognized with a prestigious honor: induction into the New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF). This latest accolade celebrates the enduring impact of the Ohio-born family group, who have deep ties to the Garden State.

    A Celebration of Jersey’s Finest

    The induction ceremony took place on November 21st at The Rink at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford. Remaining members Ronald Isley, 84, and Ernie Isley, 73, were present to accept the honor. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy expressed his pride, stating, “New Jersey is honored to be home to so many Hall of Famers who continue to inspire us all. Their talent, grit, and heart reflect the classic Jersey spirit that has always set us apart.”

    This isn’t the first time the Isley Brothers have been celebrated in New Jersey. Previous joint ceremonies by the cities of Teaneck and Englewood honored the group by renaming a street in their name. This induction marks their second Hall of Fame recognition, following their entry into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.

    From Gospel Roots to Funk and Soul

    The Isley Brothers’ musical journey began in the 1950s as a teenage gospel quartet featuring the four oldest brothers: O’Kelly, Rudolph, Ronald, and Vernon. After Vernon’s tragic death at 13, the family, encouraged by their parents, relocated to New Jersey in 1959 to pursue rock ‘n’ roll. It was in New Jersey that they settled and laid down roots for decades.

    Their first major hit, “Shout,” released in 1959, reached No. 47 on the Billboard Hot 100. The group expanded significantly in 1973 when younger brothers Ernie Isley (drums and lead guitar) and Marvin Isley (bass guitar) joined, along with brother-in-law Chris Jasper on keyboards. This evolution transformed them into a full band, incorporating funk, rock, and soul, leading to a string of chart-topping albums like “3 + 3,” “The Heat Is On,” and “Between The Sheets.”

    An Enduring Legacy

    The group’s founding member, Rudolph Isley, passed away in 2023. In 2014, the band was honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Today, brothers Ronald and Ernie continue to perform globally. They are set to join Maxwell on his Urban Hang Suite Cruise concert series in February 2026, alongside other notable artists like Kem, Lucky Daye, Kelly Price, and Tweet.

    What’s your favorite Isley Brothers song? Let us know in the comments below and celebrate the enduring legacy of these music icons!

  • Ernie Isley Honors Jimi Hendrix at Maui Event

    Ernie Isley, a foundational member of The Isley Brothers, recently co-headlined the second annual Maui Music & Food Experience (MMFE), sharing the stage with funk band Dumpstaphunk for a special tribute to the late Jimi Hendrix. Isley, a visionary in his own right, reflected on his unique connection to the influential guitarist, which dates back to his childhood.

    A Youthful Connection with Jimi Hendrix

    Isley first met Jimi Hendrix at the age of 11 when Hendrix briefly played with the Isley Brothers’ backing band, the I.B. Specials. Hendrix even lived with the Isley family during this time, a privilege Ernie Isley emphasized, noting that Hendrix was never charged for his room or food. Isley fondly recalled Hendrix’s unique talent, describing him as an “electric guitar deity” for his left-handed, upside-down playing style.

    He shared a memory of watching The Beatles on Ed Sullivan with Hendrix and his brother Marvin, recalling O’Kelly Isley Jr.’s foresight: “I don’t know what’s going to go on with any of the other American artists, but I think we’re going to be all right because we got Jimi.” Hendrix’s grin upon hearing this confirmed his own belief in his talent.

    Isley’s Own Musical Journey

    Ernie Isley, who taught himself bass at 16, played on iconic Isley Brothers hits like “It’s Your Thing.” He was instrumental in creating many of their subsequent classics, including “Fight the Power,” “The Love of You,” “Voyage To Atlantis,” “Footsteps in the Dark,” “Climbin’ Up the Ladder,” and “Between The Sheets.” He shared how inspiration struck for songs like “Voyage to Atlantis,” initially apologizing to his brothers for a different sound, only for it to become a beloved standard.

    The Maui Music & Food Experience, founded by entrepreneur Gary Grube, is an extension of his philanthropic work through the Hua Momona Foundation and Farms. The foundation supports those facing food insecurity and provided thousands of hot meals to Lahaina residents affected by the devastating wildfires in August 2023.

    A Tribute to Maui and its Culture

    Isley’s connection to Maui deepened after his honeymoon there in 1999, particularly to Lahaina, a town tragically impacted by the 2023 wildfires. He welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the town’s rebuilding efforts through the celebration of music and food. Grube emphasized the importance of understanding and respecting Hawaiian culture, which includes community, family, and the land, encouraging visitors to embrace “Aloha” and preserve the island’s identity.

    Grube plans to expand the Maui Music & Food Experience to other cities, with Chicago slated for its first expansion this November. The event aims to provide much-needed funds and comfort to communities, celebrating resilience through shared experiences.

    What are your favorite Isley Brothers songs that Ernie Isley contributed to? What are your thoughts on the Maui Music & Food Experience’s mission? Share your memories and opinions in the comments below!