The Light
By Raymond Tyler
There may be no greater living icons in music right now than The Isley Brothers. Last Friday they brought their tour to The Hard Rock, Atlantic City. This year Ronald Isley the lead singer and Ernie Isley ( a virtuoso) guitarist are celebrating 60 years since the release of Shout in 1959.
This was my 5th time witnessing an Isley Brothers show. The Isley Brothers never disappoint. I first saw them headline Unity Day in Philly in the 1990’s. I have to say The Isley Brothers have always out done their last show.
I first really came across The Isley Brothers in 1983 when their recording of Between The Sheets was everywhere in “Black” Atlantic City. Since then I have grooved to everything they have contributed before 1983 like rock classics Shout, Twist and Shout and their slow jams like Voyage To Atlantis. I find the songs that Ron Isley did with R. Kelly (90’s/2000’s) to be nothing short of amazing.
The true magic of The Isley Brothers is that they can still connect with more than 5 generations of ears…and I am glad that no one seems to enjoy that more than Ron Isley. The first time I saw The Isley’s perform , it started raining and people stayed in the rain. He exclaimed… “If you are going to stay in the rain, we’ll keep this party going. I got more than 50 albums …we can stay here all night.”
Friday he threatened to only drop “350” songs on the crowd. I have to say with a smile, do not go see The Isley Brothers and expect an hour and a half show with them performing song snippets. They put on a show and give a concert that separates them from the greats and propels them into an iconic class all by themselves.
I was so pleased when Vannessa Jordan of The National R&B Music Society called and asked me to shoot some photos because The City of Atlantic City and The National R&B Society were going to give The Isley Brothers a special award celebrating The Isley Brothers and Shout.
I have no idea what it’s like to create a work of art that still receives awards 60 years after being shared with the public. I am glad I was there a share in that moment.
You can connect with Raymond Tyler via Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram @RaymondTyler2018.
