O'Kelly Isley, Jr.
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O'Kelly Isley, Jr. (December 25, 1937 – March 31, 1986), was one of the founding members of the legendary family group, The Isley Brothers. Since the group's early years, he contributed heavily to the group's development co-writing some of the Isleys' stand-out hits including "Shout" (he's the one behind Ronald singing ad-libs with him hollering out "good sound!"), "It's Your Thing", "Lay-Away", "That Lady, Pt. 1 & 2", "Fight the Power Pts. 1 & 2" (to which he incorporated a lead alongside Ronald and Rudolph), and "Between the Sheets".
O'Kelly was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. He remained a dedicated member of the group from its 1954 inception until he suddenly died of a heart attack at age 48. O'Kelly's younger brothers Rudolph and Ronald dedicated their 1987 album, Smooth Sailing, to his memory.
Isley was a resident of Alpine, New Jersey.[1] He died in Alpine, New Jersey, and is buried in George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus, New Jersey.[2]
[edit] References
- ^ Associated Press. " O'KELLY ISLEY", The New York Times, April 3, 1986. Accessed October 8, 2007. "He was 48 years old and lived in Alpine. Born Dec. 25, 1937, Mr. Isley grew up in Cincinnati and began his musical career singing gospel with his brothers, who performed with their mother accompanying on piano."
- ^ Browse by Cemetery: George Washington Memorial Park, Find A Grave, accessed April 6, 2007
