Alex Isley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alex Isley
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Isley at Essence Fest 2025
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Alexandra Isley |
| Born | April 16, 1987 Westwood, New Jersey |
| Origin | Los Angeles, California |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter, producer |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 2012–present |
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Alexandra Isley (born April 16, 1987) is an American singer, songwriter, and music producer. She is known for her smooth R&B and soul music. Alex Isley released her first music, an EP called The Love/Art Memoirs, in 2012.
She has worked with many famous artists. These include Scarface, Terrace Martin, Masego, and Lucky Daye. Alex Isley has also been nominated for two Grammy Awards, which are very important music awards.
Contents
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Alexandra Isley was born in New Jersey. Her father is Ernie Isley, who is part of the famous soul group the Isley Brothers. Alex spent most of her childhood growing up in Los Angeles, California.
From a young age, Alex loved to sing. Her family always supported her dream of becoming a professional musician. She looked up to many great artists like Stevie Wonder, Prince, Ella Fitzgerald, and Mariah Carey.
Learning Music and Synesthesia
When Alex was 12, she started taking classical vocal lessons. She later went to the LA County High School for the Arts. After high school, she studied jazz music at the UCLA.
Alex Isley has something special called synesthesia. This means she can see colors when she hears music. She once explained that when she composes music, she might change the key. This is because the color she sees for that key might not feel right to her.
Music Career and Collaborations
Alex Isley released her first EP, The Love/Art Memoirs, in 2012. She produced this music herself. Critics liked her smooth voice and calming music.
She describes her music as R&B, but it also has influences from hip hop and jazz. People often say her voice is "silky smooth." Alex has worked with many other musicians. For example, she collaborated with 9th Wonder on a song called "Rain Clouds." She also worked with Lucky Daye and Masego on the "Good & Plenty (Remix)."
Albums and Special Performances
In November 2019, Alex Isley released an EP called Wilton with producer Jack Dine. In May 2020, she performed a special concert for NPR's Tiny Desk series. This is a popular online music show.
In 2022, Alex Isley and Jack Dine released a full album together called Marigold. This album was also very well-received. She also sang on a song called "No Limit" by the artist Tank.
In October 2023, Alex Isley released the album I Left My Heart in Ladera with Terrace Martin. This album was her first to appear on the Billboard music charts. It reached number two on the Contemporary Jazz Albums list.
Grammy Nominations
Alex Isley received her first two Grammy Award nominations in 2024. These nominations were for her work on the song "Back to Love" with Robert Glasper. The song was nominated for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance.
In February 2025, Alex Isley signed a new music deal. She joined Free Lunch Agency, which works with Warner Records.
Personal Life
Alex Isley lives in Los Angeles, California. She has a daughter with singer Kenyon Dixon.
Discography
Albums
- Dreams in Analog (2013)
- L U X U R Y (2015)
- Marigold (with Jack Dine) (2022)
- I Left My Heart in Ladera (with Terrace Martin) (2023)
Extended Plays (EPs)
- The Love/Art Memoirs (2012)
- The Beauty of Everything, Part 1 (2018)
- The Beauty of Everything, Part Two (2019)
- Wilton (with Jack Dine) (2019)
- WHEN (2025)
Singles
- "Brown Eyed Girl" (2023) – featuring Ernie Isley
- "Paradise" (2023) – featuring Terrace Martin
- "Same Mistake" (2024) – featuring Destin Conrad
Awards and Nominations
Alex Isley has been recognized for her music:
- 2023: Nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Duo or Group for "Still Believe" (with Jill Scott and PJ Morton)
- 2024: Nominated for two Grammy Awards for "Back to Love" (with Robert Glasper and Sir)
- Best R&B Performance
- Best R&B Song
