Ernie Isley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ernie Isley |
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Isley in 1996
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Ernest Isley |
| Born | March 7, 1952 Cincinnati, Ohio, United States |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, singer, songwriter |
| Instruments | Guitar, drums, vocals |
| Years active | 1969–present |
| Associated acts | The Isley Brothers, Isley-Jasper-Isley |
Ernest Isley was born on March 7, 1952. He is an American musician. He is best known as a member of the famous music group The Isley Brothers. He was also part of another group called Isley-Jasper-Isley.
Contents
Ernie Isley's Musical Journey
Early Life and Starting Music
Ernie was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. His older brothers had already formed The Isley Brothers. They started as a gospel group and later became a regular music group. In 1960, Ernie's family moved to Englewood/Teaneck, New Jersey.
A famous guitarist named Jimi Hendrix lived with Ernie's family for a few years. Young Ernie was very interested in watching Hendrix practice. This greatly influenced Ernie's own guitar playing. He later said that his family always had many instruments around the house. This made him and his younger brothers want to learn how to play.
Ernie started playing drums when he was 12 years old. His first live show with his brothers' band was in 1966. He was 14 and played the drums. In 1968, he got his first guitar. He taught himself how to play it.
Becoming a Music Star
In 1968, Ernie made his first professional recording. He played bass on The Isley Brothers' hit song "It's Your Thing". This song was released in 1969. He played electric guitar, acoustic guitar, and drums on their albums in the early 1970s. These albums included Get Into Something, Givin' It Back, and Brother, Brother, Brother.
In 1973, Ernie officially joined the group. He became a multi-instrumentalist, meaning he played many instruments. He played acoustic guitar, electric guitar, drums, and percussion.
Ernie has written many popular songs. Some of these include "Fight the Power (Part 1 & 2)" and "Harvest for the World". He also helped write songs like "That Lady" and "Between the Sheets". You can easily recognize his guitar playing on songs like "Summer Breeze" and "That Lady".
In 1984, Ernie, Marvin, and Chris formed a new group called Isley-Jasper-Isley. They released three albums together. Ernie released his first solo album, High Wire, in 1990. He also recorded a cover song, "Let's Go," for an album called Rubáiyát.
In 1991, Ernie rejoined his brothers Ronald and Marvin for tours and recording. They released a very popular CD called Mission to Please in 1996. In 2001, they released "Eternal". Ernie helped write the words for the title song.
Awards and Collaborations
The Isley Brothers were honored in the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame in 1992. This is a very special award for musicians. In 2014, they received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. This award celebrates their long and successful career.
Ernie has also worked with other famous artists. He played on Janet Jackson's album Discipline. He also performed on most of Joss Stone's 2012 CD The Soul Sessions Vol. 2. In 2017, Ernie and Ronald teamed up with Carlos Santana. They released an album together called The Power of Peace. In 2022, The Isley Brothers worked with Beyoncé. They remade their 1975 song "Make Me Say It Again, Girl".
In 2020, Ernie was added to the Songwriters Hall of Fame as a member of The Isley Brothers. He continues to tour with Ronald on "The Isley Brothers 60th Anniversary Tour."
Beyond the Stage
Ernie has special guitars made for him by Fender Custom Shop. They are called Zeal Stratocasters. He helped design them himself.
Ernie also helps young musicians. He is a musical mentor in schools and community music programs. He has been a guest speaker at the Berklee School of Music in Boston. In 2016, he received a special award from Berklee College of Music. It was an honorary doctorate of music.
Ernie is married and has one daughter, Alexandra Isley. She is also an R&B artist, just like her dad.
