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, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, singer, songwriter |
| Instruments | Guitar, drums, bass, vocals |
| Years active | 1969–present |
| Associated acts | The Isley Brothers, Isley-Jasper-Isley |
Ernest Isley (born March 7, 1952) is a talented American musician. He is famous for being a member of the popular music group The Isley Brothers. He was also part of another group called Isley-Jasper-Isley.
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Ernest Isley: A Musical Journey
Ernest Isley was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. His older brothers had already formed their famous group, The Isley Brothers. In 1960, his family moved to Englewood/Teaneck, New Jersey. Ernie went to Dwight Morrow High School.
Early Musical Steps
When Ernie was young, a famous guitarist named Jimi Hendrix lived with his family. This was from 1963 to 1965. Ernie remembers having many instruments around the house. This made him and his younger brothers want to learn 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.
Ernie was inspired by a song called "Light My Fire" by José Feliciano. In 1968, he got his first guitar. He taught himself how to play. That same year, he made his first professional recording. He played bass on The Isley Brothers' hit song "It's Your Thing". This song came out in 1969.
Joining The Isley Brothers
In the early 1970s, Ernie played electric guitar, acoustic guitar, and drums. He played on albums like Get Into Something and Givin' It Back. He officially joined The Isley Brothers in 1973. He became a multi-instrumentalist, playing many different instruments.
Ernie's Songwriting and Guitar Skills
Ernie Isley 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 "For The Love of You". His guitar playing is well-known on songs like "Summer Breeze" and "That Lady".
In 1984, Ernie, his brother Marvin, and Chris Jasper formed a new group. They called themselves Isley-Jasper-Isley. They released three albums together. In 1990, Ernie released his first solo album, High Wire. He also recorded a cover of "Let's Go" by The Cars.
Later Career and Awards
In 1991, Ernie rejoined Ronald and Marvin Isley for tours and new music. They released a very successful album called Mission to Please in 1996. In 2001, they released "Eternal". Ernie wrote the lyrics for the title song.
The Isley Brothers were honored in the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame in 1992. In 2014, they received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Ernie has also performed on the "Experience Hendrix Tour." He played on songs for Janet Jackson and Joss Stone.
Ernie and Ronald Isley continue to make music and tour together. In 2017, they teamed up with Carlos Santana for an album called The Power of Peace. In 2022, The Isley Brothers worked with Beyoncé. They remade their 1975 song "Make Me Say It Again, Girl", which Ernie originally wrote.
In 2020, Ernie was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He is still touring around the world with Ronald Isley.
Personal Life and Mentorship
Fender Custom Shop has made special guitars for Ernie. These guitars are based on his own designs. Ernie also helps young musicians. He is a mentor in schools and community music programs. He has been a guest speaker at the Berklee School of Music in Boston.
Ernie has been married to Tracy since 1998. He has a daughter named Alexandra Isley, also known as Alex Isley. She is a Grammy-nominated R&B singer and songwriter. Ernie received an honorary doctorate of music from the Berklee College of Music in 2016.
