Marvin Isley: 1953-2010

By James Sheldon on June 7th, 2010

Marvin Isley, the bassist for the legendary Isley brothers, passed away on Sunday at the age of 56. The cause of death has not yet been released.

Marvin was “the youngster” in the Isley family, and wasn’t a member of the original old school R&B Isley brothers during their push to popularity in the 1960s. His desire and ability were there, however, and his youth didn’t deter him from taking on the entire Isley Brothers repertoire. The Isley’s pushed their way into the spotlight in the 60s with hits such as “Twist and Shout,” “It’s Your Thing” and “This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You).”

In the 1970s, looking to reinvent, The Isley Brothers took on brother Marvin to play bass, and with the advent of this new age of Isley Brothers music, their R&’B sound got a nice injection of funk. Marvin was part of the round up of hits such as “Fight the Power,” “For the Love of You,” and the ever popular “That Lady.” The Isley Brothers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.

Marvin Isley took part in other musical projects, and in the mid-80s scored a hit with the Isley-Jasper-Isley trio. In 1985 the group hit number 1 with their release, “Caravan of Love.”

Marvin Isley suffered from a debilitating case of diabetes which eventually led him to retire from touring and playing full time with his brothers. In 1997, it was necessary to amputate both of his legs due to the progressing disease.