Ron Isley Reflects on Legacy, Musical Collaborations, and Family Business Ventures

Ron Isley, a legendary figure in R&B and soul, recently joined Sway's Universe for an in-depth conversation about his career and contributions to music. From his beginnings with the Isley Brothers in the 1950s to their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 1992, Isley's influence on the genre remains immense. During the interview, Isley touched on his legacy, his influence on artists like The Beatles, and his enduring commitment to family and music.

Early Days and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction

Sway took the audience back to 1992, recalling the long-overdue recognition of the Isley Brothers when they were inducted into the Hall of Fame. Reflecting on this honor, Isley spoke with humility about his accomplishments, admitting that hearing others celebrate his success often brings him to tears. He credits his fans for the continued support that has allowed the Isley Brothers' music to endure for generations.

"It makes me want to cry, man," Isley admitted, emphasizing the emotional connection he feels with his audience. "It’s a blessing, and I really want to give thanks to all those fans, the people that liked our music. It’s the greatest feeling in the world."

The Isley Brothers' journey began in the 1950s, and over the decades, they evolved their sound from gospel to soul, R&B, and funk, cementing their status as pioneers in multiple genres. Their versatility, perseverance, and musical innovation paved the way for future artists, making their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame a testament to their impact on the music industry.

The Beatles and the Isley Brothers' Influence

One of the notable highlights of the conversation was the impact of the Isley Brothers on iconic groups like The Beatles. Isley mentioned how, when the Beatles were still in Liverpool, they looked to the Isley Brothers for inspiration, covering songs like "Twist and Shout." Isley shared a light-hearted memory of meeting the Beatles and their earnest inquiry about how he felt about their version of "Shout."

"They were pretending to be the Isley Brothers over there," Isley said with a smile. "They were singing 'Shout' and 'Twist and Shout,' and that’s where they got it from — just like we got our sound from Little Richard."

The Beatles’ acknowledgment of the Isley Brothers’ influence is a testament to the band's ability to transcend genres and cultures, impacting rock 'n' roll legends and shaping the British invasion's sound.

Family Ventures and the Launch of "Contagious" Brandy

In the interview, Isley also talked about the family’s recent venture into the spirits industry, with a new line of brandy named "Contagious." Collaborating with distiller Vanessa Braxton, they launched the first Black woman-owned distillery in the U.S. Isley expressed his pride in being part of this project, describing it as an important legacy move for his family, aimed at creating a brand that would last for generations.

"This is something for the family," Isley explained. "I wanted it to be special — not just any brandy, but something that people would love, something better than what’s out there. And Vanessa made it happen."

Braxton, with her engineering background, spoke of her passion for distilling and the importance of creating opportunities in the spirits industry for underrepresented groups. "Liquor is still a science," Braxton said. "It’s still a STEM field, and we need more representation in it. This is about building something that will last for generations."

The brandy, called "Contagious," has already received praise for its smooth taste, with Vanessa adding that it’s aged six years and filtered five times for exceptional quality. Isley noted that it’s more than just a business — it’s about legacy and ensuring future generations continue to innovate.

Verzuz Battle: Connecting Generations

The conversation naturally touched on the Verzuz battle between the Isley Brothers and Earth, Wind & Fire, which took place during the pandemic. Isley noted how the event was a way to bring people together and bring calm during uncertain times.

"It was really amazing," Isley reflected. "The Verzuz battle gave us a lot of peace during the pandemic. It brought people together and introduced our music to a whole new generation."

The Verzuz event was a nostalgic moment for many fans while also serving as an introduction for younger listeners. Right after the battle, the Isley Brothers released the single "Friends and Family," featuring Snoop Dogg. The timing couldn’t have been better, as it leveraged the visibility from the Verzuz battle to reach broader audiences.

Collaborations with Musical Legends

Isley shared memories of working with musical icons, including Jimi Hendrix, who lived with the Isley family for over two years. He recalled how Hendrix’s raw talent was immediately apparent, and the family was eager to support him.

"When we first heard him play, we knew he was something special," Isley said. "He stayed with us for over two years, and it was just amazing to see how he developed his sound."

Isley also reminisced about collaborating with R. Kelly, who helped create the "Mr. Biggs" persona, which became a cultural touchstone. "R. Kelly had all these ideas, and he saw me as this character, Mr. Biggs. He really brought that character to life in the videos we did," Isley explained.

These moments highlighted the vast influence of the Isley Brothers' work on contemporary artists, with Isley reflecting on the privilege of seeing his music being reimagined by younger generations. He spoke about the enduring impact of their music, as many of their songs have been sampled by artists ranging from Ice Cube to The Notorious B.I.G.

"I love hearing how artists take our music and make it their own," Isley said. "Ice Cube, Biggie, all of them — it’s like our music just keeps evolving."

Enduring Legacy and the Future

The interview ended with Isley giving an impromptu performance of "Hello Morning," his smooth vocals reminding everyone why he remains a revered voice in music history. The performance was a powerful reminder of Isley’s talent and dedication to his craft, even after decades in the industry.

"Singing will always be the thing we started out doing and enjoy more than anything in the world," Isley said. "It’s what keeps me going."

Ron Isley’s conversation with Sway provided a heartfelt reflection on a life dedicated to creativity, music, and uplifting the culture, while also looking ahead to building a lasting family legacy. From the early days of gospel to R&B stardom, from influencing the Beatles to collaborating with contemporary hip-hop legends, and from Verzuz battles to brandy ventures, Ron Isley’s journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of music to connect generations.

A Life of Influence and Inspiration

Ron Isley’s influence on music is undeniable. His ability to adapt, innovate, and collaborate has kept him relevant in an ever-changing industry. Whether it's the timeless hit "It’s Your Thing," the soulful "Fight the Power," or the countless times his music has been sampled, Isley's legacy is one of cultural significance and lasting impact.

His words during the interview resonated deeply with listeners, particularly when he spoke about the importance of owning one's legacy. "We need to make sure that we own our brand, that it’s something that lasts well into the future," Isley said, highlighting the ethos behind both his music and his business endeavors.

As Ron Isley looks to the future, his focus remains on family, music, and creating opportunities that ensure the longevity of the Isley Brothers' legacy. "This is all for the family," he reiterated, underscoring the deep sense of purpose that drives his work. Whether it's through the smooth notes of his iconic songs or the rich flavor of his "Contagious" brandy, Isley continues to inspire, proving that his impact will be felt for generations to come.

Link To Full Interview