By Jonel (172.142.225.139) on Monday, May 19, 2003 - 11:20 pm:

"When Motown sued us, people said we would all lose our houses. They brought up stories and all kinds of stuff. But we won. We spent more money than 'It's Your Thing' made at the time trying to fight Motown" Ronald Isley

Read the complete article, "The down low from the Isleys to R. Kelly"

http://www.suntimes.com/output/entertainment/sho-sunday-isley18.html

By sterphanie (66.54.1.38) on Tuesday, May 20, 2003 - 01:19 am:

Great Article
Thanks
Stephanie

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Tuesday, May 20, 2003 - 10:57 am:

Jonel:
Excellent article on the Isleys. It's amazing to read not only how they influenced others but what artists inspired them (Ernie's mention of Jose Feliciano blew me away because JF is my most favorite guitarist, too).

The Isleys did write and record "It's Your Thing" in 1969, months after they left Motown. George "Paco" Patterson of the Midnight Movers, Unltd arranged the song, giving it the funk feel that made it a hit.

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By Jonel (137.113.28.183) on Tuesday, May 20, 2003 - 04:08 pm:

Thanks Kevin. I thought it was unusual to find such a detailed interview that is relevant to this forum.

By stephanie (66.54.1.38) on Tuesday, May 20, 2003 - 06:23 pm:

They dont need R Kelly though..Im glad Ron is serving as a father figure to him though. Just because R Kelly has money doesnt mean he doesnt need an example..
Stephanie

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Tuesday, May 20, 2003 - 06:39 pm:

Stephanie:
Ooooh boy, I can tell you didn't listen to the Isleys' latest album, which is the #1 CD in the country on Billboard's Pop Album Chart.

"Body Kiss" is by far probably one of the best efforts the Isleys have done since the late 1980s. Granted, they do aim for the youth target with the guest rappers but let's face it, it was the creation of the Mr. Biggs character that introduced the kiddies to Ronald & the Isleys. That aside, the songs on the album were tailor-made for the Isleys and showcase Ronald's vocals. Ernie's guitar work is somewhat limited but when he does take a solo - watchout! This man makes his guitar sing!

Do they need R Kelly? Maybe not in the eyes of us veterans who have hung with the Isleys since the days of "Shout" and "It's Your Thing". But, let's face it - it was R Kelly who helped introduce the Isleys to a younger audience who have joined us Old Schoolers in supporting their career. That is something Robert Kelly, despite his own trials & tribulations, should get credit for.
Kevin Goins - KevGo

(PS - If we want to talk about "examples", how about the time Marvin Gaye had the hots for a 17-year old girl named Janis Hunter...Didn't he create an entire album about his passion for her...Didn't she give birth to his children before she was legal...If we want to talk about "examples"....)

By stephanie (66.54.1.38) on Tuesday, May 20, 2003 - 07:28 pm:

OK Kev Go
You got me!!!! Im glad Mr Kelly did something for us old timers
Stephanie