Ernie Isley on sleeping with his guitar

[@catboyzee]

I have mad respect for Ernie's wife, an exceptional woman. She totally GETS it, and loves her husband anyway.

[@snapcrackle4077]

Ernie Isley is a beast on the guitar. I saw him with his brothers in concert in 1978. They were on tour with Heatwave. That was the first time I ever saw the Isley Brothers in concert. Ernie blew my mind. He stood in one spot and rocked out. Years later I learned that he watched and learned from Jimi Hendrix when Hendrix was in the Isley Brothers band.

[@Lisa_Evers]

The Isleys AND Heatwave? Wow, what a show that must have been. I was born in '63, and so wasn't old enough to appreciate or see any of these groups in their heyday. But I DID get to see the Isleys (Ron and Ernie plus a full band) around 2017 in Long Island. And in 2001 when I worked in Lower Manhattan, I got wind of a FREE outdoor concert with...the Ohio Players. And yeah, Leroy Sugarfoot (I forget his exact name...) was there front and center. That concert was EPIC!!

[@winniejohnson5559]

@@Lisa_Evers they were in the heyday in 1978 wouldn’t you say. I was born in 64 . I saw them in 78 as well.

[@Jonh548]

Damn what a good story! Tell me more about it man, this man is a living legend 🔥🎸🙋🏻‍♂️

[@rievans57]

It's so sad that when they speak of great rock guitarists Ernie's name is never mentioned. I personally would place him alongside Santana, Beck, Page and Clapton.

[@tishauna7244]

it pisses me off...

[@davidwaderealestate]

100% agree.

[@eddavenport1970]

Here, here....he always in my book.

[@tmn8547]

Solid E Yasss for sure! He’s one of the unsung greats!

[@mariogullette4795]

The Isley Brothers are majority R&B so their music is mostly Black radio stations unlike the majority white Rock stations that play Hendrix & he's the only Black Artist that Black radio stations dont play!

[@malcolmbutler2267]

It is sad that Ernie doesn't get the respect he need

[@rievans57]

and deserves.

[@peggythomison5562]

Ernie should be in the rock & roll hall of fame!!! if he wasn't their along with chris jasper.......🎤👏🔊🥂

[@nunyabidness2143]

I don't think he cares, but he definitely doesn't need respect. He deserves it for sure, definitely doesn't need it and most likely doesn't care

[@universoulistic]

This is just f'n awesome. Thanks for sharing. I'm 41. The Isleys, even Santana some would say, were slightly "past their prime" by the time I started digging in heavily to music. I've seen Carlos a half dozen times and I saw the Isleys once. Each experience, a show I'll never forget. Now that I have a seven year old daughter, I try to pass on the magic as much as possible. Just this morning, she went record shopping with me. Maybe serendipitously, I bought both a Santana and an Isley Brother's Band record. Then came home and caught this piece. They don't make music with heart like this much anymore. If, at all. It's amazing to have so many of these guys still with us. So..GO SEE THEM LIVE. While you can. Enjoy it, even if it is an older, more easily accessible version of the magic you remember. Because it's still real art. Made with real heart. From real beautiful people that make real music. Music that needs to be shared with our kids. So that it has a chance of touching them the way it's touched us. So. Damn. Good.

[@rlee6503]

Amen. So well put

[@warrenwilliams6212]

In all my years as a guitarist this is the one person I have always wanted meet. I started playing guitar at the age of 3. At the age of 10 a relative told me about Ernie and gave me the 3+3 album, which I still have. The sound was amazing. I heard sounds I had never heard before. From that point on I knew that was what I wanted to do. But, what really did it was in the late 1970's thanks to family and some band members at that time I was able to see them in concert, twice in the same week, that messed me up and made me take musician life and being a guitarist serious. I pushed myself and worked really hard. Being self taught I didn't know any other way and it really paid off. My life as a guitarist has been great and very fulfilling. I have worked with a lot wonderful people. But, one thing that is very important is you have to have positive, supportive people in your life. Ernie's wife Tracy is a beautiful woman and obviously loves and supports him, you can see it I got married in 1988. Having someone who loves you is a true blessing. Being loved and having support is what life really should be about not all of the hate and negativity going on in the world. I hope who ever reads this is left feeling positive and uplifted. Thank you! to Ernie & Tracy Isley and I wish much love to all.

[@GeorgKallenbach]

This sounds like it's written by the future-me. :D Thank you.

[@GryphonWahle]

Likewise man, lessons and realizations I'm just learning penned from a familiar soul further along in entropy. Live long and prosper, as-salamu alaykum, much love, keep grooving, and thank you.

[@Jonh548]

Man, wherever you are, I wish the best for you and your whole family 🙋🏻‍♂️🎸

[@wildthistle535]

The best part of this clip is the relationship between Ernie and his wife.

[@cathleensmith4717]

Naww His music.

[@Iknowyoumadnow]

@@cathleensmith4717 right, what a simp

[@chuckscott4661]

@boss. A simp named Chad. The irony.

[@levis6945]

One of the most underrated guitarist in my life time the guy is a beast on the guitar 🎸...

[@michellem8077]

Ernie you are so underrated....u are so damn great...

[@bryana297]

His lines are iconic. Voyage to Atlantis etc... People forget Hendrix joined HIS band.

[@PLAYAWORLDRecords]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3msfWihaZmDnbM

[@INeedABlessingNow]

It sounds like he found the perfect wife for a passionate musician, many years ago. What a blessing!

[@charlesdrake3125]

Always loved this man's playing. And the solo album he put out in 1990 High Wire was excellent.

[@frankd.506]

Charles Drake Got it love it

[@Jonh548]

@@frankd.506 How can I search for that album here on KZbin? I'm just starting to find out more about Ernie and he really is a great guitarist 🎸🔥🙋🏻‍♂️

[@frankd.506]

@@Jonh548 Let me send you a couple things, give me a moment.

[@frankd.506]

@@Jonh548 Starts a little slow but it'll punch hard at the end kzbin.info/www/bejne/immbl5V-hNKpiM0 The whole album is on KZbin Hope You Feel Better Who's That Lady are two more Isley Brother songs that they let him run wild on ,that should be a good start and not for nothing but Jimi Hendrix was a member of the Isley Brothers long ago guessing Ernie was paying close attention, Merry Christmas have a great weekend.

[@frankd.506]

@@Jonh548 This is my favorite song from High Wire kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2PQZGmwasaXd80

[@JustDavidE]

Great interview. Great wife.

[@DRCRANKNSTEIN]

Ernie is great!!!!! from way back in the day.

[@Brother_Dre1900]

She understands him, and doesn't degrade him. If it's not hurting him, or others, on an unhealthy level, but gives him comfort, then let him have at it.

[@michaelgreen5206]

Love your playing Ernie, grew up with the Isley Brothers and what a great band you have!!!!

[@Dzo826]

I feel ya Ernie!!!.. All my guitars are females too.. The wife gets annoyed at times, but it is what it is!!!.. One of THE most underrated guitar players on the planet!!..

[@mrpentium]

Female hey I got a try that

[@Dzo826]

@@mrpentium AND it's also helpful if ya let the Missus name them, so she don't think they old girlfriend names... lol... Out of my 20+ axes, the wife named about 16 of 'em.. The other 4 are named after my daughters... Worked for me.. lol..

[@MrGuitars8]

Beyond Brilliant as a Guitarist , so many Songs of his to Learn to Play . He is the Reason I wanted a Stratocaster along with SRV later on . Ernie can play everything and do anything with his Guitar . Thank you Ernie for getting me to Play .

[@charleswilliams8248]

They know it! Ernie is one of the greatest guitar players ever! Real Talk!

[@candytiano4314]

My family and I ultimately love the Isley Brothers .they are the greatest musicians and singers from years of time.

[@davanmani556]

My favorite guitar zeal song was Living For The Love of You. A soft sound but a burning yearning. The best of those so-called yacht rock music.

[@AVG336]

Playing guitar is about alot more than going up the neck with scales and shredding. Chords and rhythm are very important for setting a foundation and mood for the song. Ernie can do both very well. Not only does he shred like no other but he has amazing chords and rhythm that has been the foundation for many of the Isley Brothers songs.

[@tedwebb646]

Ernie and Ron Rock Solid Icons. The best R&B band of all time!

[@needahandle]

Agreed. Isley Bros music is the best. They deserve even more accolades

[@dorethasmith9715]

Ernie Isley is such a genius that he is eccentric. Nothing wrong with sleeping with his guitar. He is other worldly.❤️

[@frankgarcia918]

I would absolutely place him as one of the best guitarists in the world

[@moehammondmedia]

Ernie Isley is one of the greatest guitar players of all time clearly. But people very rarely talk about his drumming. Ernie Isley has the warmest drum sound in R&B history. Listen to all of those masterpiece albums from the 70’s. Countless great songs ‘Harvest For The World’, ‘Footsteps In The Dark’, ‘For The Love Of You’ etc etc that’s all Ernie on drums. 🥁 🎸

[@Toyabecuz]

I’m here after Verzus! Ernie ain’t nothing to play with !! 🔥🔥🔥

[@smarke76]

And you probably didn't know who he was.

[@Toyabecuz]

@@smarke76 what’s your point ?

[@Charles-tt3dr]

@@smarke76 And what's wrong with that?

[@Charles-tt3dr]

@got ruut WOW!! I'm from Pittsburgh too. Unfortunately i was too young to go on that day. I was 7 days away from turning 5 years old.....

[@lenardshaw6037]

Girl forget what whoever said in the comments you know what it is mad props to you 🌟✨🔥🌹Ernie is a Jimmy Hendrix taught guitarist. No disrespect to no other 🎸 rist I love prince may he rest in peace but mr lsley is the g o a t ✨🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🔥

[@elMaxx5]

A hero of mine since 6 or 7 yrs old. Inspiration to my zeal.

[@Ms.speakitout]

I love him

[@tanfel4]

Ernie Isley is so underated. He is the best guitarist in the last 30 years. I don't care what anyone else has to say about this. I saw them one year in Indianapolis, Indiana and this is when Ronald Isley was married to Angela Winbush, and Ernie Isley literally stole the show from the rest of the group.

[@mikecoleman4795]

Angela was tight in the early eighties.

[@psychadellik2861]

You ever hear Stevie Ray Vaughn

[@Lovejazz01]

Ernie has a daughter that's a great singer and songwriter, Alex Isley (Alexandria ), I'm sure that's her mother...

[@justinwarner1183]

Mrs Isley knows that's why she gets to live so good 👍

[@prof3ssor178]

This is one of Real true musican, and artist period!! Great fan of great music 👌

[@cathleensmith4717]

Touch us in the heart Ernie.

[@tomigunn777]

"Carlos Santana or..me" Amazingly accurate!!

[@DbeeM]

How could he forget a “Hendrix”

[@dwightparker9446]

@@DbeeM because he refuses to speak his name for some reason. However we know who launched them all! I watched program once the line that stuck with me was there was guitar before Hendrix and guitar after Hendrix. He was the Catalysts!

[@stewdapples267]

She doesn’t mind the sleeping with the guitar, but she draws the line at being out together when he’s wearing her knickers for a hat

[@mikecoleman4795]

His melodic playing always says something soulful and touching. I got into them in the 80s after hearing “Voyage to Atlantis.”

[@mikecoleman4795]

Update: I was mistaken. I first hear “Don’t Say Goodnight” in the late 70s while in the Army. The way the women responded told me these fellas were on to something. Been a fan ever since.

[@adrianlyord5300]

He's one of the greatest but very underated guitar players in the world ! I love the Isley Brothers and his guitar along with Chris Jaspers' keyboard playing makes the sound of the band ! Of course gotta give it up to Ronald Isley for his smooth vocals too! Long live the Isley Brothers!

[@needahandle]

Phenomonal talent. Why he is not commonly listed as one of the greatest guitar players ( pop/rock genre) in some of the better known " best of" list, who knows?

[@aimeemoore1094]

Great interview his wife is beautiful and May God continue to bless them

[@johnhunter377]

Back to Square One and Who's that Lady are my favorites. Now that's "Zeal" for real!

[@frankd.506]

Add, Hope You Feel Better ,Summer Breeze and Atlantis and I'm in.

[@bryana297]

Wow, i forgot about back to square one. I had that tape back in the gap. Man thanks. Gotta go youtube that pronto

[@Retired1958]

Your Awesome Ernie

[@charlesljones2454]

Ernie s riffs on whos that lady is unforgettable .....truly one of the best guitar solos youll ever hear.

[@Lisa_Evers]

Ernies is my funk/soul guitar GOD. No one else comes close.

[@moehammondmedia]

Stop it . You ever heard of Prince? But Ernie is all time great though

[@billybilly4390]

One of the Greatest 🙏🏼🎸

[@AerrinT80]

His album “Back to square one” is so terribly underrated. I still listen to it to this very day.

[@kartiersupremewhite330]

That’s a wonderful relationship!!! You,guitar,wife!!! Fabulous!!!!!!!!

[@yvettewilson2376]

I love your guitar, playing Ernie

[@eddiemachetti6862]

Ernie is one of my all time guitar heroes. I hope his legacy lasts for eternity. 🔥🤘🏽

[@onepro1234]

Why hasn't Ernie ever done any tutorials to help teach other aspiring guitarists who admire and look to him for inspiration?

[@peggythomison5562]

I agree! "Ernie to help teach other aspiring guitarist who admire and look to him for inspiration" ✅

[@zzzddd7]

He did. All the songs he played on inspired and taught many. You don't always need the artist to tell you. If you're good and eager to learn, all you do is listen and practice.....and you pick up everything he's doing like i did. That's a GOD given talent not given to many.

[@onepro1234]

@got ruut Yeah you got ruut but no fruit. Get yourself some business.

[@deacontheseer4804]

Always loved Ernie

[@mrlencho7686]

Ernie Isley has his own electric funk rock sound, I don’t hear it anywhere else. And I can dig that all day everyday 🤘🏼👍🏼✌🏼

[@mark5150ty]

I used to fall asleep every night playing my guitar and wake up with it laying right next to me nothing like grabbing it and playing a G chord before you brush your teeth LOL

[@jsamc8420]

What a silly interviewer always trying to create drama.

[@MrLovell1971]

Ernie is one of the great guitar player and killer chops his guitar definitely a custom shop I would love to play that beauty so blessed to meet him an Ronald for my birthday in the mid 90’s and still have their autographs on the Mission to Please cd jacket.

[@candy1redz]

Every time I heard his guitar in the song it made me cry 😭😭😭Isley didn’t make it any better . I go from having a good time to in my feelings reminiscing on my pst relationships

[@arvidedor]

I love the 60 cycle hum in the background

[@morehumorehu4861]

Been a fan when I first heard Islay bros. Summer Breeze, here in Aotearoa (New Zealand) We had racist controlled radio stations back then.

[@zzzddd7]

I'm old school. I listened to ernie for years. My style and his is intertwined. Im also a professional guitar player. I sleep with my axes also, especially, if it's new and I don't have a case for it. My Jackson DKAF8, Charvel Signature Vivaldi DKA7. Now my Music Man mint Sterling 5 have all shared my bed. Sometimes touching it gives you ideas and creativity. It's a MUSIC thang.

[@overkill2006]

This man is awesome.

[@tonmisty]

Love his playing

[@davidwilliams8465]

One of the most underrated guitarists of all time.

[@evrydayppl6296]

Nice Interview

[@dbmay1975]

Make sure ya’ll check out Ernie’s solo record, High Wire, from 1990. Very cool stuff and very well recorded.

[@FC-xc3zy]

Ernie was buddies with Jimmy Hendrix when Jimmy worked with the Isleys. You can hear some jimmy in his playing ,but on a smooth tip.

[@supergong2241]

All true...wood has a memory and it feels your joy,pain and everything in between...🎸🎶🎶🎵🙏🚬💨💨that's why "when the music hit you....you feel no pain"..Bob Marley.

[@giulioluzzardi7632]

Dear Mr Isley, I understand the connection . I do have more than one instrument though and sometimes when I play one of them I start thinking about the others, the closest thiing to a Harem!

[@MrFat.]

Vastly underrated! 'Nuff Said!

[@robthemactv]

LOVE IT! I used to fall asleep practicing my keyboard and took it to bed a few times too. :-D

[@Tahania1]

Wow!!! Just Amazing 🤩…..

[@jayskywalker5049]

THANK YOU ERNIE FOR KEEPING THE GUITAR ALIVE ON BLACK RADIO....ITS A SHAME HOWS ITS BEEN STRATEGICALLY STRIPPED FROM US...BUT IM WOKE

[@reginaldparker3248]

Ernie choose to eat drink think and sleep guitar but who are the sound effects that made Mr. Isley and if he is the author and the finisher of his style of play then bravo is due Mr.Isley.

[@dianjane]

I loved all the Isley's, the soundtrack of my life. No stupid studio musician soundtracking. My generation, the real deal.

[@boocho1]

The most important thing about his "success"... the man is respected amongst his peers, and the fans that k ow their music.. the rest of that other bs, is just the commercial side... anybody that know, knows ...that Ernie has created and performed some of the most soul inspiring and fullfilling music...no denying

[@evianbidet3553]

Reallyinteresting dude...and a monster player.

[@Riddlemewalker]

Legend!

[@vwiggins1847]

Beautiful lady❤

[@r4blanks]

Ernie is so reminding me of Carlos on this!🤘🤘🎸

[@kennethoats2322]

That guitar on That Lady...🔥🔥🔥

[@nranderson778]

I saw them live yesterday and Ernie blew me away!! Their daughter Alex Isley is an R&B Artist and she is creating a successful career for herself. Check her out!!

[@joshuamirabal822]

I’m glad it’s not abnormal to sleep with the guitar lol I do it sometimes too. Some of the best song ideas happen when I randomly wake up at night

[@tastemaker_87]

Listen to the outro to "love fever" Ernie transforms quite a mediocre Isley Brothers track into a JAM with his signature sound

[@cuauhtemocmorisco3493]

My guitar is my umbilical cord and the only one thats going to play it is me!!😂😂

[@terrybryant3744]

If you can’t say anything positive dont

[@waynehicks1969]

Growing up and [playing guitar, people would always ask, "Can you play as good as Erinie Isley?" Unfortunately, I always had to say, "No."

[@BCTGuitarPlayer]

Ernie’s been dragging his guitar to bed for years. I used to sleep with my Winchester 30/30. At least Ernie's Start will never explode in the middle of the night.

[@derricklester9210]

He was playing a little bit of Groove with you

[@tyroneprivott9309]

That's the love of his instrument, I sometimes do the same and other Guitarist aswell.I think Ernest Isley is cool.

[@richyrich5049]

That interviewer seems like he is not open minded enough for interaction with the world.

[@lifegivesuslemons421]

What an offensive question to ask, then keep pressing

[@funksway8565]

Ernie has almost been a quiet genius. I've always loved his input, insight and wisdom. Used to be a Chris Jasper fan.. I'm leaning towards E.I as of late💯

[@TheAkd89]

Ernie Doesn’t get THE CREDIT HE DESERVES.. one of the reasons I play guitar 🎸

[@alwanthony6910]

Who Would Of Knew They Had Beef With Earth,Wind,&Fire

[@billywebb4325]

Ernie is a cross between Jimi Hendrix and Carlos Santana in both dress and approach to the guitar. More than the industry could stand!

[@rievans57]

Well said!

[@kennyblackbird5674]

I've always wondered if Ernie Isley listen to Robin Trower and visa versa.

[@JNava]

In my opinion, you come up with great licks & learn more by playing guitar in bed & in the dark. I guess it’s only something musicians understand.

[@bryana297]

I'm doing that now. It really makes you play better by listening rather than looking at your fingers. It does something thats hard to explain

[@johncampbellpercussion]

The man who got it all started for me.

[@jibicusmaximus4827]

Great how he equates a an A major seventh chord with the sound of love, I would argue that it's C sharp major seventh but it's definitely a major seventh tonality lol.

[@SuperZANIMAL]

I believe, that the luck of many Guitarists to settle down, is due to being lucky to achieve musical hits that can become popular in majestic and honest solos! As Veses a guitarist musician is a beast, but don't compose that explosive hit that goes viral in general, if you know what I mean!! It's a matter of luck also to score, not only the power of the musician on guitar mann!!👏👏👏👏👏

[@josephkemler6166]

King George always mentioned you when it came to guitars Jimmy used to sleep on his sofa back in the day in New York before they both went to Europe

[@MichaelHenderson-c6d]

I would love to get a lsley start with a maple neck and left handed but it is to much for my pocket

[@denyasaltz1994]

HELLO ERNIE👋. GREAT MUSIC, SIR. NONE OTHER LIKE THE ISLEY BROTHERS. ENJOYED GREATLY. YOU WERE A COUSIN OR A BROTHER OF RON OR CHRIS?👍 😇😎🎤.

[@Hello_there_obi]

How big do you want your sunglasses? Ernie: Yayviators