The Isley Brothers: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

The Tiny Desk is working from home for the foreseeable future. Introducing NPR Music's Tiny Desk (home) concerts, bringing you performances from across the country and the world. It's the same spirit - stripped-down sets, an intimate setting - just a different space.
Bobby Carter | Aug. 18, 2021
Before the Isley Brothers played "That Lady" during this Tiny Desk (at Home) concert, lead singer and founding member Ronald Isley shared two stories about the song that perfectly encapsulates the scope of their nearly seven-decade career. "It reminds me of going way back, when we had Jimi Hendrix living at the house and playing. We went on to meet a young fellow by the name of Kendrick Lamar who sampled the record and we got a Grammy award for it." At the Tiny Desk, we've hosted shows from superstars and legends - but our home concert series has now officially reached new heights.
Shot at their home studio in St. Louis, Mo., Ronald and his brother Ernie stand front and center, performing just a slice from a catalog overstuffed with classic anthems. (These four songs alone have been sampled or covered by over three hundred artists.) They kick things off with 1983's quiet storm essential, "Between the Sheets." As a nod to the late Notorious B.I.G., Mr. Biggs opens with, "I like it when you call me Big Poppa" - from there, they fire off three more hits, including the immortal "Footsteps in the Dark" and "For the Love of You." The Isley Brothers have eclipsed legendary status - their music is an intrinsic, indelible part of American culture. Watching Ron and Ernie play with as much enthusiasm as they did 30, 40, 50 years ago is an awe-inspiring sight to cherish.
SET LIST
"Between the Sheets"
"Footsteps in the Dark"
"For the Love of You"
"That Lady"
MUSICIANS
Ronald Isley: vocals
Ernest Isley: guitar
Kandy Isley: vocals
Kimberly Johnson: vocals
Calvin Rodgers: drums
Chris Payton: guitar
Quintin "Q" Gulledge: keys
Maurice Fitzgerald: bass
CREDITS
Video: Morgan Glenn, Josh Brickey
Camera Operators: Brandon Brinkley, Isaac Sinason
Additional Production: Mary Meadows, Bryan Weddle, Jonathan Becker, Marcos Machado
Audio: Adam Edmonds, Quintin "Q" Gulledge
Guitar Tech: Sam Mays
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bobby Carter
Video Producer: Kara Frame
Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
Tiny Production Team: Bob Boilen, Maia Stern, Gabrielle Pierre
Executive Producer: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#isleybrothers #tinydesk #nprmusic

[@nprmusic]

WIN A TRIP TO SEE A TINY DESK CONCERT! Enter here for your chance to win by supporting the content you love: bit.ly/tiny-desk-giveaway (enter before 3/28/24 at 11:59pm PT!) No purchase or donation required for entry. Void where otherwise restricted or prohibited by law. Must be 18 years or older and a resident of the 50 us states, D.C. or Canada (excluding Quebec) to enter. Entry deadline is March 28, 2024 at 11:59:59pm pt. Odds depend on the number of entries received. ARV of total prize: $2,300. Max. 10,000 entries per person. Official rules, including an alternative free method of entry, can be found at propeller.La/support/1936/official-rules.

[@allenbrown9156]

😮😅😅😮y

[@charlesdonahue7683]

As of 2024 Ronald Isley is 83 years old! Still sounds great and looks good.

[@jeffreyjay1723]

I'm just now finding this video and googled his current age and in this video he was 81, WoW!!! I was getting ready to comment the same thing you did but there is no need to. I liked your comment.

[@brahmabkitty03]

I just found this too

[@queenangawakening9800]

He looks better as he age ✨💯💙🖤🥰

[@natashafaria5738]

Mind blown💥💥💥

[@Roses_777]

You DON'T SAY 😮

[@readyfretgo]

Ernie Isley is one of our greatest and most influential guitarists, period.

[@mrscrgriffin]

Hands down, absolutely & amen!

[@kmcsounds25]

I couldn’t agree more

[@DaniaJWright]

Word up! 🙌🏾

[@coachwalt2614]

FACTS!!!!!!!

[@hbloops]

Pretty cool that Hendrix played in that band too

[@KevOnStage]

Imagine being this good at music for this long. AMAZING!

[@jarrodcribbs811]

As soon as I saw this, I said it's def gonna be a topic on HTT, came to the comments, and low and behold here you are lol

[@birdhead73]

Hey @kevonstage 👋🏽

[@charleneshowes2682]

Yes,Well Said!! Love it!!👍🏼😊💕

[@KingAve3384]

🎬

[@MusicLuiiziinho]

50 years and counting 🙌🏾

[@Dr.JudeAEMasonMD]

Ron Isley been singing for last 77 years. 🙌🏽

[@Roses_777]

He a whole bag of GOLD 🎉😊

[@ericpeterson4657]

Blessed

[@moussetache1815]

Legendary. 80 years old, his voice is so good. Ernie playing licks that everybody knows because samples. They're time travellers.

[@PaulSmith-yb5pm]

Hello There ,how are you doing today ? Hope you slept good and have a peaceful night ?

[@elijahaugust]

he doesn’t look a day over 50

[@TheWutangclan1995]

And all of the songs that are Isley samples sounds just as timeless. Big Poppa by B.I.G, Ice Cube Today Was a Good Day, Kendrick Lamar's I, and J Dilla.

[@earl-larsen]

@@elijahaugust Fake beard does wonders lol

[@birdhead73]

I always think Ernie doesn't get the credit he deserves for his guitar skills. In my book he is one of the best

[@BPB9973952]

Ernie is a masterful musician for sure

[@Ihbaworldsax]

His friend Jimi Loved his playing

[@jokatech]

It took me years to realize that the credit you're referring to is empty and worthless. It's also very elusive for idiotic reasons because it comes from people who have no attachment to or understanding of music at all.

[@soulfulofnoise]

Man Ernie is in my top 10 undisputed. Hands down one of the most solid guitarists of all time.

[@jamesmccray6367]

Erine is a great songwriter too

[@KevOnStage]

It’s so crazy how many times their music has been sampled. Good GRIEF!! So much hip hop.

[@Jasimonster]

Wild how you just on here commenting aren’t you supposed to be playing Roblox 🥴😂

[@TheMauricio3193]

Hey Kevin shut up mannn

[@Bezeltene]

Keep going Kev. This was honestly a treat this Wednesday morning

[@chordandjocks]

And I’m STILL doing it

[@BradTaylorMedia]

And the originals still far better.

[@nidialuccioni4476]

For The Love Of You Isley Brothers Let’s Dance 💃 🕺

[@AZ2PM]

Today would've been Marvin Isley's 68th birthday, so nice timing NPR..

[@rejae1993]

😍

[@themaincat85]

I learned how to play bass imitating Marvin.

[@concreteoverwater]

Just from these 4 songs, we’ve heard samples from Kendrick Lamar, Dr Dre, Biggie, Ice Cube, Beastie Boys, J Dilla, Madlib & Jay Z. If that doesn’t tell you the cultural impact of The Isley Brothers then I don’t know what will. Truly one of the greatest bands of all time

[@kojowiredu]

You forgot Whitney Houston...

[@paulturndupschmidt5563]

@@kojowiredu Also Tupac

[@arnoldbedak5738]

@@felix3033 The other way around I would think since the Isleys started in the late 50s.

[@ElsieandFredstudio]

and usher - can hear one day youll be mine in there

[@sweeetzz]

@@felix3033 ummm they were not they came out EWF came out in 69 and Isley Bros 54

[@JN-er5yu]

Just remember that Ernie was learning from and playing with Jimi Hendrix... Kids please learn how legendary this Band truly is.

[@ShareeRedd]

Only 2 Brothers left🙏🏽🙌🏽

[@LaWdHaveMercy4]

He was still young. He didnt start playing guitar till after Jim left the Isleys band

[@adc2327]

Ernie was only 12 years old when Hendrix was with the Isleys. Ernie did not play with Jimi. I heard him speak about this at the Discover Hendrix concert. How old do you think he is? Lol!

[@dgrantha]

Hendrix had the biggest impression on him.

[@johnchavers7707]

@@dgrantha Jose Feliciano was his greatest influence

[@tjjeffrey9965]

That transition from between the sheets to footsteps was so smooth😭🐐

[@warrantykweenwithak5431]

@ TJ Jeffrey that transition from between the sheets to footsteps was too smooth😞 don't make no sense

[@tjjeffrey9965]

@@warrantykweenwithak5431 ok so they were performing their hit song “between the sheets” as Ron was in the middle of the 2nd verse they transitioned into footsteps in the dark which is the name of the very next song they start performing. Idk what doesn’t make sense here it’s pretty clear what I’m talking about😂 Edit: also the term “don’t make no sense” really doesn’t make any sense but I’m no English teacher🤷🏾‍♂️

[@warrantykweenwithak5431]

@@tjjeffrey9965 it's just a slang term meaning that they are so talented that it's doesn't make any sense.

[@kandicesmith2841]

No lie

[@TBlevins2222]

​@@warrantykweenwithak5431 U rwlly had to explain 🤦🏿‍♂️ lol

[@adc2327]

Only 2 brothers left on stage. They have been hanging in there since the 60s. Ernie is one of the best guitarists period. He has not gotten the recognition he deserves. Ronald has one of the most unique voices in music. I love the Isleys!

[@discomadness]

Before the sixties and the other brothers( who are now deceased) were singing before that.....also their cousin Chris Jasper who is still performing and producing

[@adc2327]

@@discomadness Chris Jasper married into the Isleys. He is not a cousin. That still makes him family!

[@donnis618]

Their first hit was actually in 1959!!! Let that soak in

[@adc2327]

@@donnis618 You are right! Shout! They even had their own record label at one time, T-Neck Records.

[@ebradford74]

@@adc2327 Rudolph Isley married Chris Jasper's sister.

[@DianneReevesFan]

Ron Isley giving that "I still got side chicks" energy. Shout out to the background. They understand the assignment!

[@kyriesampson7781]

His wife is the background singer with the honey blonde hair. They used to be in the group JS. They sound great

[@mclainwm]

​@@kyriesampson7781 she meant it in the literal sense. his chick is to the side of him

[@Rollinghard7]

Wifey holding her hubby down.Go head y'all

[@NotTUHDAY]

RIGHT!! 🤣

[@cchoo111]

it’s his wife and her sister!

[@jamesh2711]

Ronald Isley is a freak of nature, 80+ years old and can still hit those high notes.

[@dr.robertlyonsjr.1540]

BIG FACTS!!! I said the same thing!!!!

[@DevilDoghz]

R.I.P. Rudolph Isley.

[@Frederick831]

GIFT FROM GOD

[@Frederick831]

LEGENNDS FO' SHO'❣️❣️❣️

[@andrewwalton1577]

Dude lol

[@birdhead73]

I wish they included Voyage to Atlantis but I guess when you have 40+ yrs of classics it's hard to pick the best of the best

[@ezualem8933]

60+ and you best believe the ladies still love Ron Isley!

[@trashypine6198]

That's my favorite Isley Brothers song too

[@mariesmall688]

@@ezualem8933 👏🏿yes indeed!!!

[@dl2310]

OOoh and Sensuality. Parts 1 and 2

[@Babyrocko1908]

Voyage to Atlantis is one of the greatest songs ever made!

[@astoldby_nise5478]

The fact that Ron is 80 years old…his voice is timeless. I saw them in concert for the 4th time recently. Just as amazing as the first time ✨✨

[@Shabaka87]

Mind boggling he is 80 years old. Could easily pass for 50 or 60. Speechless.

[@hongkongcantonese501]

Good. God.

[@maristelaromero3420]

Lenda viva!!!!🎵🎧❤️🎧🎵🎵🎵✌🏾✌🏾✌🏾✌🏾✌🏾✌🏾

[@arriannasdad23]

@@DavoWillop

[@1_South_Business_Services]

And a very young wife singing next to him and a young son Ron Jr.

[@isabellakrullfabres7777]

What would be the 90's Hip-Hop scene without The Isley Brothers...

[@nitrologly]

They've been doing this since the 50s. What would be the last 8 decades be without them?! 😳

[@mightyraccoon7155]

@@nitrologly 😳

[@XxQueenChristinaxX]

@@nitrologly I've only been around for 2 and I agree.

[@b1bo840]

what would any era of hip hop be without other people's music? 🤣

[@megami7373]

@@b1bo840 hip hop isnt the only genre to sample. so i don’t know why you want all the smoke that way.

[@MrCucumber416]

Isley Brothers doing a tiny desk concert. It was a good day.

[@GermonoToussaint]

Seriously whoever mixes this needs an award.

[@Dpr3cords]

i'm saying, engineer is on point.

[@SupaDaveBeatz]

sounds so good, nice rich sound, like listening to vinyl

[@MysteryUnfold]

That intro to “In Between the Sheets” though 🙌🏾. I rewinded that at least 20 times.

[@eliborg]

Q wasn't loud enough in the mix though

[@lonlonizms]

My thoughts exactly 💯

[@ThomasPeeters]

Ron Isley, the singer, is 80 years old right now. This man has longevity!

[@XxQueenChristinaxX]

Many can't say the same.

[@agapereign]

Ernie Isley is one of the baddest lead guitarists to ever walk the planet. Please give him his flowers while he can smell them! Voyage to Atlantis is my favorite Isley song because that guitar is everything!

[@tanyaguy6016]

you ain't NEVER lied🌹🌹🌹💐💐

[@fabianoaugusto3875]

facts!!!!!

[@same.7939]

I support this message!

[@stringer2295]

I’m glad someone shouted him out

[@RowdyCStuff]

This man is a legend. Who can drop their pick and still play 10:07. Still one of the greatest.

[@ramyzialor6354]

We all love the original members of any group..Third World is no exception...Cat Coore is the leader and flag bearer and continues to lead 3rd World ..the beat goes on..and i think we should give respect to the new members they have their own footprint and they are doing justice to all the classic jams ..big up to the reggae Ambassadors..Jah bless 3rd World..Cat & Co..Always Around..✊🏾

[@AaliyahChrell]

Ernie is one of the best guitarist period . He doesn’t get enough credit . I mean he’s soliddddd

[@qbass4813]

No Doubt

[@candacetyndall6142]

Jimi Hendrix stayed with them at one point and showed Ernie some things.

[@AaliyahChrell]

@@candacetyndall6142 collaboration over competition Man . Greats building each other up . I love it . They both have the talent that speaks for themselves 🤍

[@AaliyahChrell]

@@qbass4813 🤍

[@robnoble1164]

Absolutely!

[@jasonhernandez3612]

I want to be like Ron when I’m 80. The man doesn’t age

[@arnoldbedak5738]

Still got the chop!

[@justiceforall31]

Facts!💯

[@flboy85]

Ernie's riffs are as iconic as Ron's falsetto! Living legends! 🙌🏾

[@demjays]

Living Legends!! Npr yall nailed it with booking this one. For the sake of the culture please add Frankie Beverly and Maze as well

[@blackcowboymusic]

Yes, they would be perfect here 👏🏾

[@ABJWiseAndStrong]

❤️🔥🙌🏿 Thank You!!

[@RaiderClarke312]

We Are One, Southern Girl, Before I Let Go...

[@TheMzshaw]

For the Culture

[@singernick1974]

Yes please

[@sarahm.9110]

The only thing wrong with this performance is it's too short! Ernie Isley is the GOAT

[@michelecherek5392]

On ERRTHANG!!💖🔥🎶

[@msd7331]

Agree. Playing Who's That Lady earlier in the week. I had to exit my car to dance on Ernies solo. GOAT for real.

[@themaincat85]

My favorite lead and rhythm guitar player.

[@somenewkid6892]

That's why I love playing the versus they have with EWF

[@rellysunshine9665]

Ernie is the man!

[@1PurposeMime]

Ernie is one of the best guitarist in this time! Give Ernie his flowers.

[@PaulSmith-yb5pm]

Hello There ,how are you doing today ? Hope you slept good and have a peaceful night ?

[@larry6795]

Isley brothers have created some of the baddest jams from an era that had a multitude of so many fine artist, Ronald and Ernie, bringing the love…I still have my 45 of “I turned you on”😊

[@fatalerok]

Everyone’s auntie is having a great Wednesday morning right now lol

[@c0wboys4life]

If the Auntie's even be on KZbin like that lol

[@JML1974]

Auntie here. Yes, truly enjoyed. 👋🏾👋🏾👋🏾🎶🎶🎶

[@fatalerok]

This thread makes me happy 😊 I’m an auntie at heart 😂

[@XxQueenChristinaxX]

Not an auntie but thanks

[@OTPeach87]

The nieces are two-stepping w/ the aunties!! 🥰💃🏿💃🏾💃🏽💃🏻

[@brianlamont5889]

Wife and his sister in law are his background singers. Amazing musical family.

[@gdupree3068]

I believe these are also the ladies from the group JS (🎶come and get a scoop of my, ice cream bayby🎶) correct me if I’m wrong.

[@yannicklaura6212]

@@gdupree3068 Yup 👍🏿

[@Richard-xo2uv]

That is his wife, not sure if that's her sister but the one on the right is Mrs. I

[@tyreatupouharris4790]

@@Richard-xo2uv That’s her sister

[@walkingwallabee]

Yes!! I’m like wait is that his wife in the background? Thank you for the clarification .

[@gazoakleychef]

best tiny desk of all time WOW

[@juswolf22]

Avantgardevegan on the isleys!!! Let’s goooo

[@earl-larsen]

anderson .paak is up there 100%

[@thesmellycatjazz]

@@earl-larsen Paak, Misch, and Collier are some of my favorites

[@sixfootbeauty]

This and Lalah Hathaway, BIG Daddy Kane too

[@herewegoagain425]

Tyler's was the best to me

[@simplysunni9796]

Big ups to Ron Isley’s wife & sister-in-law for the background vocals. Superb! This was amazing & even better that I get to live to hear these great musical geniuses. 🌺 🌺🖤

[@ElderRahh]

I wish his wife could've went far too! She's a part of the Girl group"JS" if I'm not mistaken that's the other Girl! Sad part is this was R Kelly's Girl Group! They had a couple cute song's an the Girls could really sing!! Thing's just didn workout there group bcuz"R" didn put the time in on there career, he was too busy with his own, he never should have even tried to put any type of groups out bcuz he was too invested in himself and everything else he had going on in his life! Imagine the thing's the Girls saw!! Smh! Anyway, I am assuming that this is how she met Mr Big(Ronald Isley) ✌n 🙏

[@gissellel663]

Both are stunning! I don't even know which is the Wife?

[@keia9094]

@@gissellel663 the one with the light hair

[@Mccy727]

Yes! I use to love their song "Love Angel".

[@augarethomas4605]

That's right! Beautiful

[@colinbradford2671]

Severe attack of nostalgia, Summer Breeze would have hit the session out of the park!

[@Bobhead1587]

So true!

[@pinkchiffonluv]

It was right on the tip 🙌🏽

[@adc2327]

I am glad they didn't sing it. They showcased their originals. Their songwriting is on point without singing other people's songs.

[@Unitz15]

Odeee

[@laughteriskey2606]

I was actually satisfied with the Summer Breeze tease at the end.. It just kept playing in my head.

[@Idontactuallyknowwhy]

I would have died if they did “Summer Breeze” which I believe has the best guitar solo of any kind in this entire world. I love the Isley brothers ❤️

[@jamekiawilliams124]

Agreed!!!!!!

[@ag052976]

@12:20, Ernie thru in the head of the guitar intro from, “Summer Breeze”. WOW….

[@finditmike]

Indeed

[@BigWillyStyles13]

OMG DOOD, I WOULD HAVE LOST MY MIND

[@Poppa_bear2k20]

Me too

[@510GAPeach]

Ron's wife and her sister on the background vocals. 🔥🙌🏾🙌🏾 Family affair.

[@78vette11]

They are absolutely gorgeous🥰

[@missanamarie]

Wow, I didn't notice! He is a mack daddy! 🤣

[@baselineleaner1064]

@@78vette11 And they got his back like chiroprac 2:41

[@newjerseylove1373]

BLESSED LADY🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@micah5ive490]

he married one of the girls from js?

[@natashafaria5738]

Just landed here tonight! WOW!!! 2024 Classic!!! Can’t even!!!♥️

[@AaliyahChrell]

People don’t even realize that Ernie is Alex Isley’s dad either . Legacy 🤍

[@adarajohnson1879]

Wow!! I didn’t know!!! It make sense!!!

[@mikebenns7564]

Didn't know that. I love her music

[@danniellenelsonnelson4409]

Just telling my 15 yr old daughter that. We listen to Alex daily around here!

[@AaliyahChrell]

@@adarajohnson1879 yes ma’am, I didn’t know until she did an interview on the Terrell show

[@AaliyahChrell]

@@mikebenns7564 Same !!

[@marytolliver9542]

Whoever Ron Isley’s clothing and hair stylist is should get a big raise and really should get his or her props. Every since that versus battle with EWF… he’s just transformed the next stage of his long illustrious career. the distinguished but hip look just works so well for him. Hats off to your glam squad! They really did a great job!

[@dwaynetisdale6184]

For real every since the Vs Uncle Ron been cleaner that the board of health!

[@nicki3549]

Honestly when he came out with his Mr. Biggs persona he was dressing from back then

[@terryalexander8899]

Now the brother however is stuck in 97

[@AshtnMrtn]

YES

[@juliusadams1109]

Ron is a cool brother! His fits are too nice!!

[@thecunninlynguist]

BTW, Isleys/EWF still hands down the best verzuz we've had! I nearly teared up during the finale with all of them on stage. Celebrate these living legends!

[@jdeux3677]

Yes loved that verzuz

[@larrymccoy793]

Just think if Hendrix would have remained with the group, but he didn't like the suits!

[@Nothingatall1984]

That Verzuz was EVERYTHING!! What a night!

[@ARobinSong84]

FACTS!! Still the best one!

[@shantbe]

@@larrymccoy793 What about Elton John? Didn't he play for them as well?

[@lawrenceroland5780]

Timeless music when music had meaning. Old school music will live on for generations.

[@nysaxman]

Imagine being a young Ernie Isley and having Jimmy Hendrix live at your house and picking his brain about the guitar.

[@hippieloveshack3561]

Right? Thats crazy stuff.

[@soulproduct6209]

Word. Ernie is (literally) a student of Jimi Hendrix.

[@Shola-tg6lv]

Well they were both pretty young at that point. Hendrix was the Isley’s other guitarist and blew up a few years later. It’s cool how we can hear how everybody starts somewhere though and Ernie mastering the guitar learning from a young goat is awesome.

[@nysaxman]

@@Shola-tg6lv Ernie Isley was about 11 or 12 when Hendrix stayed at his house. Jimi was about about eight or nine years older. They were both young, but Ernie was in his pre-teen years. So I'm sure he was in awe of Hendrix's playing, even if he wasn't a superstar at that point.

[@th3ufobaby]

this is without a doubt the most concise, most precise, and most potent tiny desk at home concert I personally have seen and I have a LOT of favorites. Infinite flowers for these legends man, so glad to see they're still rocking the stage!

[@aapl]

musical legends

[@beautyforashes1948]

💜 Legendary

[@beautyforashes1948]

Where was Atlantis 💜?

[@obedirect5491]

@beauty you can't pack 8 decades into 10 minutes. Go ez on them & NPR.

[@angeladelaja]

So underrated! They literally have music that cross decades 50s 60s 70s 80s 90s 00s 10s 20s across rock, blues, r&b, soul and rap and that voice and base guitar are consistent.

[@cheezheadz3928]

BET Lifetime Achievement 2004 Grammys Lifetime Achievement 2014. Those aside, The Isley Brother's are far from underrated.

[@scibeats]

FACTS!!

[@mcdonoghrahloh459]

@@cheezheadz3928 Rock and Roll HOF as well.But I kinda agree with the lady,they are underappreciated.Better term

[@1BergerVongSchlauigkeitHer]

Nobody is underrating them.

[@dona68atgmail]

@@1BergerVongSchlauigkeitHer YES, exactly!

[@icyhott8709]

I ain't clicked on a vid this fast in years. Only for the Isleys would I risk bruising my thumb.

[@elizahhoward3923]

I bruise my thumb all the time that shut sucks

[@lucassicari]

Exactly the same for me

[@Nick-uu2ln]

My hands were shaking ☺️

[@jennifertiller6937]

This man is so responsible for so many relationships, marriages, and babies being born 😀👌🏾

[@janieg8287]

Oh, yes! ❤

[@seandavison9644]

Tiny desk concerts is one of the best things to happen in the music community ever

[@deephouselover17]

So true. Completely organic. 👊🏽

[@fairybliss7772]

Definitely!!!

[@matthewdavis8135]

Facts

[@Briyonti]

Absolutely!!!

[@benjohnson2697]

Facts

[@p.wilson4060]

I'm just going to assume that the people who disliked this video just don't like NPR, because, well, disliking the Isleys just can't be a thing.

[@StoriBrooks]

My only complaint is that it could be lil louder😩

[@melodiipeoples]

I also assume some of the dislikes are because the artist(s) didn't sing their favorite song.

[@brandontylerct]

I’ll bet on racism 🤷🏿‍♂️

[@b1bo840]

@@StoriBrooks "tiny desk" aka "tiny room"... how loud should it be?

[@StoriBrooks]

@@b1bo840 loud enough for the listener to hear everything

[@timothyturner2829]

Ernie Isley is tied with Jimi Hendix as GOAT guitarist ever. Definitely the greatest guitarist alive!!!!!

[@iguillo]

That last minute of this video is pure gold!

[@dxwallace55]

I give homage to all the great guitar players of any genre, i.e., Eric Clapton, Hendrix, Santana, Eddie Van Halen, and [arguably] Prince, but I think Ernie Isley is in that elite top 10 guitarists, even though he is not as universally known as the rest.

[@carlwebster958]

Remember Mr.Eddie Hazel!!!

[@teliciasmith3552]

He ain't bullshitting now

[@uchennasunday7037]

He comes up with best guitar melodies. Simple but very effective and I mean all guitar players.

[@shawnbarnes425]

A legend beyond legends. He's been in the industry since the late 50's

[@jyoungspins2200]

These guys have been around doing this for nearly 60 YEEEEAAARRRSSS!!!!! These new artists will never have this run...

[@merlinmediagroup]

"Nearly 60 years", their first album came out over 60 years ago!

[@dsonko7182]

Incedible!

[@037deejay]

NEVER. Classic Music NEVER goes out of style.

[@wms5253]

Totally agree!

[@Natalie-bz9gl]

"Pop That Thang"

[@VernettaRFreeney]

The Isley Brothers music is timeless. TIMELESS. One of the best Tiny Desk concerts period!!

[@juliusadams1109]

I can’t get enough of the Isley brothers! They are amazing!

[@geraldbrown6874]

The Original Quiet Storm..🐐🔥🔥🔥💯

[@gabecollier2341]

Ernie Isley is one of the GREATEST guitarist to ever do it!! Huge props to the Isley Brothers for making timeless music, they’ve earned their place in history.

[@KyOte13]

Why in the world don’t we have a documentary about the Isleys’s yet? These guys are the first family of American Popular Music… and the story of their career needs to be told

[@Gumbier_Than]

You have no idea, my mother has been screeching about that for like 25 years now. 😃

[@deephouselover17]

AbsoFREAKINGGGGlutely!! 👊🏽

[@mediamelentertainment6847]

Who They Gonna Get To Sound Like Them Guys?? Ron and Ernie 2 of a Kind. Wont Be No More.

[@carladavis1473]

Because they're still alive. Unfortunately, we generally only give people their flowers after they are long gone

[@happyhoochie]

They're featured on an episode of the untold truth.

[@Mal11hummingbirds]

J.S ON BACKGROUND, RON SOUNDING TIMELESS(SMOOTH AS SILK),& ERNIE SHOWING THAT HE IS THE MOST HUMBLE GOAT EVER!!

[@jasminesterling1719]

I love how Ron his wife singing back up with her sister . I loved their group “JS” … “Ice Cream” was a bop lol

[@Kemet876]

Ice cream was the jam back then. They had another song too tho I thought 💭

[@littlewillie34]

Really? News to me.

[@2010kalex]

I didn't know what that was JS!!!!!

[@nicolek777]

Ice cream is still a bop !!

[@CALetty23]

Slow Grind and Love Angel were my songs from that album!!

[@lean3422]

Wanna kno why you'll never see Ronald performing to a pre-recorded song. Cause he never sings the same as the last! This is his gift. His voice and his delivery is timeless!

[@comparedtowhat2719]

In other words, we could say Ron does improvisational r&b, funk, pop etc.

[@mcdonoghrahloh459]

Soul Train would only let James Brown and the Isleys do it live!!!!

[@unique9007]

@@mcdonoghrahloh459 Al Green as well

[@mcdonoghrahloh459]

@@unique9007 Don't think so, however, Thanx for the reply

[@wise1204]

@@mcdonoghrahloh459 and Patti LaBelle

[@michellewhitt7670]

Come on JS on the background vocals😍😍😍😍Ronald Isley was a staple in all households growing up. Saturday morning house cleaning, this is what was playing 🙌🏽🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@mathieupanarinfo6636]

The backing band is incredibly smooth too !

[@terryarnold9154]

Wow, a real treat. Strangely for all their success they remain under appreciated, a fabulous back catalogue and incredibly versatile. From Motown to Epic and beyond, so many artistic highs. Footsteps in the dark and Voyage to Atlantis were and still are great songs. Thanks for posting and love to the Isley’s past and present for all of the wonderful music.

[@latricer6686]

My favorite is footsteps in the darkness too. 😍

[@rudyvasquez4512]

They will get their credit when a Hollywood flick hits about these boys

[@anthonytaylor7928]

If they have a catalog of hits and number one hits how are they underappreciated?

[@terryarnold9154]

Hi Anthony, i'm an old guy from England and i can remember the Isley's version of "Twist and Shout" and always enjoyed listening to them from that day on. I think they are under appreciated because of the quality and range of their output. The Motown output was great quality but their T-Neck music took them in a totally different direction and they excelled from 3+3 onwards, their ability to switch from funk to the most beautiful of soul ballads was something quite rare and often their music had a positive message too. Ronnie Isley is truly under appreciated as a singer too, if you haven't had a chance to listen to it, he made an album with Bert Bacharach which is truly exceptional and hardly received and acclaim when it was released. Hey but if you think differently, i'm good with that too. @@anthonytaylor7928

[@BANDITRecordsWest]

@@terryarnold9154 they are truly appreciated and recognized by the community

[@AVG336]

Fender should make and market an artist series stratocaster for Ernie Isley. He's definitely paid his dues and is one of the all time greatest guitarists

[@DaBaronSamedi]

I second this!

[@mustafahajj]

He taught Jimmy Hendrix The man gets no credit Great comment on your part I totally agree by the way Fender and Ernie, let's go!!

[@portiat84]

I totally agree!!

[@gnuineangel]

Agreed 👍

[@eliresnick]

Plus, that guitar looks cool.

[@zirconia717]

You can hear Ernie about to transition into “Summer Breeze” at the end. Oh how I wish this was longer 🥺. I need to see them live 🤩

[@kellymcgee9396]

That guitar on Summer breeze...man.. Who does that!?

[@DevilDoghz]

It took me to their covering the song. Love those covers. Cover it, and make it your own(Arrangement.).

[@dallasborn8574]

Is Ernie still with us?

[@eigobike3929]

Seen them live twice. Never better; nothing beats them.

[@bun223]

Yeah, I thought he was gon do it.

[@Stonecoldalston]

Crazy how relevant they still are and Ron Isley at 80 Years old still at the top of His Game Amazing

[@xhamlasamsam1504]

Wish they could've performed At Your Best. Still got the groove like they never lost it

[@tiffakang4525]

Have you ever heard "I Once Had Your Love"? OMG! The dreamiest song I've ever heard.🥰😍🥰

[@djgoliday]

Ernie def needs more credit do you know how old that man is still playing the guitar like that with hands like that and give us the hits they have given us. True skill.

[@adc2327]

He is 69. You make it sound like he is 99! Lol!

[@dimuyn]

@@adc2327 well to be fair some don't even remember their name at 69, the fact that he can do that is very amazing

[@adc2327]

@@dimuyn You must still have the gift of youth. You can't even get social security until you are in your 60s. So that means there are plenty of people around you that remember their names and are still working. Lol!

[@d.l.t7421]

Those background singers were killing it! And Baby on the guitar!

[@lovetnia5804]

Think the first backup singer is his wife

[@valeriestancil813]

Background singers are killing it🔥🔥🔥

[@beewit2es1]

impeccable playing on on th track

[@lileztat]

Fender needs to give Ernie a signature guitar! I'd buy that with a quickness!

[@b1bo840]

black guitarist aren't considered guitar heros in the white community

[@andrewmiller5610]

True!!!!

[@youngtiteakachamp]

@@b1bo840 Jimi Hendrix

[@willarroz6703]

Yyyeesssss

[@Sgraddick]

I believe he does. I thought he had a few of them actually. H.E.R. just got one recently. B1 BO is right though. Black artists aren't really valued in that light.

[@HipHop2Geaux]

I like how they acknowledged the rap samples in their songs with the “big poppa” and the “ohh ahh”

[@b1bo840]

should've been the other way around, rap samples don't deserve acknowledgement!!!

[@HipHop2Geaux]

@@b1bo840 I mean biggies not here lol and I’m sure judging from his statement that Kendrick Lamar acknowledged him to use the whose that lady sample. I think that was ronald’s way of showing he’s hip.

[@darrylpowell8247]

Ernie is definitely the cleanest, clearest playing guitarist in the business. This brother deserves aaaall the flowers(compliments) fans throw towards him.🏆🌹

[@allinspiriation6140]

Black Culture at its finest😍🔥🔥🔥. We were born and raised on these songs

[@Lovejazz01]

Is case people don’t know who these guys are, or how legendary they are, just look at the wall of album covers ….

[@briannagutierrez8807]

seriously. Legends!

[@mariastewart8810]

That would have to be either someone living under a rock or who just born.😄

[@DrSAMX]

The flawlessness of his voice at 80 yo & after decades of not just singing but performing is just too much for me 🙌🏾👏🏾

[@johnrichardson4931]

It's almost criminal how underrated Ernie Isley is ! Truly one of the most influential guitarists of all time . The Isley brothers have a one of a kind groove

[@anthonycoleman9593]

He's not underrated. Everyone in and out of the business knows and respects his artistry. In addition, he's on everyones list of greatest guitarists of all time , including Rolling Stone magazine, every time they revise the list. He may seem underrated to you because he's hasn't stepped outside of his group too often. Ernie has definitely been recognized and given his flowers on many occasions .

[@footmotion]

​@@anthonycoleman9593 glad you said it. Because i was just getting ready to start typing. People love using underrated when they been sleeping on the artist. The artist been here! Ron been in this game for years/ It made him an animal/ It's rules to this ish/ He probably wrote the 1st manual/ 4 decades worth of material for you to get/ You either groove to the cut/ Or start remixing them up/

[@Baci302]

Ronald's voice still sends chills up my spine.

[@ElCapitanJones]

0:00 - 'Between the Sheets' 2:04 - 'Footsteps in the Dark' 5:03 - 'For the Love of You' 9:56 - 'That Lady'

[@ufis567]

Thank you sire. Honestly, I feel like having timestamps is just the decent thing to do as a content producer nowadays

[@beautifulbutterfly3939]

Thanks for sharing 😚

[@aquaviii]

🙏😎

[@kathleenvealey5138]

This music I grew up love every songs they made totally Classicsy

[@AnAdorableWombat1]

Footsteps in the dark is forever my Ish!!!

[@phillytreez]

Tiny Desk needs my other favorite guitarist on here....Carlos Santana!!!!!! 😎

[@amsbeats841]

Good lord I almost cried when I saw this!! A live performance from the LEGENDARY Isley Brothers in the 2020s... We are just blessed for this. Love how they blended the Bog Poppa synth into Between the Sheets. We're blessed to have this!

[@ConCitatoE]

If this isn't the most perfect thing? Ron is taking great care of himself and his voice shows. That "WHY" on Footsteps? Perfection. He knows when to take it easy and when to push.. And JS compliments them so beautifully. This was just a great idea!!!

[@lashannarichardson6127]

Yessss, that was them! Thanks for pointing that out!!

[@laurenbaines7130]

He told his wife to go get her sister for a quick show 😩😂

[@EdiHooks0519]

@@laurenbaines7130 heck yea! And they still look GOOD! 🍨😁

[@nlsantiesteban]

Thank you the sound engineer being at the top of their game mixing this performance. Having the background singers separately panned left and right, Ron sounding good, Ernie being his bad self, the tight drums and pronounced bass. 👩‍🍳💋

[@anthonyvv1523]

You know you raised right when you know all these songs. Thank you for having them

[@adrianlyord5300]

The Isley Brothers The G.O.A.T !!!! Almost 6 decades of music and still going strong!

[@obedirect5491]

No. 8 decades, starting in the 50s.

[@patriciapowell9399]

I had his 50 year anniversary collection back in 2004 or 05

[@DariQueen314]

Ernie Isley is definitely a GOAT guitarist! I just wish this was longer

[@officialj-danproductions604]

Isley Brothers was probably one of the smoothest performers of all time 🔥

[@MissBeeTV]

Now that’s what I call music !! This generation could NEVER !!

[@keenanwalker3043]

This needs a pt2...more than jus theae 4 classics...choosey lover....voyage to Atlantis....too many to name

[@gerahuey3706]

Agree 💯

[@earlhowardiii8277]

Your beside me

[@dennissmith3174]

Ron Isley has talked his way out of the bed of more women than most of us have ever met in life. Long love the legend.

[@MetalRocksMe.]

I didn’t realise how much ‘90’s hip hop artists sampled Isley brothers! 😯

[@daviddrentin5981]

Beastie Boys and Kendrick sampled "that lady" but neither those songs are from the 90s

[@ss11111ss]

@@daviddrentin5981 lol every producer from 90s and 2000s sampled them

[@Brandon-pi5fe]

Hip hop would be so different without these legends

[@andrewatkinson-dalziel1675]

@@daviddrentin5981 well Biggie sample Between The Sheets and Ice Cube sampled Footsteps In The Dark

[@princessbubblegumganggang710]

That's cuz this is what was played every Sunday or when mama was cleaning

[@dl2310]

I mean these brothas have been singing these tunes for over 40 years and we never get tired of their music, they can still make these songs new and fresh for folks from this (weird)generation and many to come. This, my KZbin friends, is the pure definition of REAL MUSIC.

[@TSBfromDC]

Bruh....you'd better give them those extra 20+yrs! They started in the early 60's so that makes 60 years they've been providing us with this beautiful music!!! LOL!!!!

[@frederickreese8398]

Over 60 years

[@Rollinghard7]

First, his WIFE and Sister in Law are KILLING the background!

[@1qtpie]

Isley Brother's have been making folks feel good for decades. My all time favorite.

[@jaslyn5501]

S2G

[@Da-qs4nl]

My favorite band and 2nd Rolling Stones kudos to legends playing music in the age range 70 and above!

[@studiolonepine]

Hands down one of the most consistently fantastic bands of all time regardless of genre. They can be funky, they can chill things down too.

[@TorahWoman]

Kandy and Kim's vocals sound so beautiful! Sooooo beautiful.

[@niwu5218]

Will always love the group JS!!!!!!! They are still so gorgeous and talented

[@shekomundia8322]

Angelic💕

[@king_yati86]

The groove 😌🙌🏽❤️‍🔥😌🙌🏽❤️‍🔥🏌🏾‍♀️

[@officialsrsmuzikworld]

Vocals still on point true legend 💪🏾💯👑

[@Yah_Mean]

I’ll forever cherish those moments dancing with my mother to these records on vinyl. This music is timeless and legendary. Thank you Isley Brothers.

[@MVBillcdd]

OLD IS COOL

[@larroyd1125]

Salveeee!

[@KJMitchell]

Old isn’t cool, being seasoned is cool. Ron is a seasoned vet…ain’t nothing old about Ron Isley.

[@Dambienti]

Vários Flashs na mente, a melhor fase. De Isley Brothers a Mv Bill, de James Brown a Sabotage. 🎶

[@doejohn4291]

@@KJMitchell old is cool

[@frankhernandez8702]

BEING ALIVE IS C🌎🌎L!

[@cherylhunt5891]

Them back up singers though! Their harmony is beautiful. The Isley Brothers have always been great.❤❤ ❤❤❤❤