Tribute to Marvin Isley on A Twist of Cool

Marvin Isley

Bass guitarist Marvin Isley, born 18 August 1953 was a member of The Isley Brothers.
In the late 60’s Marvin formed a trio with his elder brother Ernie and brother-in-law Chris Jasper.  The group soon joined the older half of the already established Isley Brothers as their instrumentalists.  They became official Isley Brothers band members in 1973, resulting in platinum record success.

For the next 10 years Marvin played bass with The Isley Brothers and helped to catapult the group from a moderately popular R&B act to one of the greatest funk and soul groups of all time with songs like the soul hit “[Who’s] That Lady”.

In 1984 the lineup splintered into two groups.  The original Isleys carried on as The Isley Brothers, and Marvin, Earnie & Chris formed “Isley-Jasper-Isley”.  They released three albums and had a US number one R&B hit single  “Caravan of Love”.

In 1991, Marvin rejoined Ronald and Earnie, and The Isley Brothers continued.  In 1992 the brothers were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

In 1997 due to diabetes, Marvin had both legs removed and after leaving the group he became a spokesman for diabetes awareness.

Marvin Isley died on 6 June 2010 aged 56, from complications associated with diabetes.

Today (Wed 9 June) on A Twist of Cool, Georgina & Peter will present a triple-play tribute to Marvin Isley between 12noon & 2pm.