How Many of the Original Isley Brothers Have Died?

The Isley Brothers are an American musical group best known for their pioneering work in R&B, soul, funk and rock music starting in the 1950s. Formed originally as a vocal trio consisting of brothers O‘Kelly Isley Jr., Rudolph Isley and Ronald Isley, the Isley Brothers have undergone numerous lineup changes over the decades but their musical influence remains unmatched. Sadly, over the years, the Isley family has suffered the loss of some of their most iconic and talented members. Here is a look at how many of the original Isley Brothers have passed away.

Of the original founding members of the Isley Brothers, two of the three Isley brothers have died:

• O‘Kelly Isley Jr. – O‘Kelly was the original founder of the Isley Brothers vocal trio alongside his brothers Rudolph and Ronald in the 1950s. He was the group‘s co-writer and arranger, composing classic hits like "Shout", "Twist and Shout" and "This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)". O‘Kelly tragically passed away in 1986 at the age of 48 after suffering a heart attack and stroke.

• Rudolph Isley – The older brother of the Isley trio, Rudolph sang background vocals and played percussion as part of the original lineup. He was renowned for his soaring falsetto harmonies. Rudolph passed away in 2021 at the age of 81 after battling several health issues.

The sole surviving member of the original 1950s Isley Brothers trio is:

• Ronald Isley – The lead vocalist of the group, Ronald Isley continues to carry on the Isley Brothers legacy today at 81 years old. With his fiery, soulful voice and dynamic stage presence, Ronald defined the Isley Brothers sound.

The Isley family was exceptionally musical – beyond O‘Kelly, Rudolph and Ronald, there were several other Isley siblings who were part of the band over the decades:

• Vernon Isley – The older brother of the original trio, Vernon sang with them in their gospel roots and was an early member of the vocal group. He passed away in 1955 at the young age of 22.

• Marvin Isley – Marvin was brought into the fold as a teenager in the late 1960s as the band‘s bass guitarist. He gave them a funkier edge and remained a member until his death in 2010 at age 56 from complications of diabetes.

• Ernie Isley – Joined alongside Marvin in the late 1960s on guitar. Ernie gave the Isleys their roaring rock guitar sound starting with the hit "It‘s Your Thing". Remains an active solo musician today.

• Chris Jasper – Nephew of the brothers, Chris replaced O‘Kelly on keyboards/piano in 1973. He was a member until 1984 when he started Isley-Jasper-Isley with Ernie & Marvin.

In total there were 6 Isley siblings who were part of the band: Ronald, O‘Kelly, Rudolph, Vernon, Marvin and Ernie, as well as extended family like Chris Jasper.

With over 60 years in the music business and dozens of hit records, the Isley Brothers have amassed quite a fortune.

• Their total estimated net worth is $60 million.

• This comes from both their recordings and their extremely successful publishing company, Isley Brothers Music, which owns the rights to over 200 songs.

• The Isleys have had over 30 Top 40 R&B hits and 13 Top 10 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.

• Their 1973 album ‘3 + 3‘ sold over 2 million copies. Their song "For the Love of You" also went multiplatinum.

• They‘ve had over 15 RIAA-certified Gold and Platinum records.

• The Isleys were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992. They have received numerous lifetime achievement awards including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

• In addition to their royalty revenue, the Isley Brothers are still actively recording and touring worldwide.

With their vast catalog of hit songs and continual new music, the Isley Brothers are regarded as one of the most financially successful groups in pop/R&B history, with an estimated net worth of $60 million.

As the lead singer of the Isley Brothers for over 60 years, Ronald Isley has been the most prominent member of the family band. His estimated personal net worth is $10 million.

Here are some of the highlights of Ronald Isley‘s net worth profile:

• Ronald was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2004 for his songwriting contributions to pop/R&B music.

• His total record sales are estimated between 70-80 million units.

• Ronald has had over 2000 weeks with a song charting on the Billboard R&B charts, making him one of the longest-charting R&B vocalists.

• He owns lucrative music labels including Isley Records and T-Neck Records, which control the Isley Brothers catalog.

• Ronald has collaborated with many other icons like Rod Stewart, Santana, R Kelly, Salt N Pepa, and Snoop Dogg, further boosting his earnings.

• He continues to record new Isley Brothers music and tour large venues consistently. Their last album was 2017‘s ‘The Heat Is On‘.

• Ronald has had some legal troubles including tax evasion charges in the 2000s, which have diminished his net worth.

With music sales continuing into the millions and his labels owning their lucrative catalog, Ronald Isley maintains an estimated net worth of $10 million.

O‘Kelly Isley Jr, founding member of the legendary Isley Brothers, tragically passed away in 1986 at the young age of 48.

• O‘Kelly Isley was born on December 25, 1937 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

• He was the brother of Ronald and Rudolph Isley, with whom he formed the original vocal trio of the Isley Brothers in the 1950s.

• O‘Kelly was the backbone of the Isleys, writing or co-writing many of their early hits including "Shout", "Twist and Shout", "This Old Heart of Mine" and others.

• In 1973, O‘Kelly retired from touring but continued writing songs for the group behind-the-scenes.

• On March 31, 1986, O‘Kelly Isley died at age 48 in Alpine, New Jersey after suffering a heart attack and stroke.

• His death was a major blow to the family and group, who were about to embark on their first tour without him just a week later.

O‘Kelly Isley Jr‘s musical legacy and impact is immortal, though he sadly passed away at only 48 years old. He was the brilliant songwriter and arranger behind many of the Isley Brothers‘ earliest and most timeless hits.

Vernon Isley, the eldest brother of the Isley family, died in 1955 at the young age of 22. Vernon was one of the original members of the vocal gospel group formed by brothers O‘Kelly, Rudolph and Ronald that would eventually evolve into rhythm and blues legends, the Isley Brothers.

• Vernon Isley was born on August 7, 1933 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was the first son of Sallye Bernice Isley and O‘Kelly Isley Sr.

• Vernon sang alongside his younger brothers in church and was part of the original 1950s vocal quartet.

• He was featured on the Isleys‘ first single "Angels Cried" released locally in Cincinnati in 1954.

• But shortly after the group got their big break performing on national TV programs like The Ed Sullivan Show, Vernon Isley died unexpectedly.

• On January 28, 1955, Vernon passed away at just 22 years old from undetermined causes.

• His death was a tragic shock to his siblings. But the newly popular teen trio pushed forward, renaming themselves as simply ‘The Isley Brothers‘ in Vernon‘s memory.

Though his time with the group was short, Vernon Isley‘s legacy lived on in spirit as his younger brothers ascended into R&B superstardom. The Isley Brothers inducted Vernon posthumously into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame upon their induction in 1992.

Guitarist Ernie Isley is 66 years old and still very active in music today. After his tenure in the Isley Brothers came to an end in 1984, Ernie started a splinter group, Isley-Jasper-Isley, with his brothers Marvin and Chris Jasper. They released three albums before disbanding in 1990.

Since then, Ernie Isley has continued recording and performing as a solo artist:

• In 2003 he released his first solo album "The Real Deal"

• This was followed up by "I Come From the Water" in 2008

• His 2012 album "Dreamers Dream" featured collaborations with artists like Aloe Blacc, Mint Condition‘s Stokley, and Lalah Hathaway.

• In 2016 Ernie dropped the funk/rock album "Smooth Sailin‘" which had contributions from CeeLo Green, Bootsy Collins, and more.

• Most recently in 2017, Ernie teamed up with jazz guitarist Julian Lage for an instrumental album called "EJL: America‘s Leading Jazz Guitarist"

• Ernie Isley frequently tours the US and Europe, primarily as a solo acoustic act. He often performs at festivals as well.

Approaching 70, Ernie Isley keeps the Isley legacy alive through his solo recordings and energetic live shows. He continues to push his music forward, recently collaborating with electronic dance and house producers on new remixes of Isley Brothers classics.

The legendary "Mr. Biggs" Ronald Isley is currently 81 years old.

• Ronald Isley was born on May 21, 1941 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

• He first formed the vocal trio The Isley Brothers with his younger brothers O‘Kelly and Rudolph in the 1950s.

• Ronald was only 13 years old when the group scored their first hit "Shout" in 1959.

• Now at 81, he has been the lead singer of the Isley Brothers for well over 60 years, a remarkable feat.

• Ronald Isley‘s most recent studio album with The Isley Brothers was 2017‘s "Power of Peace", when Ronald was 76 years old.

• He continues to actively tour worldwide as a solo artist and with Isley Brothers guitarist Ernie Isley at lower key shows.

• In 2022 and 2023, Ronald Isley is embarking on the "Marathon Man Tour" across the U.S. to celebrate his 81st birthday.

For over half a century, that fiery, soulful voice of Ronald Isley has defined the sound of the Isley Brothers. Now 81 years old, Ronald Isley amazingly persists in live performance, pouring the same passion into timeless hits like "That Lady", "Between the Sheets", and "It‘s Your Thing".

No, Ronald "Mr. Biggs" Isley is not currently in jail or prison. However, he does have a history of legal troubles, including time spent behind bars.

• In 2006, Ronald Isley was convicted of tax evasion charges and sentenced to 3 years in prison. He served over half that time and was released early in April 2009.

• In 2010, Isley filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy due to massive IRS debts totaling nearly $4 million.

• In 2013, Ronald Isley was sued by a former background singer who alleged sexual harassment. He settled the case out of court.

• Most recently in 2020, Ronald Isley was arrested on felony charges of tax evasion and possession of a firearm as a felon. However all charges were eventually dropped.

Now in his early 80s, Ronald Isley is not incarcerated or serving any sentence. He continues to record music and headline concerts worldwide. However, financial and legal issues have periodically plagued him throughout his long career.

In 2006, Ronald Isley was convicted of five counts of tax evasion and one count of willful failure to file tax returns. The total amount he owed the IRS in unpaid taxes was $3.1 million.

• The conviction stated that Ronald Isley had evaded his taxes from 1997 through 2002 by misrepresenting his income and the income of his companies.

• The unpaid tax amount was $3.1 million. In addition, the IRS charged Isley $1.2 million in penalties for failure to file tax returns and another $1.8 million for substantial understatement of tax.

• Isley was also ordered to pay $100,000 to the lawyer that represented him in the tax evasion case.

• After his release from prison in 2010 when his sentence was completed early, Isley still owed the IRS $2.2 million according to his lawyer.

• By November of 2011, Isley had managed to get his IRS debts down to just over $350,000. He successfully paid off the remaining taxes in full by 2012.

Ronald Isley originally owed the IRS over $3 million in unpaid taxes, penalties and interest from almost a decade of evasion. Through gradually payments after his prison term, he eventually cleared the debts by 2012.

Unfortunately Ronald Isley is far from the only celebrity who has been charged with tax evasion and owed the IRS:

• Music stars like Lauryn Hill, Fat Joe, Jermaine Dupri, Lil Wayne, Lil Kim, and others have spent time in prison for tax evasion. Rappers DMX and Ja Rule have owed over $2 million each.

• Boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr has had numerous issues with the IRS for unpaid taxes and has owed tens of millions. Actor Nicolas Cage at one point owed over $6 million.

• Singer Willie Nelson famously owed the IRS $16 million in unpaid taxes during the early 90s, forcing him to release an album titled "The IRS Tapes: Who‘ll Buy My Memories?" to pay off the debt.

• The IRS filed a $7 million tax lien against comedian Chris Tucker in 2014 for unpaid taxes dating back to 2001.

• Legends like Chuck Berry and Pete Rose spent time in prison specifically for tax evasion convictions.

With the intensive scrutiny the IRS places on celebrity income and finances, stars often run into trouble meeting their tax obligations. But stiff penalties including asset forfeiture, hefty fines, and jail time usually compel them to eventually settle up.

While the IRS has wide-ranging power to seize property and assets from delinquent taxpayers, there are certain assets that the IRS cannot legally confiscate:

• Social Security benefits – The IRS cannot garnish or levy any Social Security benefits, disability benefits, or Social Security equivalents.

• Personal belongings up to a certain value – The IRS must leave clothing, furniture, appliances, and religious materials up to a combined value of around $9,790 untouched.

• Pension and retirement accounts – Most tax-advantaged retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs are protected from IRS seizure.

• Federal benefit payments – Benefits like SSI, VA disability benefits, workers‘ compensation, and government assistance cannot be levied.

• Primary residence – The IRS is unlikely to seize a primary home unless equity exceeds outstanding mortgage debt.

• Unemployment benefits – Payments received from federal and state unemployment programs are generally exempt.

• Essential transportation – The IRS will usually not take vehicles necessary for basic transportation.

• Life insurance – Payments received from life insurance policies are protected.

• Court settlements for physical injury – Awards from court cases for physical injury or damage cannot be seized.

The IRS may still pursue these assets and income sources through other collection procedures like tax liens and garnishment of bank accounts. But outright asset seizure is prohibited in most cases.

Various estimates have been made on which countries have the biggest issues with tax evasion worldwide:

• The United States loses approximately $130 billion per year due to offshore tax evasion by corporations and wealthy individuals, according to a 2020 study.

• A research paper estimates China‘s tax evasion problem costs the government $140 billion annually, stemming largely from widespread underreporting of income.

• The European Union suffers approximately $175 billion per year in tax revenue losses. Countries like Greece, Italy, Germany, France, and Spain lose tens of billions individually.

• Tax evasion in India has been labeled "a national sport" – estimated at over $60 billion annually, constituting over 20% of the total tax gap.

• Russia‘s underground economy is estimated to account for around 33% of GDP, costing the government over $40 billion in tax revenue per year.

• Estimates suggest Brazil‘s tax evasion problem approaches R$500 billion annually, with unreported assets in offshore accounts making up a large portion.

• Recent studies have claimed that an astounding 30% of all global wealth resides in offshore accounts, illustrating that tax evasion is a pervasive issue even among developed economies.