Ronald Isley Biography: Age, Net Worth, Instagram, Spouse, Height, Wiki, Parents, Siblings, Children, Songs, Awards

Ronald Isley is a talented American artist known for his skills as a singer, songwriter, and record producer.

With his soulful voice and musical talents, Isley has been the driving force behind The Isley Brothers, a beloved family music group he co-founded.

Through his passion for music and dedication to his craft, Isley has impacted the music industry and continues to inspire audiences worldwide with his incredible performances.

 Profile

• Full name: Ronald Isley
• Stage name: Ronald Isley
• Born: May 21, 1941
• Age: 83 years old.
• Birthplace:  Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, and Record Producer
• Height: 2m
• Parents: Sallye Bernice, O’Kelly Isley, Sr.
• Siblings: Rudolph Isley, Ernie Isley, Marvin Isley, and O’Kelly Isley Jr.
• Spouse: Kandy Johnson Isley, Angela Winbush
• Children: Tawanna Isley, Trenisha Isley, and Ronald Isley Jr.
• Relationship: Married
• Net worth: $2 million

Early Life

Ronald Isley, born in 1941 to Sallye Bernice and O’Kelly Isley Sr., was the third of six brothers, including O’Kelly Isley Jr., Rudolph Isley, Vernon Isley, Ernie Isley, and Marvin Isley. Growing up in a musical family, Ronald started his singing career at a young age in the church.

His talent was evident early on when he won a $25 war bond for singing in a spiritual contest at Union Baptist Church when he was just two. This experience marked the beginning of what would become a successful music career for Ronald Isley. 

At seven, Isley began showcasing his musical talents at various venues, including the prestigious Regal Theater in Chicago. He had the opportunity to perform alongside renowned artists such as Dinah Washington.

Tragically, the youngest member of the original Isley Brothers, Vernon, passed away at just 11 years old after being struck by a car while riding his bicycle in 1954. His untimely death left a profound impact on the family and their musical journey.

Education

Ronald Isley, who displayed his musical talents at a remarkably young age by singing in church at the mere age of two, and his brothers embarked on their musical journey by performing gospel music in their early years.

Growing up attending public schools in Cincinnati, it is evident that Ronald’s education may have taken a backseat to his burgeoning music career.

As their musical careers began to flourish during their teenage years, formal education likely became less of a priority for Ronald and his brothers as they focused on making a name for themselves in the music industry.

Career

Ronald Isley’s illustrious career has become closely intertwined with the legacy of the Isley Brothers, a musical group he helped establish alongside his siblings. Born in 1941, Ronald displayed a remarkable talent for music from a very young age.

His early success in singing contests and performances with renowned artists like Dinah Washington showcased his prodigious abilities. Like his brothers, Ronald grew up in a musical family and developed a strong foundation in gospel music through their involvement in church activities.

This upbringing would later shape the distinctive sound and style-defining the Isley Brothers’ music career.

The Isley Brothers’ musical journey began as a gospel quartet before they ventured into the world of doo-wop and R&B during the 1950s. Their breakthrough came in 1959 with the hit “Shout,” which catapulted them to national fame.

As the 1960s progressed, the Isley Brothers continued to evolve their sound, achieving success with tracks like “Twist and Shout” and “This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You).” In 1969, they established their label, T-Neck Records, which led to the Grammy-winning track “It’s Your Thing” and solidified their reputation as pioneers in soul music.

Throughout the 1970s, the Isley Brothers underwent a genre-bending evolution that saw them delving deeper into funk and rock music. This transformation was largely due to the addition of the younger brothers, Ernie and Marvin.

Songs like “That Lady” and “Fight the Power” emerged as anthems during this period, showcasing the band’s versatility and innovation. Despite these changes, Ronald’s distinctive vocals remained a consistent and defining feature of their evolving sound.

Throughout his illustrious career, which spans six decades, Ronald Isley has solidified his place as an icon in American music history. His collaborations with renowned hip-hop artists such as R. Kelly, Nas, and Jay-Z since the 1990s showcase his enduring influence across different generations.

The creation of his “Mr. Biggs” persona in the 1990s further exemplifies his timeless style and creativity. Notably, Ronald Isley’s solo work has consistently charted on the Billboard Hot 100 from the 1950s to the 2000s, with collaborations extending this success into the current decade of the 2020s.

His ability to adapt and innovate throughout his career is a testament to his unmatched artistry and lasting impact on the music industry.

Awards and nominations

Grammy Awards:

Wins:

• Lifetime Achievement Award (as part of The Isley Brothers)

Nominations:

• Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals (for “You’ve Got a Friend” with Aretha Franklin)
• Best R&B Album (for “Body Kiss” with The Isley Brothers)
• Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals (for “Busted” with The Isley Brothers)
• Album of the Year (for his contribution to Kendrick Lamar’s “To Pimp a Butterfly”) (Note: While Ronald Isley isn’t credited as a performer on the album, he receives a nomination due to his role as a songwriter)
• Soul Train Awards:

Wins:

• Legend Award – Male
• Best R&B/Soul Single – Group, Band or Duo (for “Contagious” with The Isley Brothers)
• Quincy Jones Award for Career Achievement (as part of The Isley Brothers)

Nominations:

• Best Independent R&B/Soul Performance (for “Dinner and a Movie”)
• Best R&B/Soul Album – Duo or Group (for “Body Kiss” with The Isley Brothers)
• Michael Jackson Award for Best R&B/Soul or Rap Music Video (for “Contagious” with The Isley Brothers feat. R. Kelly & Chanté Moore) 

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @Ronaldisley
• Facebook handle: Ron Isley
• Twitter handle: N/A

Personal Life

Ronald Isley’s personal life has been filled with various marriages and children. 1960, he married Margret Tinsley, and they welcomed their daughter Trenisha Isley in 1969. Following their divorce, Isley married singer Angela Winbush in 1993, with whom he had a daughter named Tawanna Isley.

After their divorce in 2002, Isley found love again in 2005 with background singer Kandy Johnson of the duo JS/Johnson Sisters. They have a son named Ronald Isley Jr., born in December 2006.

Interestingly, Isley met Johnson when his management company signed her group. Despite his personal life ups and downs, Isley faced a health scare in 2004 when he suffered from a mild stroke.

Discography

Solo Albums

• Mr. I
• Here I Am: Isley Meets Bacharach (collaboration with Burt Bacharach)
• This Song Is for You

Singles

• “No More”(from Mr. I)
• “Friends & Family” (featuring Snoop Dogg)
• “Make Me Say It Again Girl” (featuring Beyoncé)
• “Power of Peace” (with The Isley Brothers and Carlos Santana) 

Net Worth

Ronald Isley is a talented musician from the United States who has made a name for himself as a singer and songwriter and even dabbled in acting. With his impressive career accomplishments, Ron Isley has amassed an estimated net worth of around $2 million.

His dedication to his craft and undeniable talent have solidified his status as a respected figure in the music industry.