Some of the greatest acts of R&B and soul get their start from being a boy in a church choir. Ron Isley and many from the Isley family are prime examples. The legend reaches the ripe age of 74 today (May 21).

Ron Isley received the Legend Award at the Soul Music Awards in 2010. No one can argue against that honor when looking at his work as a member of the Isley Brothers. The group had an impressive nine albums go platinum, and songs like "That Lady," "It's Your Thing" and "This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)" remain standards in black music. The Isley Brothers were notably diverse, too; the aforementioned list ranges from funk to soul.

Ron had a respectable career outside of his work with his siblings. Although his first solo album, Here I Am, wouldn't arrive until 2003, he found himself on the Billboard Top 10 chart thanks to R. Kelly's "Down Low (Nobody Has to Know)." Collaborations with Keith Sweat, Warren G and Patti LaBelle also brought Isley some solo attention.

His most recent time in the spotlight comes courtesy of Kendrick Lamar. The Compton MC sampled "That Lady" for "i" (Ron even appeared in the video). The lauded singer also lent vocals for the To Pimp A Butterfly song "How Much a Dollar Cost."

Watch the Isley Brothers Perform "That Lady"

See 20 Nightmares for People Who Love R&B

 

More From Power 95.9