Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Marvin Isley Obituary
Isley died Sunday morning at an inpatient hospice at Weiss Memorial Hospital, according to hospital spokeswoman Catherine Gianaro. She could not confirm a cause of death. Isley stopped performing in 1996 after suffering complications from diabetes that included a stroke, high blood pressure, the loss of both legs and use of his left hand.
He joined his brothers' band in 1973. By that time, the Isley Brothers had established themselves with hits like 1959's "Shout," which sold more than 1 million records. Isley splintered off to form Isley-Jasper-Isley in the 1980s and returned to the Isley Brothers in the 1990s. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992, and their career has spanned six decades.
At one point there were five Isley brothers in the group, including Marvin. Today, only Ronald Isley is touring full time after a three-year stint in federal prison for tax evasion.
The group's hits included "Twist and Shout," later recorded by The Beatles, "Love The One You're With," and the Grammy-winning 1969 smash, "It's Your Thing."
In a 2001 interview, Marvin Isley told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution he regretted spending decades ignoring his diabetes.
"If I would have listened, if I would have understood diabetes like I understood music, maybe these things wouldn't have happened," Isley said at the time.
In 2000, he settled a lawsuit against his older siblings stemming from a dispute over money from the estate of his deceased older brother, O'Kelly Isley, and from a $7 million plagiarism award against Michael Bolton relating to the group's 1966 song "Love Is A Wonderful Thing." Funeral arrangements were not immediately available.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press
812 Entries
Ernestine Goodall
January 20, 2024
Sending my late condolences to u and the rest of the isley's may he rip im a ride or die fan of the group for many yrs. Had a hugh crush on ron and chris jasper may u fine pease and confort and peace with god on ur side sending my prayer's from jackson, michigan
Crystal Kilgore
May 16, 2021
A beautiful spirit and a talented, and gifted musician.
Ed Edwards
May 1, 2021
It was a pleasure haven been acquainted with Marvin during most school years. Living around the corner from him, we would often converge walking to school. We were in third to fifth grade then. He was a really cool kid. R.I.P. Marvin
March 27, 2021
Rip Mr Isley
How you can show support
Christine Barnes
August 7, 2020
RIP Marvin... I know you will be watching over your brothers from the sky. Please take time to play music with my brother, Doug. He played the drums.
eddie L Smith Jr
December 6, 2019
RIP MY BROTHER MARVIN, YOU AND YOUR BROTHERS WERE AWESON. AFRO AMERICAN ICONS.
For The Love Of You (One Of My Fav Songs)
Charles Mangum
March 7, 2019
Rest In Peace Marvin , Your Legacy Will Live On In All Of Us. As An Deejay & Performer The Isley Brothers Gives Me Hope And Inspiration Forever, Gone On But Will Never Be Forgotten.
Cheryl Walker-Height
January 10, 2018
The Isley Brothers were/are dynamic. If you wanna hear a love song just Google them.
Leslie D
January 1, 2018
Ive just discovered your music and just how brilliant you were. What a beautiful voice and excellent bass. Wish I could have seen you in concert! Love you
Harry Simpson
June 7, 2017
Godspeed, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
jerry talton
April 4, 2017
R.I.P.I Love u man >>
carolyn miles
May 17, 2016
it says in the bible to be absent from the body is to be present with the lord he has finaly made it to his real home heaven rip marvin.
steve
February 5, 2016
Wish someone had a clip of him playing. Yes im too young but respect great musicians.
Barbara Cross-Jones
November 8, 2015
He was the hardest bass player to ever live. He is sorely missed. Still listen to those smooth bass lines in their music.
Sharon Guillory
November 7, 2015
Tonight I sit watching Legends: OWN at the Apollo staring The Isley Brothers. Beautiful music. You would be proud of your brothers. May you rest in peace Marvin.
May 25, 2015
RIP!
Caleb Paster
March 7, 2015
I grew up in your Era and enjoyed you all very much. May God continue blessing the whole Isley family. 1 Love
sherice ellison
October 15, 2014
God doesn't make mistakes there's a reason!
September 25, 2014
I WILL SORELY MISS YOU.RIP LOVE
Monica thomas
September 20, 2014
I remember the day you pass I was driving home from work early morning in Birmingham Alabama I had to pull over to get over the shock rest in peace Marvin the most handsome isley brother and badest bass player
James Williams
August 15, 2014
Rest in peace
Martina Nicholson
August 9, 2014
Rip Marvin the Isley Brothers are my favorite groups!! You will be missed God bless the family Love you All!!
Cheryl Gresson
August 4, 2014
I miss you Marvin is key very much!!!! U rest now. And now u r your brothers guardian angle!!!!
February 7, 2014
I think Marvin was the best bass player in the world besides my brother Herbie Hancock! Patricia Hickman (Winston-Salem, NC)
Denise Prince-Hinton
June 25, 2013
The Isley Brothers were a great group that always put out outstanding music. RIP Marvin and know that your sound & presence will be missed!
Miranda walls
May 25, 2013
May your soul rest you are the best.You are performing in heaven.You proved to the world what you can do now God is taking care of you. RIP Marvin.
Nazarene Mckinney
March 20, 2013
I went to see the Isley Borthers in Jacksonville, Florida, It was a great show with a wonderful performance by the band. I love and still listen to the music. Thanks for all the happy memories.
Jeffery W. Williams
October 1, 2012
Gentlemen,here in the south(Birmingham,Alabama)with your music as well as,dress-style,with a bit of our own touch of class,into the hearts of many beautiful sisters...''keep on jammin'' and ''take us 'All'to the next phrase.'' Marvin Isley...R.I.P. May Allah-God's mercy,carry you into Paradise. Jeffery W.Williams.Salamm!
Tandra Watts
January 12, 2012
I grew up listening to you guys & will always love you and I alway said you was the most handsome out of your Brothers =o)
May God Bless you and Keep You. RIP
Daryl Johnson
June 6, 2011
Man, you have been a great influence on me musically over the years. I can only hope that you are now at peace. You will be missed.
June 4, 2011
June 4,2011"To One of the Greatest Groups of all times ,I love all of your music May the Lord give you all comfort Gone but will never be forgotten" RIP-Brenda Hull (Houston Texas)
Ian Taylor
January 16, 2011
My favourite band - helped me to see things more clearly as I grew up. Loved the early 70's years with all six of them givin' it some real had funk.
Love is ALWAYS the answer.
geraldine austin
December 29, 2010
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Marshall Stewart
December 29, 2010
I just want to say to God be the Glory. I grew up on every album from 3+3 to Eternal. He was my favorite Isley because I really like the bass. May God draw someone(s) closer to His Word through Mr. Marvin Isley's death.
Ernest Jacobs
December 26, 2010
I was a fan of Marvin's playing. I listen to his playing to this very day. My condolences to the entire Isley family.
jimmie martin jr
December 19, 2010
Marvin isley the greatest bass player ever,your #1 fan,jimmie martin.r.i.p.brother ,isley.
Cara Washington Jackson
December 16, 2010
I'm deeply sorry for the loss of your dear brother, and send my prayers out to the Isley family.
Jacqueline Richardson
December 3, 2010
I laid down and cried I was so hurt. I've loved the Isley Bros all my life and they will live forever in my heart.
My condolences to the family, I feel your pain.
Sheryl Chopp
November 29, 2010
My condolences go out to the Isley family on the loss of your brother, Marvin. I have a lot of good memories connected to Isley Bros. songs.
patty kendall
November 28, 2010
my deepest sympathy to the isley family my heart goes out to u all i love marvin isley
Michael Young
November 27, 2010
My deepest sympathy to the Isley Family. I have always and always will be a big Isley Brother Fan.
WHO LOVES YOU BETTER THAN I DO?? RIP
laurie edmond
November 25, 2010
to the isley family im sorry for your loss, i cant believe it.thanks for all the beautiful music .a loyal fan for life
s h
September 19, 2010
marvin and isley family followed your music from high school to adulthood knew of your studies at adelphi university when u were there your music will never die it is eternal along with your bass playing forever under the midnight sky rock the funk my brother rip
Ron Biggs
September 14, 2010
To the Isley family you have given me pleasure down thru the years, and now it is time for me to give you pleasure thur encouraging words, keep your hands in Gods hand, and he will strengthen your hearts and confort you in times like this, May God be with you. Min,R.E Biggs (Oxford Ms)
August 19, 2010
From the great state of Louisiana, rest in peace, Marvin and condolences to
the entire Isley family.
Bridgette Harrison
Sharletha Wiley
August 15, 2010
To the Isley Family I would like to send my condolescence is the lost of your love one. He will definitely be missed. May God bless you and we will keep you in our prayer.
August 15, 2010
TO THE ISLEY FAMILY PLEASE ACCEPT OUR CONDOLENCES. MR & MRS JAMES CARTER JR. & FAMILY NEW ORLEANS
August 4, 2010
Sorry to hear of your loss, may god bless you all and I send my condolence to you and your family
monica clayton
August 4, 2010
Sorry to hear of your loss, may god bless you all and I send my condolence to you and your family
Arleatha M. Harrison
July 25, 2010
May god bless the family as they go thru. I grew up with music.
jean ford
July 12, 2010
Marvin as a musican you were the most ANOINTED BASS PLAYER I HAVE EVER SEEN AND HEARD IN MY LIFE... I LOVE YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY I GREW UP IN THE WAY OF THE ISLEY BROTHERS. I LOVE YOU ALL I SAW YOU IN WASHINGTON STATE IN 1994 1995 @ FORT LEWIS ARMY BASE YOU AND YOUR BROTHER MR. BIGGS AND I HAD FRONT ROW SITTING I LOVE EVER BIT OF THAT AND GOT SOME AWSOME PICTURES TOO. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU ALL IN MY HEART MAY GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY [email protected] RREST IN PEACE..
Dit Hooper
June 30, 2010
Thank-you for the wonderful Bass and music offerings.You really touched my life in a great way!!! RIP
Linda Marshall
June 28, 2010
May the Lord comfort your hearts and give you peace and strength in the days to come. I often call all of the Isleys and Chris Jasper 'my men'. A wonderful musician and brother will truly be missed. God bless and keep you all.
Dr. Trena (Shug) Harris
Dr. Trena (Shug) Harris
June 27, 2010
"Whispers In The Dark"...first thought. I had no idea he left us! Ron, you guys have been a part of my life since I was a child. My heart goes out to you all. Please know that the world is grieving with you and are praying for you. We love you always. God Bless You each and everyone. Dr. Trena Harris (Shug) E. Texas 6/27/10
CHARLESTINE PADEKEN-OZAKI
June 27, 2010
TO THE ISLEY FAMILY,I HAVE BEEN A FAN OF THE ISLEY BROTHER'S SINCE 1963.MARVIN WAS A VERY GOOD BASS PLAYER AND HE HAS A WONDERFUL VOICE WHEN HE SINGS.[ISLEY JASPER ISLEY]I'LL WILL MISS HIS VOICE WHEN HE SINGS.GOD BLESS YOU MARVIN,YOU ARE NOW IN OUR LORD JESUS HANDS.GOD BLESS THE ISLEY FAMILY.ALOHA FROM HAWAII AND MOREHEAD CITY [email protected]
June 26, 2010
may god bless the entire family and know that god will give you the strength you need know that marvin is at peace now i have been a fan since the 60's and their music shall continmue on, im sure ronald ill see to that god bless
shirley porter
June 26, 2010
may god bless the entire family,and know that marvin is at peace now, i have been a fan since the 60's and their music will always be played in my home, im asking god to give the family all the stregnth they need
R. Caldwell
June 24, 2010
My Deepest sympathy! To the Entire Isley Family! Gods Speed!
Shalandra Quick
June 23, 2010
To the Isley Family: You all are in my blessings. May God strengthen you all through your loss. He is loved by all who heard his music.He will be greatly missed. Keep on trusting in the Lord. God bless you all.
The Quick Family (Indianapolis, IN)
Margarita Diaz
June 23, 2010
DEAR ISLEY FAMILY,
ITS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY FOR YOUR LOSS. I HAD THE PLEASURE TO MEET MARVIN. HE WAS A GREAT MUSICIAN. UNFORTUNATELY IT WAS IN THE WORST PLACE. HE WAS ONE OF MY PATIENTS. I WILL REMEMBER HIM LIKE HE WAS A VERY HUMBLE MAN WHO LIKE TO HUM HIS MUSIC. MAY GOD GRANT HIM PEACE. HE IS NO LONGER HURTING ANYMORE. HE IS IN A BETTER PLACE.. MARVIN WHERE EVER YOU ARE I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I WILL TRUELY MISS YOU... THAT I LOVE YOU...THAT YOU WILL HOLD A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART...
Lynn Baldassarra
June 22, 2010
Dear Isley Family,
Please accept my deepest and sincere sympathy for your loss. I was sad to hear this news. I grew up listening to Marvin's music. May God grant you peace and comfort in your 'hour' of grief. Be assured that soon "no resident will say: I am sick" (Isaiah 33:24 & Rev 21:4). Our tears of pain and suffering will become tears of JOY. Until that time may God guard your hearts and most precious memories.
Michelle Clay
June 22, 2010
To The Isley/Bell/Jasper Family: To Sheila (wife), Cory, Jaden,Sydney (children),Rudolph (Elaine), Ronald (Kandy), Ernie (Tracy), Chris (Margie) and the other nieces, nephews, cousins and other family and friends. I send my sincere condolences during your time of sorrow. I feel like I know your family because one of my co-workers who is from Lincoln Heights, Ohio would talk about the Isley Brothers & the Jasper Family all the time at the job. My prayers go out to the entire family & may GOD give you strength.
Janet
June 22, 2010
You will be truly miss. May you rest in peace.
J.J
June 22, 2010
goodbye my friend
vickie hildreth
June 21, 2010
you will truely be missed. i grew up with the brother,s the song fight the power the way you all danced to it .rest in peace marvin
Gloria Jackson
June 21, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with the family during your time of breavement.
Sleep on Marvin and get your rest
We all loved you but God loved you best.
Nicole Pam- Gantt
June 21, 2010
I am sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ during this trying time. God bless you all.
Sallie
June 21, 2010
My deepies sympathies to the family. My teen years are memorable because of these Brothers. I still have their songs. May your memories comfort you and may the hope of the resurrection sustain you until the" last day" when all in the memorial tomb will hear JESUS 'S Voice and come back. {John 5:28, 29 and Isaiah 26:19}
m v
June 21, 2010
Rest in peace. Thank you for one of the best songs ever, ever, ever.....
This Old Heart of Mine.........pure soul driven magic.
June 20, 2010
To the family of Marvin-May god fill the void with love,peace.Remember he is in a better place no more pain.After the rain comes sun shine.Remember god takes his best and place us were our place is.god seen Marvin getting weak and took him home to be at peace.Now he is whole again no more sickness no more high blood pressure no more worries,no more bills. We can rest asure he is in the best hands ever-GOD'S Hand. I will keep you in my thoughts and prays. Cheryl St.John
ida jones
June 20, 2010
e enterthe a condolence hereii
melvin Douglas
June 20, 2010
thanks for all your family did for the history of music. I'm proud to have grew up listen to the sound that put our generation close. God always bless.
Abigail Barnett
June 20, 2010
With sincere sympathy to the Isley family in your time of bereavement.
Glynis Lewis
June 20, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss! I AM and always WILL be your biggest fan! I loved your music, and my kids listen to you now. Such a great loss..Blessing and Condolences from my family to your's!!!!
June 20, 2010
My prayers go out to the Isley family. Thanks so much for the music you provided that we grew up with, danced to and listen to on the Radio.
God Bless
Clarence Harrell
Woodstock, Maryland
happysmoke
June 20, 2010
farewell to real music
Yma Fuqua
June 20, 2010
The Isley family has my deepest, deepest sympathy. God bless you all. Of course, I am a huge fan and I am at a loss. So sad. Rest in paradise Marvin; you will be truly missed.
p e
June 20, 2010
thank you for your beats SHOUT is the best ever Y ou are with your music family.
cassandra fussell
June 20, 2010
may the lord bless and keep you from the fussell family charleston sc
Terry Thomas
June 20, 2010
My prays go out to the Isley family and friends. May you forever be in the arms of God!
deonnaca gipson
June 20, 2010
THE ISLEY'S FAMILY HAVE MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY OF THE LOST OR YALL BROTHER,UNCLE,HUSBAND,AND FRIEND I WILL KEEP YOU GUYS IN MY PRAYERS.MAY GOD BLESS
Lisa S
June 19, 2010
One of the best groups of all time, The Isley Brothers. I still listen, today, often to their music. This is definitely a group who stood the test of time with their sultty lyrics or fast tempo beats. Either way, the Isleys Brothers are phenonmenal and their music will still be here after all of them are gone.
Margaret Tardo
June 19, 2010
My prayers go out to Marvin Isley and his family and friends. I have their CD's and have a walking tape with some of their songs to keep me going. God Bless the whole family and my prayers are with you all.
Susan
June 19, 2010
Another talented musician gone too soon. I grew up during the time the Isley Bros. were starting out. Their music and talent will be remembered forever. My deepest sympathy to the Isley family. God bless.
H Big G
June 19, 2010
My deepest sympathy for his wife and kids and all the Isley family
Del Rio, Texas Class of 1974
Liz Lyons
June 19, 2010
I will forever move and groove to the wonderful tunes of the mighty Isley Brothers . You will be missed , Love and Peace to the Isley family . Liz Lyons ( Aurora, Ill.)
June 19, 2010
i love the isley brothers it sadden my heart to hear that we lost another great artist my heart go out to the family my prayers are with the family always jessica tulsa ok.
randall ford
June 19, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
jessica jessica patrick
June 19, 2010
i love the isley brothers it sadden my heart to hear that we lost another great artist my heart go out to the family my prayers are with the family always jessica tulsa ok.
Nellie Taylor
June 19, 2010
My Deepest sympathy to you and yours and your family.
willette copes
June 19, 2010
My deepest sympathy to Marvins wife
children,brothers and other family
members. I am one of your biggest
fans for years---my daughter received
a graduation card and my cousin bought
it with me in mind---when you opened
the card it played "It's Your Thang".
God Bless you...Willette Jordan Copes
June 19, 2010
WISHING YOUR FAMILY STRENGTH AND PEACE.GOD BLESS YOU. GREAT ARTIST HE WILL BE TRULY MISSED.JUST REMEMBER YHE GREAT MEMORIES YOU HAD VERNELL
MONAHANS,TEXAS
Showing 1 - 100 of 812 results
Make a Donation
in Marvin Isley's name
How to support Marvin's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Marvin Isley's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored