2021 Soul Train Awards: 5 Songs That Remind Us Why We Love ‘Certified Soul’ Nominees The Isley Brothers
Not too many musical artists, let alone bands, can say they’ve had the opportunity to carry on successful careers spanning over nearly eight decades. Bragging rights such as that are left for legendary figures like The Isley Brothers, who’ve been creating hits across all genres including, soul, pop, and even rock and roll with their popular single “Twist and Shout.”
So it comes as no surprise that the group, which started out with brothers Rudolph Isley, Ronald Isley, and the late O'Kelly Isley Jr. in the 1950s, are now nominated for a Soul Train award. Ahead of this year’s event we’re taking a look back at some of the classic songs from the Ohio natives that prove why they deserved to be nominated for the “Certified Soul” category at the 2021 Soul Train Awards.
“That Lady (Who’s That Lady)”
The lead track from the group’s 1973 album 3+3, really leaned into Ron’s effortless smooth vocal performance. This is also one of their many songs they’ve rerecorded over the years. The record was initially released by the Isley Brother in 1964 as a non-album single entitled “Who’s That Lady?”
“Hello, It’s Me”
This soul ballad earned the brothers a No. 1 hit on Billboard’s Top Soul Album Chart. The song would go on to be sampled by artists including T.I., Erykah Badu, and André 3000.
“(At Your Best) You Are Love"
It’s honestly a toss up of what sound The Isley Brother dominates better. Known for bringing the funk, the iconic brothers also prove they can lay down a smooth groovy yet soulful tune such as this 1977 single . This song was also covered by the R&B princess, the late Aaliyah when she was just 15-year-old.
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“Footstep in the Dark, Pt. 1 & 2”
Fighting temptations of infidelity is never easy while trying to carry on “a love that lasted for so long,” is what the iconic Ron Isley sang about in this laid-back groovy classic hit. California rapper turned actor Ice Cube would later use the song’s instrumental for his breakout solo hit “Today Was A Good Day.”
“Between the Sheets”
This sultry funk soul often-sampled track debuted in April of 1983 and peaked at No. 19 on the Billboard 200 chart. It was released right before the young half of the Isley collective parted ways to pursue their own group and has been famously sampled by Notorious B.I.G for “Big Poppa.”
Watch the 2021 Soul Train Awards on Sunday, November 28 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET and BET Her.
