Marvin Isley, bassist of the family music group the Isley Brothers, died June 6 th from complications of diabetes. He was 56 years old.
Marvin was born in Cincinnati the youngest of the brothers. He graduated from C.W. Post College on Long Island with a degree in music.
In the late 1960’s, he formed a trio with his older brother, Ernie and brother-in-law, Chris Jasper. The trio soon joined the older half of the Isley brothers, as their instrumentalists, becoming official members of the band in 1973. The merge resulted in the platinum, 3+3 album. For ten years, Marvin played the bass guitar. His instrumentation can be heard on hits, such as “That Lady,” “Fight the Power (Part 1 & 2),” and “For the Love of You (Part 1 & 2)”.
Following the success of 3+3, the group split back in two in 1984. The original Isleys continued on and Marine, Ernie, and Chris formed the funk band Isley-Jasper-Isley. The group had a number one R&B single, “Caravan of Love.”
In 1991, Marvin returned as a member of the Isley Brothers. In 1992, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with his brothers, solidifying his immense musical talent.
