Vernon Isley was the youngest member of the Isley Brothers, a famous American musical group that started as a gospel quartet in the 1950s. He was born in 1942 in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he grew up singing with his older brothers O’Kelly, Rudolph, and Ronald. Vernon had a beautiful voice and a bright future ahead of him, but his life was cut short by a tragic accident in 1955. Here is the story of Vernon Isley’s cause of death and how it affected his family and fans.
The Early Years of the Isley Brothers
The Isley Brothers were encouraged to pursue a singing career by their father, who was a professional vocalist, and their mother, who was a church pianist. They began performing gospel songs in various churches, with Vernon singing lead vocals and playing guitar. They were influenced by artists like Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, and Ray Charles, and soon developed their own style of soulful harmonies and energetic performances.
In 1954, the Isley Brothers moved to New York City to pursue a recording contract. They auditioned for several labels, but were rejected because they sounded too much like other groups. They finally signed with Teenage Records, an independent label run by George Goldner. Their first single, “Angels Cried”, was released in 1955, but did not receive much attention.
The Fatal Accident
On June 6, 1955, Vernon was riding his bicycle in his neighborhood when he was hit by a car. He suffered severe head injuries and was rushed to the hospital. He died two days later at the age of 13. His death was a devastating blow to his family and friends, who were preparing for his graduation from junior high school.
The Isley Brothers were shattered by the loss of their youngest brother and considered quitting music altogether. They returned to Cincinnati for the funeral and stayed there for several months. They received letters of condolence from fans and fellow musicians, including Sam Cooke, who had befriended them in New York.
The Legacy of Vernon Isley
The Isley Brothers eventually decided to continue their musical career as a tribute to Vernon. They changed their style from gospel to secular music and recorded several doo-wop and R&B songs for different labels. They achieved their first major hit in 1959 with “Shout”, a song that they wrote based on a phrase that Vernon used to say during their performances.
The Isley Brothers went on to have a long and successful career, spanning six decades and various genres of music. They became one of the most influential and diverse groups in the history of popular music, with hits like “Twist and Shout”, “This Old Heart of Mine”, “It’s Your Thing”, “That Lady”, “Between the Sheets”, and “Contagious”. They also added more members to their group over the years, including younger brothers Ernie and Marvin, and brother-in-law Chris Jasper.
Vernon Isley’s memory was always honored by his brothers, who dedicated many of their songs and albums to him. They also named their record label T-Neck Records after Teaneck, New Jersey, where they lived when Vernon died. They often visited his grave and kept his picture in their homes.
Vernon Isley’s cause of death was a tragic event that marked the lives of his family and fans. He was a talented singer and musician who had a promising future ahead of him. He left behind a legacy of music that inspired generations of artists and listeners. He will always be remembered as the youngest Isley Brother who made people want to shout.
