In 2001, The Isley Brothers Released their 28th Studio Album “Eternal” it was 5 Years since the Last Album and the First Isley Album in over 10 Years as a Duo with Ernie joining Main-stay Ronald, Marvin had left the Previous Year with Diabettes (later Marvin was to lose Both of his Legs through this Illness and later Die).
The 14 Track Album was on “Dreamworks Records” (which was Part Owned by Steven Spielberg), and aimed at a Younger Audience, with “R Kelly” Writing and Producing, in fact R Kelly wrote the song “Contagious” for this Album, which turned out to be The Isleys Biggest Selling Single in nearly 20 Years!
Other Producers on the Album were Ronald Isley, Jill Scott, Jam and Lewis, Raphael Saadiq and Angela Wimbush (she had a much smaller part on the Album and by the following year, her and Ronald Isley were Divorced)
The Platinum Selling Album reached the following Chart Positions in US Pop Number 3 and US R&B Number 1.
Single Wise, there was 2 Releases “Contagious” and “Secert Lover” Contagious got to Number 3 in US R&B Charts!
A Couple of other Points concerning this Album, A Great Cover Version of the “Chicago” Hit “If You Leave Me Now” and the Backing Singers “JS” (The Johnson Sisters) about 4 Years later “Ronald Isley” would Marry one of the Sisters!
By Early 2002, Ronald had Divorced Angela Wimbush after nearly 10 Years of Marriage! so she would not Feature on the forth-coming 12 Track Album “Body Kiss” in 2003.
The Isleys were still a Duo, but Nearly all Writing, Arranging and Production was Handed over to “R Kelly”and the Result was, The Isleys had their Biggest Album for Nearly 30 Years, it was Number One in US Pop and R&B Charts!
The Album was again on “Dreamworks” but as it turned out this would be the Last Album with them, and it Attained Gold Status!
Surprisingly the 2 Single Releases (What Would You Do and Busted), only got minor Chart Placings!
2 Tracks Featured other Notable Artists including “Busted” which Featured “JS” and “I Like” which Featured “Snoop Dogg”
During 2004, Ronald Isley was on Tour in the UK,When he Suffered a Mild Stroke, which led to the Tour being Cancelled!
In September 2005, Ronald Isley Shocked most People by Marrying one of His Backing Singers, Kandy Johnson, she was half of the Duo “JS” She was 28 Years of Age and Ronald by now was 63!
By 2006, The Last Isley Brothers Album to Date, was Released (unless you count His Solo Album which was Released in November of this Year), It was Entitled “Baby Makin’ Music” on on the Def Soul Record Label.
After the Success of the “R Kelly” influenced Previous Album, many People were Surprised to see his only involvement on this Album, was a Duet on the Track “Blast Off”
The 11 Track Album, had Multi Producers and Charted High in US Pop (5) and US R&B Charts (1).
It contained 1 Single Release “Just Came Here To Chill” which only faired modestly in Charts.
Much of the Album was Dedicated by Ronald Isley to his new Wife!
As for other Albums Released by The Isley Brothers During the 2000’s, there were Several Compilations and in 2007 there was a Christmas Release “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”
As you are Probably aware Ronald Isley was Charged and Convicted of Tax Evasion about 3 Years ago, this Charge related to the Period from 1976 to 1996, He was Sentenced to Prison for 37 Months to which he served and was Finally Released on April 13th this Year.
Since His Release has he been Busy Recording His First Solo Album, which has now been Released, its called “MR I”
He was also Honoured at The Soul Train Awards
Download some ISLEY BROTHERS
“ETERNAL”
“BODY KISS”
“BABY MAKIN’ MUSIC”
Photo edit by my Grandaughter–Jessica
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