Marvin Isley, Isley Brothers bassist, dies at 56

Marvin Isley, who played bass for the Isley Brothers in the 70s and 80s, died in Chicago today at the age of 56.

Isley, who was “too young” to have played with the band in the 60s when they had hits like “Twist & Shout” and just regular “Shout,” became a part of the Isley Brothers in the early 70s:

In 1973, though, he and brother Ernie and cousin Jasper joined the group for the career-revamping album Three + Three, adding an infusion of youthful rhythm that allowed the Isleys to transition into the new decade.

Marvin Isley left in the 80s to form Isley-Jasper-Isley, but returned in 1991 and played with the band until 1997, when complications due to diabetes forced him to retire. (He eventually would have both legs amputated because of his condition.) He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992, as were the other Isley brothers. No information has yet been released about specific cause of death, nor have funeral or memorial services been announced.

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