Best known for being one of the famed siblings and member of the legendary Isley Brothers, which included Ronald, O'Kelly and Vernon, Rudolph’s smooth vocals graced hits including Summer Breeze, That Lady and In Between The Sheets.
The group was also known for their hit Twist And Shout, which was covered by The Beatles – whose career went… well, you know the rest. Another one off their hits - Shout – was also covered, by the legend that is Lulu.
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1939, in a career spanning more than six decades, Rudolf also co-wrote many of the band's other biggest songs, including This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You) and It's Your Thing - which won the band a GRAMMY Award.
After their major soul success at Motown, he and the other Isley Brothers members then had greater success with their more, deeper, gritty R&B and politically-motivated funk, with him co-writing songs such as Harvest For The World and Fight The Power. Although Rudolph largely sang harmonies with the band, he took lead vocals on such tracks as I've Got to Get Myself Together and It's a Disco Night (Rock Don't Stop).
The band were joined by younger brothers Ernest and Marvin in the 1970s, catapulting the group into even more success, with albums such as The Heat Is On and Go For Your Guns.
In a statement, Ronald said: "There are no words to express my feelings and the love I have for my brother. Our family will miss him. But I know he's in a better place."
He was 84.
