Together with a fourth brother, Vernon, the group performed gospel music until Vernon's death a few years after its formation. After moving to the New York City area in the late 1950s, the group had their first successes during these early years, first coming to prominence in 1959 with their fourth single, "Shout", written by the three brothers. Initially a modest charted single, the song eventually sold over a million copies. In the 1960s, the group recorded songs for a variety of labels, including the top 20 single "Twist and Shout" and the Motown single "This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)", before recording and issuing the Grammy Award-winning hit "It's Your Thing" on their own label, T-Neck Records.
Influenced by gospel and doo-wop music, the group began experimenting with different musical styles incorporating elements of rock and funk as well as pop balladry. The inclusion of younger brothers Ernie Isley (lead guitar, drums) and Marvin Isley (bass guitar), and Rudolph's brother-in-law Chris Jasper (keyboards, synthesizers), in 1973 turned the original vocal trio into a complete band and reached the height of their success. For the next full decade, they recorded a string of top-selling albums from 3 + 3 to Between the Sheets, including the number one album The Heat Is On.
The six-member band splintered in 1983, with Ernie, Marvin, and Chris Jasper forming the short-lived spinoff group Isley-Jasper-Isley. The oldest member, O'Kelly, died in 1986 and Rudolph and Ronald released a pair of albums as a duo before Rudolph retired to a life in the Christian ministry in 1989. Ronald reconvened the group two years later in 1991 with Ernie and Marvin; five years later, in 1996, Marvin Isley left the group due to complications of diabetes. The remaining duo of Ronald and Ernie achieved mainstream success with the albums Mission to Please (1996), Eternal (2001) and Body Kiss (2003). Eternal spawned the top twenty hit "Contagious". As of 2019, the Isley Brothers continue to perform under the lineup of Ronald and Ernie.
The Isley Brothers have sold over 18 million units in the United States alone. They have had several hit songs including four Top 10 singles on the United States Billboard chart. With their first major hit charting in 1959 ("Shout"), and their last one in 2001 ("Contagious"), they are among the few groups ever to have hit the Billboard Hot 100 with new music in five different decades. Sixteen of their albums charted in the Top 40 and thirteen of those albums have been certified gold, platinum or multi-platinum by the RIAA. The brothers have been honored by several musical institutions, including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which inducted them in 1992. Five years later, they were added to Hollywood's Rockwalk, and in 2003 they were inducted to the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. They received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Isley_Brothers
Studio albums
Shout! (1959)
Twist & Shout (1962)
Twisting and Shouting (1963)
This Old Heart of Mine (1966)
Soul on the Rocks (1967)
It's Our Thing (1969)
The Brothers: Isley (1969)
Get into Something (1970)
Givin' It Back (1971)
Brother, Brother, Brother (1972)
3 + 3 (1973)
Live It Up (1974)
The Heat Is On (1975)
Harvest for the World (1976)
Go for Your Guns (1977)
Showdown (1978)
Winner Takes All (1979)
Go All the Way (1980)
Grand Slam (1981)
Inside You (1981)
The Real Deal (1982)
Between the Sheets (1983)
Masterpiece (1985)
Smooth Sailin' (1987)
Spend the Night (1989)
Tracks of Life (1992)
Mission to Please (1996)
Eternal (2001)
Body Kiss (2003)
Baby Makin' Music (2006)
Power of Peace (2017)
Summer Breeze Pts. 1 & 2
The Isley Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In the evening on a Friday night
A little light a-shining through the window
Lets me know everything's alright
[Chorus]
Summer breeze makes me feel fine
Blowing through the jasmine in my mind
Blowing through the jasmine in my mind
See the paper lying on the sidewalk
A little music from the house next door
So I walk on up to the door step
Through the screen and across the floor
[Chorus]
Sweet days of summer, the jasmine's in bloom
July is dressed up and playing her tune
When I come home from a hard days work
And you're waiting there, not a care in the world
See the smile a-waiting in the kitchen
Food cooking and the plates for two
Feel the arms that reach out to hold me
In the evening when the day is through
[Chorus]
The Isley Brothers’s “Summer Breeze Pts. 1 & 2” is a song that celebrates the feeling of joy and freedom that comes with summer. The song begins with the description of a Friday night and the sight of curtains blowing in the evening breeze, which suggests a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. The mention of a little light shining through the window lets the singer know that everything is alright, and this sets the tone for the song's message of positive vibes and carefree living.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the power of nature and its ability to make the singer feel fine. The image of jasmine blowing in the breeze is a metaphor for a peaceful and trouble-free state of mind. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the idea of the restoration of inner peace and a positive mindset.
The song's lyrics also touch on the theme of love and companionship. The singer describes coming home from a hard day's work to find a partner waiting in the kitchen with food cooking and plates set for two. The arms that reach out to hold him provide a sense of comfort and affection, which is the perfect remedy to any worries or troubles he may have.
Overall, “Summer Breeze Pts. 1 & 2” is a heartwarming song that captures the essence of summer and the joys of living in the moment.
Line by Line Meaning
See the curtains hanging in the window
The singer of the song is observing the curtains hanging in the window, which signifies a sense of coziness and invites him to enter the house.
In the evening on a Friday night
The time of the event appears to be a Friday evening which follows a tiring workweek and suggests that the singer is looking to unwind.
A little light a-shining through the window
The dim light shining through the window indicates that the house is not in complete darkness and creates a pleasant ambiance.
Lets me know everything's alright
The peaceful scene of the window and light confirms to the artist that everything is well and he is safe.
Summer breeze makes me feel fine
The light and easy breeze of summer brings a sense of comfort and joy to the artist.
Blowing through the jasmine in my mind
The scent of Jasmine carried by the summer breeze symbolizes the carefree and happy memories that the singer associates with summers.
See the paper lying on the sidewalk
The paper lying on the sidewalk depicts the everyday routine and familiar surroundings of the singer's neighborhood.
A little music from the house next door
The faint sound of music from the neighbor's house adds to the liveliness of the environment and creates a vibe of togetherness.
So I walk on up to the door step
The artist walks towards the neighbor's door slowly, enjoying the moment and cherishing the little things around him.
Through the screen and across the floor
The artist walks through the screen door and across the neighbor's floor, highlighting his friendly nature.
Sweet days of summer, the jasmine's in bloom
The singer reminisces about the pleasant days of summer when Jasmine is in full bloom and evokes a nostalgic feeling.
July is dressed up and playing her tune
July is represented as a person dressed in vibrant colors and playing music that harmonizes with the atmosphere and the season.
When I come home from a hard day's work
The singer reflects about his usual routine and coming home after a hectic day's work.
And you're waiting there, not a care in the world
The singer reflects upon the presence of his loved one waiting for him, which reassures him and makes him feel happy.
See the smile a-waiting in the kitchen
The image of the smile on his loved one's face who's waiting for him in the kitchen is portrayed as a warm and welcoming sight.
Food cooking and the plates for two
The preparation of food and setting up the table for two divulges the caring and thoughtful nature of the artist's loved one.
Feel the arms that reach out to hold me
The artist embraces the loving arms of his partner, signifying safety, security, and affection.
In the evening when the day is through
The end of the day and beginning of the night sets the mood for closeness and intimacy, which is felt by the singer and his partner.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Darrell Crofts, Jimmy Seals
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@crystalharris-thomas1939
Missing the 70's and 80's. The air felt and smelt different. What a time❤❤❤
@Kitcat363
I remember opening my bedroom window in the evening and smelling night scented stock, glorious.x
@2011williamandkate
I remember being a teenager ,when i listen to this i can smell the 70,s and now i am teary 65 year old
@paddytube1
Not as many people after me these days
@mark220684
This song is just the epitome of summer. Shut your eyes, you can just imagine blue skies ,warm wind, long nights, beers, BBQs. Need I say more
@Kitcat363
I love it. 🙂
@flamecolumn
Ernie we hear you….making every note count. You don’t play a million notes, you play the right notes. Pure mesmerizing soul power. Thank you sir.
@samhamlett2769
This song takes me back to my childhood. Summer seemed to last forever back then. Listening to this with my dad on long drives. Those were the days.
@mamiep01
This song makes me cry because I remember my Dad (God rest his beautiful soul) singing this song to us while driving the family on a Saturday evening going to White Castles in Indianapolis, IN. My beautiful Mother would just laugh and sing along with him. I miss those times. Thank you Daddy and Momma for making me still smile today because of the wonderful memories. Summer Breeze.
@sylvietoopretty
My dad loved this song. I miss him so much ! That’s why I listen to it! It reminds me of him!