Ronald Isley Reveals He Was Recently Hospitalized For Five Weeks

You never really know what people are going through.

Isley Brothers lead singer Ronald Isley gave some insight into a health battle he recently faced while on the stage in front of longtime fans. The R&B legend, 85, was brought out to the stage with help from his wife, Kandy, to the sounds of “For the Love of You” as the storied group performed in Philadelphia. During the show, he talked about a more-than-month-long hospital stay. He didn’t get into the details of why he was out of commission during that time, but he talked briefly about the group’s resilience and their loyal fanbase.

“I was in the hospital for five weeks,” Ronald said, sunglasses removed as he spoke. “And I want each and every one of you to know everything started here in Philadelphia. Sixty-seven years ago. And you’re still here.”

The group, from Cincinnati, Ohio, got their start in the 1950s as a trio, and the current iteration of members include Ronald, known for his silky, smooth vocals, and younger brother Ernie Isley, 74, on bass, electric guitar, and songwriting duty. The two have continued to tour regularly, and put out new music, including 2022’s Make Me Say It Again, Girl, which included a feature from Beyoncé.

“It’s very important to work with the new generation,” Ronald told Billboard in 2022. “That’s what keeps you up with the music and what’s going on and what they’re feeling, and you’re writing about feelings, people, and actual things that are happening. It keeps us young and in the business and know where we are going with the business. We’re here to show them the room. Follow the yellow brick road or The Isley Brothers road.”

Being able to tap into the youth and also continuing to perform and stay locked in with their fans has been the secret ingredient to their longevity in the industry.

“A lot of artists, especially when you start out, it’s doing that first record, and that’s the breakthrough — but the trick is, what are you going to do the second time or the third time and so on?” Ernie Isley also told the music publication at the time. “Some people run out of gas. But fortunately for us, we’ve been able to go the next rounds.”

As with putting your foot on the gas, it’s also essential to know when to slow down as well. We hope that Ronald is feeling better and that these Rock and Roll Hall of Famers continue to rock on, for as long as as their iconic music moves them and the audience.