Though the Isley Brothers are known for their Cincinnati roots, it’s a little-known fact that the group has ties to New Jersey. According to the Associated Press, they lived in towns Teaneck and Englewood during their rise to fame in the 1960s.
Over 50 years later, both New Jersey towns will rename one of their established streets after the iconic soul/funk group on the same day, giving them their flowers shortly after their highly-praised Verzuz battle. The Associated Press reported that Ernie and Ron Isley are expected to attend the street renaming ceremonies, set to take place on Thursday, June 24.
“I’m truly grateful and humbled that Teaneck and Englewood, two cities that are so near and dear to me, have chosen to honor the Isley Brothers in this way,” Ron Isley said. https://t.co/AWBbitY76W
— NorthJersey.com (@northjersey) June 22, 2021
Ernie told USA Today that the family first moved to Englewood in 1960, but older brothers Ron and Rudolph Isley eventually settled in Teaneck not long after.
“To go from our house in Englewood to Ronald and Rudolph’s house in Teaneck was no more than a 15-minute walk,” Ernie said about living in the New Jersey towns, which are located about 20 miles away from New York City.
In an ode to Teaneck, New Jersey, the Isley Brothers founded T-Neck Records in 1964, creating their own label after joining and leaving several others prior. Under the label, they famously recorded hits “Choosey Lover,” “For the Love of You,” “Between The Sheets,” “Footsteps in the Dark” and others.
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The Isley Brothers have received several awards and honors for their contribution to music, including a 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammys. In 1992, they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame by rhythm and blues pioneer Little Richard.
Expressing his gratitude for the honor, Ron told USA Today about the New Jersey street renamings, “I’m truly grateful and humbled that Teaneck and Englewood, two cities that are so near and dear to me, have chosen to honor the Isley Brothers in this way,” adding “This is something very special to Ernie, me and the whole Isley family, and something we don’t take for granted.”
