Rudolph Isley, one of the founding members of The Isley Brothers, has died at the age of 84, his brother confirmed.
On Wednesday, October 11, a news outlet reported that Rudolph died in Illinois. His brother Ronald confirmed a report in a statement to Billboard.
"There are no words to express my feelings and the love I have for my brother," Ronald said. "Our family will miss him. But I know he's in a better place."
Rudolph Isley's Cause of Death
Both published stories did not disclose Rudolph Isley's cause of death, but sources told Daily Mail that he died after suffering a heart attack.
His daughter Elaine issued a separate statement to People, adding that the musician died peacefully in his sleep.
"He died at his home with his devoted wife Elaine by his side. They had been married for 68 years," Elaine continued. "Rudolph was a deeply religious man who loved Jesus."
Following the news, fans took to their social media pages to pay tribute to the late singer and remember his legacy.
One said on X, "Rest in peace, Rudolph Isley. That brief period in the 80s when "the Isley Brothers" was only comprised of Ronald and Rudolph gave us some quiet storm classics. #RIP."
"So sorry to hear that we've lost Rudolph Isley of the legendary #IsleyBrothers. Musical excellence since 1954. Most people that can make that claim were in that group," another added. "My deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans around the world. RIP my brother."
Rudolph Isley's Career Explored
Rudolph showed his love for music by singing gospel in the church before forming The Isley Brothers in 1954 with his siblings Vernon, O'Kelly and Ronnie. However, they disbanded a year later after their brother Vernon died in a car accident.
In 1957, they reunited and set Ronnie as the lead vocalist. Their decision to move to New York City allowed them to release their first songs before signing with RCA Records in 1959 and dropping their first album, "Shout!"
Their younger brothers Ernie and Marvin as well as Rudolph's brother-in-law Chris Jasper joined the band in 1971, nearly two decades before the late musician left to become a Christian minister.
Before Rudolph's death, The Isley Brothers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and released more chart-topping tracks and albums.
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