(August 13, 2026) Finally, a long stewing battle over the rights to the band name The Isley Brothers has been settled, according to Billboard magazine. As we reported three years ago, original group member Rudolph Isley filed suit against his brother Ronald, claiming joint ownership of the Isley Brothers name following the 1986 death of the third brother and group co-founder, O’Kelly. The suit asserted improper continuing use of the name by Ronald without paying Rudolph, who retired from the group more than three decades ago.
Sadly, Rudolph Isley died just months after the filing of the lawsuit, but his estate has continued on in the legal process
For years, brothers Ron and Ernie Isley have performed as The Isley Brothers, both on record and in concert. Ron Isley contended that only active members of the group should share in new concert and merchandise earnings.
The case has been at a seeming standstill since some legal rulings in late 2023, but now the parties have announced that they have reached terms and the suit will be dismissed. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed
Ron Isley continues to perform well into his 80s in front of sold out crowds, seeming to defy both time and age. And it is welcome news that this family dispute has been resolved, and all can get back to focusing on the music, which still sounds great nearly seven decades after the group first broke out.
By Chris Rizik
