Full Breakdown
Isley Brothers to Receive Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
1/28/2026, 8:40:57 PM
Celebration of a Legendary Career
The Isley Brothers, a pioneering group in the music industry, will be honored with the 2,834th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on January 28, 2026. The ceremony will take place at 11:30 AM PT at 7051 Hollywood Boulevard, with KTLA Entertainment Anchor Melvin Robert serving as the emcee. Notable speakers at the event will include Jon Platt, Chairman & CEO of Sony Music Publishing, and music producer Terry Lewis. Ana Martinez, producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, expressed pride in recognizing the Isleys' enduring legacy, stating, “Their incredible legacy in music has influenced generations of artists and fans around the world.”
Historical Context and Impact
The Isley Brothers began their musical journey in the 1950s as a gospel quartet in Cincinnati, Ohio. After the tragic death of their brother Vernon in 1954, the remaining members—O’Kelly, Rudolph, and Ronald—relocated to New York City to pursue their dreams. They gained national prominence with their hit “Shout” in 1959, followed by “Twist and Shout” in 1961. Over the decades, the group has achieved significant milestones, including being the only act to score hits on the Billboard Hot 100 across six consecutive decades, from the 1950s to the 2000s.
The Isleys have also made a profound impact on hip-hop, with their music being sampled extensively by artists such as Ice Cube, Notorious B.I.G., and Kendrick Lamar. Rachael Conte, VP of sample clearance at Sony Music Publishing, noted, “Ron Isley’s vocals are legendary... it’s all parts of the song. You could take it apart and sample it any which way, and it’s gonna be a hit.”
Recent Collaborations and Future Projects
In 2022, the Isley Brothers released a remake of their 1975 song “Make Me Say It Again, Girl,” featuring Beyoncé, which topped the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart for 37 weeks. Ronald Isley recounted how he reached out to Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, to collaborate, highlighting the group's ongoing relevance in contemporary music. Producer Tony Maserati praised the Isleys for their professionalism and stamina, noting their ability to produce music consistently over the years.
Despite the passing of several family members, including O’Kelly, Marvin, and Rudolph, Ronald and Ernie Isley continue to perform and create music. They are currently working on a new album featuring collaborations with contemporary artists, demonstrating their commitment to evolving within the music industry.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is shouting how proud we are to welcome The Isley Brothers to the Hollywood Walk of Fame” — Ana Martinez, Hollywood Walk of Fame Producer
- “[McCartney] gives me a bear hug and just about cuts my wind off and says, ‘Ernie, if it were not for the Isley Brothers, the Beatles would still be in Liverpool,’” — Paul McCartney, Musician
What's Next
The Isley Brothers' star unveiling on January 28 marks a significant recognition of their contributions to music. The ceremony will be streamed live for fans worldwide, allowing a global audience to celebrate their legacy.
