Rudolph Isley [The Isley Brothers], Rest in Music

(Departed 11 October 2023) - “Oh when will there be a harvest for the world?”

Another light has been lost with the passing of Rudolph Isley, 84, one of the original trio (later a sextet) of Cincinnati’s own, the legendary Isley Brothers. In light of what is happening now, let’s take a moment to reflect on the final verse of one of his co-compositions that stands aside luminous songs such as “Shout, Parts 1 & 2,,” “Who’s That Lady?” and their contributions to labor song “Work to Do” and protest song, “Fight the Power, Parts 1 & 2,” and remains a moving call for peace.

Harvest for the World

(Rudolph Isley - O’Kelly Isley Jr. - Ronald Isley - Ernie Isley - Marvin Isley - Chris Jasper)

Dress me up for battle, when all I want is peace
Those of us who pay the price, come home with the least
And nation after nation, turning into beasts
Oh, when will there be a harvest for the world ?