DORI MONSON

Ernie Isley on discovering Jimi Hendrix and providing the Beatles with career-launching material

Jul 14, 2018, 6:52 AM

Isley...

The Isley Brothers (Viniciusmc, Wikimedia Commons)

(Viniciusmc, Wikimedia Commons)

As far as Ernie Isley of doo-wop/rock group the Isley Brothers is concerned, his band’s 1959 hit “Shout” is “the rock n’ roll equivalent of ‘Happy Birthday.'”

“Everybody knows it, everybody appreciates it, everybody enjoys it,” Isley told KIRO Radio’s Dori Monson.

RELATED: George Thorogood says it’s all about pleasing the fans

And indeed, even 60 years after it first came out, “Shout” is still a routine staple of any wedding or birthday party playlist.

“It has the perennial elements of celebration, of youth, of any kind of a party,” Isley said.

Isley Brothers fans will soon have a reason to shout — the group is coming to the Tulalip Amphitheatre on August 3, touring with the Pointer Sisters.

Over their time, the Isley Brothers inspired not only countless fans, but also other iconic music artists. Ernie Isley recalled how “Twist and Shout” — originally recorded by the Top Notes in 1961 but put on the charts by the Isleys in 1962 — went on to bring fame to a certain group of lads in Liverpool trying to make it big at that time.

For Isley, though, there are no hard feelings toward the Beatles for using the song.

“We loved it collectively,” he said. “That showed they had been listening. Because before they came to America, their one-two punch performing was ‘Shout’ and ‘Twist and Shout’ in their repertoire.”

In fact, at a party a few years ago, Paul McCartney told Ernie Isley that  “if it were not for the Isley Brothers, the Beatles would still be in Liverpool.”

Then at the same party, the Isleys, McCartney, Usher, Jennifer Hudson, and Jon Bon Jovi proceeded to perform “Twist and Shout” onstage.

The Isley brothers helped shoot another 1960s icon to fame.

“Jimi Hendrix was hired by my brothers in March of 1963,” Isley said. “He was a house guest of an employee for two years in our home. His first recording session was with the Isley brothers.”

Hendrix stayed in the Isleys’ mother’s home, where Ernie Isley remembers watching Saturday morning cartoons with the future rock star.

“It’s just this guy that plays very well that is polite, respectful, minds his own business, catches on real fast,” Isley recalled.

Hendrix even changed the arrangement of “Twist and Shout.” Isley remembered how “nobody played the instrument like that, ever.”

“To me, emotionally, he’s my favorite,” Isley said. “I met him when I was 11 years old. Yes, he’s the best. As far as I’m concerned. That’s because of what I saw and heard as an 11-year-old in my home.”

The Isleys take to the stage at 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 3. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.

 

 

Dori Monson Show

Dori Monson

Dori Monson stage show...

MyNorthwest Staff

Watch: Dori Monson’s ‘What are the Odds?’ stage show

In 2019, Dori Monson hosted a stage show - 'What are the Odds?' - which introduced you to the people who helped shape his improbable career.

1 year ago

Dori Monson welcomes the Moose back to KIRO. Follow @http://twitter.com/Mynorthwest...

MyNorthwest Staff

A collection of the all-time best Dori Monson stories

With the passing of Dori Monson, a collection of some of his top stories to remember all the hard work Dori brought to Seattle.

1 year ago

Alaska, fishing...

KIRO Newsradio staff

Listen: Friends, colleagues offer tribute to KIRO Newsradio’s Dori Monson

All day Monday, KIRO Newsradio's John Curley talked to friends, news makers, and more in tribute to Dori Monson.

1 year ago

Dori Monson Shorecrest...

Dori Monson Show

How to support charities reflecting Dori Monson’s values, passions

In tribute to Dori Monson, learn more about how you can support these three charities which best reflect his values, passions, and advocacy.

1 year ago

From left, Producer Nicole Thompson and KIRO host Dori Monson. (Courtesy of the Monson family)...

MyNorthwest Staff

Broadcasters, politicians, coworkers and friends remember Dori Monson

Dori Monson, a longtime KIRO Newsradio host, passed away Saturday. He is remembered by public figures, broadcasters, coworkers, and listeners.

1 year ago

Dori Monson...

MyNorthwest Staff

Longtime KIRO Newsradio host Dori Monson dies at age 61

We are deeply saddened to announce Dori Monson's sudden passing on Saturday, December 31, 2022, at a Seattle hospital.

1 year ago

Ernie Isley on discovering Jimi Hendrix and providing the Beatles with career-launching material