Review and Images By Ben Tschetter
One of music’s most legendary acts, The Isley Brothers, brought an incredible evening of iconic music, dancing, and history to Indianapolis, Indiana, on June 20, 2025. The appearance was to commemorate the Madam Walker Center’s 4th annual “Legacy Fest”, a fundraiser block party for the 1920’s theater.
Few artists have seen such an influential and storied career. For a staggering 71 years, The Isley Brothers have shaped many genres of music and inspired countless artists. And though they have shifted from Gospel, to Motown, to R&B, their smooth harmonies and quintessential riffs have remained a staple of their sound for seven decades. Friday night was no different.
Fronted by now 84-year-old founding member and band leader Ronald Isley, The Isley Brothers took the stage of the packed Walker Theater to thunderous applause. Backed by his brother and longtime band member, guitarist Ernie Isley, and an expert ensemble of touring musicians, backing vocalists (including his own wife, Kandy Isley), and dancers, the Isley Brothers sounded tight, clean, and electric as they gave the audience an hour and a half of smooth grooves and danceable hits.
The talented backing band laid the groundwork for Ronald Isley’s vocals to shine. While not without the smallest of wear due to age, Isley lit up the stage with his charisma, energy, and a voice that has defined generations. Isley, at 84, still hit many of the high notes and commanded the stage with a powerful voice that traced the line of matching his studio performances from decades ago. His silky smooth voice with the signature rasp brought an incredible warmth and energy to the 16-song set, and was more impressive than most of today’s performers, even artists 50 years his junior.
All night long, the Isleys brought out hit after hit, including the set with a triple threat of greatest hits, including “Lady”, “Between the Sheets”, and “Footsteps in the Dark”. With songs ranging from 1959’s gospel classic “Shout”, to their (reworked) modern 2022 song “Make Me Say it Again Girl” (a collab with Beyonce), Ronald & Co. revealed just how long they have influenced modern music. After Ronald’s playful banter with the crowd between most songs, the video screens even showed artists that sampled the Isley’s music over the years, and included another live singer to rap Ice Cube’s lines from “It Was a Good Day”, over “Footsteps in the Dark”.
Brother Ernie Isley was also in peak form all evening, pulling out memorable, classic riffs for nearly every song. His playing style helped define the Isley Brothers’ sound during their most commercially successful years, and he has not lost his touch after all these decades. One of the most exciting points of the show was Ernie Isley’s blistering guitar solo that followed 1977’s “Voyage to Atlantis”, which left the room on their toes and screaming for more. The younger brother of Ronald Isley, Ernie showcased his impressive guitar playing with strong musicianship, buttery tones that matched the original tones on the studio recordings, and weaved bits of improv into familiar songs. Backed by the world-class touring musicians, the two remaining Isley Brothers were able to bring a library of hits to life, which have inspired more lives than they can count.
Before their last song, the brothers were interrupted and greeted by the head of the Madam Walker Center, who mentioned how Indianapolis’ congresswoman could not be there that night, but revealed to astonished band and audience members that Ronald and Ernie Isley were officially added to the United States Congressional Record – very cool experience for all.
As the Isley Brothers continue several other shows throughout the summer, It is highly recommended to catch these hit makers on tour for yourself. At 71 years as a band, they sound as good as ever, and are not one to be missed for anyone looking for a fun evening of singing, dancing, and nostalgia.
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Photographer and Editor/Founder of AllMusicMagazine.com. My love of live music has taken me to incredible experiences with the top bands of all time in stadium shows to the smallest venues with equally inspiring musicians. Using the medium of photography and my publication, these memories will last forever.
