Ernie Isley: The Greatest Guitarist Since Jimi Hendrix | The Underrated Genius of The Isley Brothers

In this video, we dive deep into why Ernie Isley, guitarist for The Isley Brothers, is truly one of the greatest guitarists since Jimi Hendrix. From his early days learning guitar under the influence of Hendrix himself to creating legendary tracks like ‘That Lady’ and ‘Summer Breeze’, Ernie's talent is unmatched. We'll explore his biography, his unique guitar style, and why he often goes underappreciated in the guitar world. Discover what makes his playing so special and hear examples of his brilliance across iconic Isley Brothers songs.

[ivandillardmusic]

One of the most underrated guitarists of all time… thank you for making this video!

[jeffkatt]

I made a 90 minute cassette tape of Isley songs that featured Ernie's blistering guitar. I called it "Ernie & The Isleys" I still play it till this very day!

[jasonq]

Thanks man! I'm going to be blasting Ernie Isley on my stereo now!

[mrmaxxx]

Ernie been so distinctive and he is a Band Drummer as well, Ernie got Solos for days, Summer Breeze, who's that lady come on, his tone and feel speaks for itself

[lwmson]

Ernie was quite good but to say that he was "the greatest guitar player since Hendrix" is beyond a stretch. The popular myth was that Jimi taught him to play guitar but as Ernie said himself that wasn't true. He said that when Jimi played for the Isley brothers back during the early 60's, he was about 10 years old and was more interested in playing baseball than music. Ernie said that he didn't even take up guitar until he was 15 when Jimi was out of the picture.

[gregorylawson]

I've seen him play at Isley's concerts since the mid 70s. The Hendrix influence was always very obvious to me, even as a child back in those days. I love the Isley Brother's and Ernie Isley is to the Isley Brothers what Eddie Van Halen was to Van Halen.

[glenmenas]

I agree brotha, Ernie Isley is one of the true greats!

[ansonjackson]

Ernie is one of the most underrated rock guitarists ever, no question. As a guitarist myself, he was a huge influence on my playing, as much as Page, Clapton, Beck or other well known White rock players. And if you ask guitarists, they are well aware of Ernie's skills and influence. All that said, saying he's the greatest since Hendrix is a stretch. Truth be told, this could have been a much more interesting video if you had included other great influential Black rock guitarists such as Eddie Hazel, Mike Hampton, Mark "Drac" Hicks, Vernon Reid, Ernie C and Prince, who IMO was the MOST underrated rock guitarist ever. Just my opinion.

[KeanonGilliamSlang]

He did make a solo alblum, which was pretty good.

[TheMusicMindset]

Jimi Hendrix's little brother on guitar. For real!

[johngarrett]

Let's not forget the other Isley Bros song, Who loves you Better from the Harvest of the World album. Maaan he tore it up on that song! Devastating!

[kclif]

ernie isley great guitarist also played drums on isley brothers albums.

[maximusindicusoblivious]

Hey Mr. Mindset, thanks for giving this brother his due. Ernie's guitar is up there with the greats. We know why he didn't get his props along with the other greats like Taj Mahal, Bobby McFarin, Robert Cray and even Jimi Hendrix during his day. He had to play in front of a bunch of stooges in the Village before he was encountered. It's the same old same old. But thanks for letting this brother smell the roses while he's still here.

[timothybright]

Thumbs Up if you wished it would be an Isley Brothers Movie before anyone else I'm The Family Dies! PS Eddie Hazel of Parliament was Exceptional as Well!

[gun_toting_lefty]

OH MAN! Finally someone did a video on Ernie Isley! I'm a guitar player and he was my FIRST major influence. I was listening to him awhile and HE pointed me to Hendrix. I heard the influence but liked Isley more because he was faster. That whole Go For Your Guns album is guitar heaven!

[kennethhwilliams]

An amazing writer, arranger, guitarist, vocalist and a nice person. I'm glad to see someone speak about this brother. He happened to come into a class I was teaching at Musician's Institute at the time and was gracious enough to tell the class and I how he came up with Harvest For The World. The class predominantly white student honestly had no idea who he was. I do hope I impressed upon them that they were indeed being spoken to by one of the most talented musicians they'd come in contact with during their studies at Musician's Institute bar none. Needless to say it was a great day for me as he's been a major influence on me musically from day one.

[AlBowly]

Jimi got a lot of his style from Curtis Mayfield. All guitarists ‘borrow’.

[thjordo]

I listen to a variety of music, from Soul, Rock, Blues to even Death Metal, and 'That Lady' has an awesome guitar solo, one of my favorites!

[josephcopeland]

Ernie Isley is amazing he can play jimi and Switch to Robert clay on a drop of a dime thank you While giving him his due

[aminahmed]

🎉absolutely fantastic and also happy first week of October have a great day ❤😊