Sometime during the mid-1950s a trio of teens decided to put the family name in lights, launching a career that's lasted half a century and isn't over yet. The Isley Brothers stepped into the studio with a core lineup that would last for years, and in 1959 turned up on the charts for the first time with the self-penned "Shout, Parts 1 and 2" – one of early rock 'n' roll's classic songs. In 1962 they covered "Twist and Shout," which the Beatles later turned into an international smash.

Despite the early hits, the Isley Brothers' career really got rolling in 1969 and picked up momentum in the mid-'70s, when their songs were all over the R&B and rock charts – a display of quantity, quality, and stylistic versatility. They had a pair of top 10 R&B hits in 1969 with the tight, funky rockers "It's Your Thing" and "I Turned You On (Now I Can't Turn You Off)," which they followed with a couple of similar tunes, "Lay Away" and "Pop That Thang" (both from 1972). At the same time, they had their eyes (and ears) on FM radio and the huge rock audience whose ears (and eyes) were open to new artists and sounds. The group highlighted the unmistakable guitar playing of Ernie Isley – an important draw to rock audiences – and covered Steven Stills's "Love the One You're With" (1971) and Seals and Crofts's "Summer Breeze" (1973). They recorded a series of sexy, laid-back, guitar-driven tunes including "That Lady" (1973) – in the top 10 of the R&B and rock charts – and "For the Love of You, Parts 1 and 2" (1975). Also in 1975, at a time when the work of most black artists had been channeled into dance-heavy funk or disco, the Isley Brothers cut loose with the powerful rocker "Fight the Power, Parts 1 and 2."

Things slowed down for the group during the '80s, although there was rarely a time when you couldn't find the trademark sound of Ronald's voice and Ernie's guitar somewhere on the radio. They topped the R&B charts twice, in 1980 with "Don't Say Goodnight (It's Time for Love), Parts 1 and 2" and in 1985 with "Caravan of Love." Ronald and Ernie are the only ones left from the lineup that was the Isley Brothers at their peak, but the fact is the Isleys don't need more to carry on their career and safeguard their legacy – which is almost unrivaled beyond the work of Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Al Green, and Smokey Robinson. They've dropped two respectable albums this century (Eternal and Body Kiss), and add Taken to the Next Phase to the list later this month. This 34-song compilation runs from one end of their career to the other – pick up The Essential Isley Brothers and put it on. It's a great way to spend a few hours. (J.H. Tompkins)