Landmark book reveals Isley Brothers’ inspiring legacy

By Kibi Irving Bloomsbury Publishing A new installment in the 33 ⅓ books series: The Isley Brothers’ 3+3 by Darrell M. McNeill explores one of America’s longest running rock and roll bands, their breakout masterpiece album, 3+3, and the challenges of being an all-Black act in rock music navigating institutional racism in the music business. The Isley Brothers originally came from Cincinnati, and were raised in the city’s Lincoln Heights suburb, settling in the satellite town of Blue Ash when they were teenagers. A short, fun, and well-written read, The Isley Brothers’ 3+3 by Darrell M. McNeill is the first book to discuss the Isley Brothers within the context of their rock and roll roots and their contributions to the genre. There is very little published on the topic of institutional racism in the music business and the Isleys provide a unique opportunity to examine this, having experienced it firsthand and weathering through it despite its challenges. 3+3 is a landmark body of music, opening possibilities for Black creative expression, and the platform upon which The Isleys built their legacy. A timely discussion as Black artists like Beyonce expand into genres they have previously been excluded from. The Isley Brothers’...