That Lady

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The Isley Brothers

About That Lady

"That Lady" is a 1973 R&B and soul song by The Isley Brothers, released on their T-Neck imprint. It was originally performed by the group nearly a decade before in 1964 (released as "Who's That Lady?") inspired by The Impressions. After signing with Epic Records in 1973, the eldest members of the group (O'Kelly Isley, Jr., Rudolph Isley and Ronald Isley) had included younger members, guitarist Ernie Isley, bassist Marvin Isley and keyboardist/pianist Chris Jasper, as official members. In a response to this transformation, the group gave themselves the moniker of 3 + 3, describing the three original vocalists in the group and three recruited instrumentalists, inspiring the title of the album that came out that year. They performed the song on Soul Train on September 22, 1973. The group entered the studio to remake "Who's That Lady?" after being inspired by rock acts such as Carlos Santana (who himself covered it on his 1990 album Spirits Dancing in the Flesh) bringing a Latin percussive rock feel to it, including congas and an organ solo by assorted other musicians while the other Isleys played various instrumentation. The two youngest Isley brothers and in-law Jasper re-wrote the instrumental while the older brothers revamped their harmonies, with Ronald's vocal smoother than the original version. Brother Ernie Isley's Jimi Hendrix/Santana-inspired guitar solo was one of the elements that defined the 3 + 3 era of the Isleys, and the song became their first Top 10 pop single since 1969's "It's Your Thing" peaked at #2 on the pop singles chart, reaching #6 on the pop chart and #2 on the US R&B Singles chart. It was also a cross-Atlantic hit for the group, reaching #14 in the UK. The song is ranked #357 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. 


Year:
2000
5:36
109 
#1

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The Isley Brothers

The Isley Brothers ( /ˈaɪzliː/ YZ-lee) are an American musical group consisting of brothers Ron and Ernie Isley. The founding members of the band were Ronald Isley, older brothers Rudy and Kelly and younger brother Vernon. Originally formed as a gospel quartet, following the death of brother Vernon, the remaining trio launched a career into doo-wop scoring with their first million-selling hit single, "Shout", in 1959. Follow-up successes came with the 1962 single, "Twist and Shout" and the 1966 Motown single, "This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)". more »

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9 facts about this song

Release and Reception
"That Lady" was released by The Isley Brothers in 1973 and soon became a hit, climbing the Billboard R&B chart to reach number 6, and peaking at number 14 in the Pop chart.
Composition
The track is a reworking of their 1964 song "Who's That Lady". This updated version contains a unique electric guitar solo by Ernie Isley that has become iconic in its sound and style. - The song blends elements of R&B, soul, funk, and rock music, accumulating in a distinctive guitar solo.
Pop Culture Reference
"That Lady" has been covered and sampled by several artists, showing its lasting influence in music. The song was famously sampled in Kendrick Lamar's "I", which won two Grammy Awards in 2015. - The song has also appeared in numerous TV commercials and films like the 1973 film "The French Connection" and the Netflix series "The Get Down".
Album Success
"That Lady" is from the Isley Brothers' album "3 + 3". The album was both a commercial and critical success, and has been certified double Platinum.
Iconic Status
Rolling Stone Magazine placed "That Lady" at number 357 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, testifying to its enduring appeal and iconic status.
Band Legacy
The Isley Brothers' performance on "That Lady" is often noted as part of the band's transition to a self-contained musical ensemble, with songs written, composed, and produced entirely by its members.
Signature Instrument
The song’s opening features a notably distinct wah-wah guitar sound, played by Ernie Isley, that has become a signature sonic element of this song and the Isley Brothers' music more generally.
Musical Technique
"That Lady" is known for its innovative use of the guitar "talk-box" which essentially makes the guitar "speak". This effect adds a unique element to the tune, differentiating it from other popular songs of the era.
Lyrics Content
The lyrics of "That Lady" tell the story of a man enchanted by a woman's beauty, showcasing the band's songwriting versatility, ranging from romantic ballads to uptempo funk and soul.

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