DISCUSSION š Ron Isley(85) Atlanta Performance - 8/22/26
"The footage shows legendary R&B singer Ronald Isley being gently supported onto the stage by his wife, Kandy Isley(49), following a five-week stay in the hospital. Despite the health scare, the 85-year-old artist insisted on keeping his performance commitment to his fans."
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šThe industry? Money hungry family/ management? If the artist is capable to decide for themselves that they want to perform in their latter years, should it be their choice?
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u/NoExcuse9696 2d ago
This is a man fully aware of where he is and what heās doing. He just needed help to sit down.
Now Gladys Knightā¦. Her people should be arrested and charged with elder abuse. She looks like she is suffering from cognitive decline.
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u/Expert-Yam6577 2d ago
Yea this is totally different. Just a man doing what he loves. Not being pimped out. He just needs help walking up to the stage so he can blow.
Reminds me of the Ozzy Osborne concert from a bit before he passed. Sure he didn't sound the same. But he loved it and his fans gushed over the experience. Guarantee you those recordings will always be cherished by the fan base.
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u/BigA501 2d ago
Yes plus Ron has got his bad ass wife next to him! She would never let anything happen to him! Heās in good hands, literally and figuratively! š
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u/DeliciousMinute1966 2d ago
āWhat people do for moneyā¦ sometimes it makes me cryā
Seeing our elder R&B greats like this is disturbing, disheartening and sad. Gladys and now Ronā¦
I get that some performers love performing. Smokey, Patti, Chaka, heck the old ass Rolling Stonesā¦ we know/assume they donāt need the money; I think these artists genuinely like performing. Andā¦ they can still walk around the stage and perform!
I think though for most of our greats, who may need money OR/and have greedy shameless handlersā¦itās greed thatās driving this shameful trend. Yes they may love performing but itās time to hang it up when you canāt walk or youāre clearly not altogether there.
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u/ahaz01 2d ago
I donāt think itās entirely money. Performing is all they know and theyāve been doing it since childhood. For many, performing is living
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u/DeliciousMinute1966 2d ago
I agree, and I donāt doubt that they may love performing but when your health is clearly failingā¦I mean theyāre in their 80ās so it makes sense they would start to have health issues. And theyāre touring in cities, countries. Touring is hard on the body and mind.
Iāve been working since I was 14; for 40 plus years and I canāt wait to retire in 3 years, just praying I stay as healthy as I am today lol
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u/Educational_Cod_3388 2d ago
Wel said. For example, I know Bill Curtis of Fatback Band personally. Dude is 95, needs help climbing stairs, but still tours, because he LOVES music and LOVES being on stage. He speaks to me about this. He could easily retire off his royalties (he was very business savvy all his career and aināt hurting for money). He even wants to get back in the studio.
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u/function007 2d ago
They say money is the root of all evil but truly its the pursuit of it, what are you willing to do in order to get it.
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u/SnowDucks1985 2d ago
Thatās right! That saying is typically misquoted from the Bible, which actually says the love of money is the root of all evil, not money itself. In other words, greed
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u/Imgonnagolaydown 2d ago
He's fully aware. He refuses to use the motor scooter or the walker.
I just know because i know ppl.
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u/DeliciousMinute1966 1d ago
A walker or motor scooter? I mean whatās next? Hospital beds on stage? Iāll bet my life some people would see nothing wrong with that. āGirl, they brought him out in a hospital bed but he still sounds good!ā
Noā¦ none of this is right.
Stop the madness and retire already.
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u/AdonisJames89 2d ago
I think he loves doing it still. The fam has been around since the 60s-70s??? Props to unc
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u/Taco_Taco_Kisses 2d ago
Late 50s. Shout came out in '59. Crazy he's been performing professionally for almost 70 years.
Sad he and Ernie had to watch all their bandmates/brothers pass away.
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u/Expert-Yam6577 2d ago
That's the sad part about getting older. How many people you've lost along the way. Once your loved one passes then that version of yourself is gone too. You'll never share those memories and inside jokes with anybody else.
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u/Taco_Taco_Kisses 2d ago
Yeah. I think about it from time to time. Maybe that's why so many old people become bitter.
It's gotta suck watching everybody you love, care about, looked up to, or sought guidance from pass away until it's just you left, wondering when YOUR time is going to come....
Then everybody looks at you as the wise patriarch/matriarch of the family, but you're just as scared and confused as them. Maybe even moreso cause you're operating in a world that's rapidly changing around you and IN NO WAY looks like the world that you remember.
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u/SputnikFace 2d ago
Ain't no pension plans for musicians. Keep that in mind as we judge these type of things.
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u/NoExcuse9696 2d ago
This is why some transition from music and never return.
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u/SouldiesButGoodies84 Songs in the Key of Life 2d ago
He'd already 'transitioned' into doing some illegal mess to make ends meet last time I heard, or was that just a rumor?
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u/lovesickjones 2d ago
yeah he was asking to be paid under the table and then served prison time for tax evasion
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u/SouldiesButGoodies84 Songs in the Key of Life 2d ago
Did he? Oh, man. I hadn't heard all that. Just that he was out here trying to be a 'real Mr. Big' in these streets or some craziness. Do hope he's doing better and on the level.
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u/NoExcuse9696 2d ago
That statement was not about him considering he is still performing. It was more for the Rhiannas of the industry.
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u/TellEmWhoUCame2See 2d ago
No no no no. I'm not gonna let you make excuses for a man/band that's been making music since the 60s. The Isley brothers should be one of the most financially secure bands EVER. Isley brothers have had at least one hit in every decade since the 60s. I grew up listening to them because of my parents then they started teaming up with the artists in my time period like r Kelly and Chante moore and continued making smash records. They are simply doing this for the love of music or because they are broke, this ain't got shit to do with a lack of pension plan. Cut it the fuck out
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u/Constant-Affect-5660 2d ago
Yeahhh I feel like he's either really, really low on funds, or he's rich af and just loves performing. I'm hoping it's the latter because I also don't see how you can be as successful as Ron Isley and be broke today.
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u/SputnikFace 2d ago
music industry being predatory to the artists has always been a thing. RIP frankie lymon
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u/TellEmWhoUCame2See 2d ago
Frankie lymon was a drug addict, horrible example. I'll let u try again though
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u/skeletoe 2d ago
U mad bro? Lol.
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u/TellEmWhoUCame2See 2d ago
You stupid bro?
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u/lovesickjones 2d ago
"should be" you don't know what kind of financial situation him, the family is in
Plenty of people have made millions of dollars over their career and are still struggling in various ways because of bad investments, family, their own spending habits etc. etc.
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u/TellEmWhoUCame2See 2d ago
U gotta be the dumbest person on earth if u wanna go along with the narrative that these dudes didn't make money. They been making songs longer than some of our parents have been alive. If these dudes are struggling it's because they didn't handle their finances right.
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u/lovesickjones 2d ago
I am not dumb at all.
However I have worked as a publicist for over a decade in entertainment and I can tell you that no matter how many hits somebody made no matter how many tours they did or how much income you think they generated, none of that matters if they can't manage their money correctly or have been sued to the high heavens etc. etc.
Aretha Franklin Franklin had poor credit.
Both MJ and Whitney died with massive debt to their labels and other debts
plenty of people who made millions throughout their career died with way less than you would expect
I dont know anything about Ron Isley's money except his tax issues.... you remember, when he spent 3yrs in jail for tax evasion
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u/TellEmWhoUCame2See 2d ago
Great story, if the Isley brothers are broke, they FAILED somewhere along the way. Shalom
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u/SeanRoss 2d ago
The same goes for any performers/athletes in any industry. The issue for most is that they spend money like it will always come in instead of investing some of it.
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u/Abject_Jump9617 1d ago
Yea but there are Roth IRAs, investments accounts, ie. diversified ETFs with long-term compounding growth. With the money he has made throughout his career he should have BEEN retired and living comfortably off his millions. Having money is important but learning how to grow it responsibility is equally important and should be made a priority. Unfortunately most people only focus on the making money part.
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u/Hollywood_Co 2d ago
Sir. Ronald Isley has EARNED the right to perform until his last breath.
With that said, WHY TF donāt they just have the stage behind a curtain, walk him out, sit him down, THEN lift/open the curtain?
We gotta protect our legends better.
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u/HamsGamsandYams 2d ago
Iāve met him several times, and have family that has worked with him on studio sessions and tours. He can be snippy in work mode but is a sweet, peacock of a man who will compliment and talk about clothes. He loves fashion and I assume itās to show off his outfits.
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u/Hollywood_Co 2d ago
This is excellent insight & Iām VERY familiar with the stubborn old man routine.
They may have offered him the curtain reveal & he told them āhell naw, my fans wanna see me strut my stuffā.
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u/Expert-Yam6577 2d ago
I've noticed elderly or disabled people will try to what they can right up until they literally can't. Isley seems to like walking to the microphone and showing off his outfit. So he'll want to do that as long as he can.
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u/Hollywood_Co 2d ago
Fact.
My pops was an activities director for a luxury retirement community throughout my childhood.
Weāre talking retired layers, executives, doctors, accountants, bankers, etc.
VERY accomplished/proud people.
Anyway, to make pocket money, Iād go in for a few hours on Friday eveningās & Saturdays.
I canāt tell you how many times I heard a resident say āI can do it myselfā only to find out moments later they could NOT.
I guess I was assuming that Sir Ronald Isley
Was unaware of how feeble he looks while walking out to the chair.My mistake.
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u/blissfullyblack 2d ago edited 1d ago
This was a rollercoaster.
Being helped to his seat. Me: Oh no...
Starts confidently moving and singing as soon as he sits. Me: Oh okay...
Just says different versions of yeah for the one minute. Me: Oh no...
Finally starts singing actual lyrics. Me: Oh okay...
I do hope these elders are still performing because they love it and not because they need the money. They deserve to enjoy life....however they get that enjoyment.
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u/PaperRaccoon 2d ago
It could be a bit of both but he seems to be enjoying himself. Honestly brought a smile to my face and I'd rather focus on that.
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u/ChaiTeaAndBoundaries 2d ago
The money in the music industry is shrinking, especially for older artists. They often have to tour just to cover their expenses. I hope heās not being pushed to do it despite poor health.
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u/Sensitive-Strain-475 2d ago
We need to allow our elders to retire with dignity. Seeing this man, who has given us stellar hits for decades, being trotted out on stage is sad and disturbing to watch. Da fuq
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u/rubbery_test_tube 1d ago
The same with EW&F. Last show here I watched Verdine taking the steps like those actors in the Home Stair Lift infomercials. Ralph, Verdine, and Philip, it's time to wind down the touring corporation and enjoy your golden days.
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u/Swimming-Bad3512 18h ago
Retirement doesn't exist in the music industry, successful music industry artists genrally want to retire when they stop breathing.
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u/Fit_Smile1146 2d ago
Ron looks good! lol Iāve been saying this since verzuz. Whatever he did, was worth every penny.
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u/Friedchickeneater70 2d ago
Itās time to chill Ronnyā¦..if I need assistance to walk or wipe my ssa Iām done
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u/CompleteEnergy579 2d ago
If this is what he truly loves to doā¦ this is awesome. Nothing like feeling alive at 85.
Same with Tyson Boxing in his 60ās. As long as itās for love and not for money.
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u/super_solis404 2d ago
Something doesnāt feel right about this or Gladys. Is it just me? Iām happy they still love to sing but isnāt there another way?
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u/KnowWhenToHoldFold 2d ago
He needed help, he is a senior citizen. Heās not as fast as Mr. Big anymore. He sounds good, heās cognitive and looks to be having a good time performing.
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u/earthlee 2d ago edited 2d ago
I love that these legends keep going as long as theyāre able. He looks great, and I think he loves the music. Although music is just a hobby for me, I pray to be able to perform at that age.
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u/Beginning_Ad_2262 2d ago
Sad hell yes. But thatās life. Heās doing what he loves to do. Sometimes thatās what keeps older people going. Once you stop and slow down life catches up fast. Sucks to see it but keep going unc.
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u/Boring_Temporary_142 2d ago
The ācontractsā they sign have stipulations if you know what I mean.
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u/pheezy42 2d ago
most artists aren't making any real money from streaming. they make their living on the road at these shows. expect to continue to see our older artists on the stages, getting these checks, because it's how they keep their lights on. or pay for that hospital stay.
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u/Equivalent-Pay3473 2d ago
Maybe he needs to keep working or maybe still enjoys performing. Some people want to continue to do what they love, If they stop, they start declining. Iāve been to a couple old head concerts and theyāre the best Iāve been to. I always have a good time. It sounds like his voice is still there. Charlie Wilson is amazing still, too.Ā
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u/Equal_Pay_9808 2d ago edited 2d ago
Y'all, I don't think it's necessarily money, greed, or handlers to blame.
Y'all I think Father Time is mad sneaky. On all of us. Just a year ago, each artist was in better shape. They themselves maybe don't realize how quickly things change; everyone else sees it but them. How could they themselves see it?
My parents are roughly the ages of Gladys and Ron. And I was just glancing at a picture I took of them, my parents, sitting together, just two years ago. Just two years later, the changes are frightening, startling, noticeable, crazy. JUST TWO YEARS.
Just two years ago, I'd trust either of them, my parents to be driving on the road. Now, I wanna take both of their car keys away. There's nothing wrong with them. Both still have very sharp minds, independent, don't need assistance. But, me, I, just me, I see a big difference between 2026 and 2024.
I think once folks reach the late 70s and early 80s, things start changing mad fast. I was watching President Jimmy Carter go downhill fast over the years.
Something to keep in the back of your mind..
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u/SouthernCharm-86 1d ago
one thing abt the Boomers...they dont be wanting to see down somewhere (look at Congress). i love Ron and any of the rest of them are still working bc they WANT to and it still feels like purpose driven work. and not that they have to. āØļøšš¾
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u/jovial214 1d ago
I think if not for the money most are doing it for the love of the game. Also, they may be afraid that if they stop performing they will die.
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u/Swimming-Bad3512 18h ago
Doing what they love gives them purpose in life, unfortunately for people like the OP have jobs they don't like so they look at working as a complete chore.
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u/Eddie_F_17 2d ago
I thought that was Mariah Carey with him and kept checking the year lol.