Piney Brown was a blues singer and songwriter who was not only known for his dynamic performances but for his skills as a songwriter. Over the years, his songs have been recorded by the likes of Little Milton and James Brown. His career spanned the better part of sixty years, and over the course of that time, he shared the stage with such greats as Bo Diddley and Chuck Berry. He released several singles but never had nothing more than a regional hit or two. Piney Brown was 87 when he passed away on February 5, 2009.
Died On This Date (March 31, 1986) O’Kelly Isley / Isley Brothers
O’Kelly Isley
December 25, 1937 – March 31, 1986
Born on Christmas Day, 1937, O’Kelly Isley would, along with his brothers, Ronald Isley, Vernon Isley and Rudolph Isley grow up to write and record some of the greatest songs of R&B. Such hits as “Shout,” “It’s Your Thing,” and “The Lady (Part 1).” The Isley Brothers’ songs have been recorded by the, James Brown, Eric Clapton, Yardbirds, Alicia Keys, Aaliyah, the Beatles, and many many more! And who could forget the great scene in Animal House when Otis Day & The Knights’ version of “Shout!” made a great movie even better. O’Kelly Isley passed away from a sudden heart attack in 1986. He was 48.