It’s only right to sip something smooth while we bump our Isley Brothers playlist, good thing Ronald Isley is the plug whose prowess has spread to the world of Black-owned spirits. After 60 years, the global icon continues to release music and recently visited Detroit to launch his new ‘Ronald Isley Liquid Gold XO Brandy.’ Similar to his legendary sound, the spirit stands apart. “It turned out to be the best, so I named it ‘Contagious’ and everybody has flipped out over it,” he said. Isley celebrated the release of the brand, this past summer in Brooklyn, NY.
The Black Spirits Legacy Initiative, which ensures there are more Black businesses reflected in the industry, hosted the official Detroit launch at the Black-owned, DUO Restaurant & Lounge. Isley was accompanied by his wife Kandy, while surrounded by fans spanning several generations. ThisisRnB’s Rocki spoke with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award-winner as he signed bottles of his brandy and revealed who he’d like to perform with in the future.
“I want to perform with a few people. … I never did anything with Mariah Carey and nothing with Toni Braxton. I’m going to do some work with Elton John and maybe Bruno Mars — something with Usher too,” he said.
The “Make Me Say It Again Girl” originator also shared that his 2022 duet with Beyoncé was facilitated by her mother, Tina Knowles who is “one of our favorite, top fans.” He added, “Beyoncé did it and we were all just blown away.”
Photo Credit: Vidal Leonard
As one the most seminal entertainers of all time, Isley said he doesn’t get nervous while onstage and he’s not slowing down anytime soon. “There’s never a dull moment,” Kandy confirmed. “My husband always has something going on. He’s always got a project going [and] wants to do music. He keeps me busy and he has a lot of energy these days. We are blessed, loving life, enjoying the fans and their response to the liquor and his new music. … These are some of our best days.”
The “Between the Sheets” crooner noted his faith in God as the secret to his longevity and advised aspiring artists to love what they do. “If you love it and you want it bad enough, it’ll come to you.”
