The Isley Brothers founder Rudolph Isley dies at 84

The musician, who also co-wrote many of the band's biggest songs, died in his sleep, his brother Ernie said."There are no words to express my feelings and the love I have for my brother," added Ronald Isley in a statement."Our family will miss him. But I know he's in a better place."Although Rudolph largely sang harmonies with the band, he took lead vocals on such tracks as I've Got to Get Myself Together and It's a Disco Night (Rock Don't Stop), which reached the Top 20 in the UK.He also played a pivotal role in writing songs like Harvest For The World, Fight The Power and Shout - an enduring party anthem that became a major hit in Europe through Lulu's cover version. First formed in the early 1950s, the Isley Brothers were among the most influential bands in pop music, successfully shifting from gospel to Motown soul, and later gritty R&B and politically-motivated funk.Hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio, the young group were initially a quartet comprised of Ronald, Rudolph, O'Kelly and Vernon Isley.