It’s Your Thing

In early 1969, the Isley Brothers released the influential “funk-anthem”, “It’s Your Thing” as an artistic response to Motown chief Berry Gordy demanding hold on his artists after the Isleys left the label in late-1968. The Isley Brothers felt typecast in the role as a second-tier act while well-established Detroit acts like The Temptations, The Miracles and The Four Tops got more promotion from Motown Records. The brothers' decision to leave Motown came after a successful UK tour, where the brothers had a bigger fanbase than in America. Recorded in only 2 weeks (only a few months past the Motown departure), it only took the brothers two takes despite introducing 17 year old brother Ernie on bass for the first time. The song quickly rose to the top of both the Billboard pop and R&B singles earning top spots on both. Upon the song's release and ascent to success, Motown’s Gordy threatened to sue the group for releasing it in an attempt to bring them back to Motown, but he eventually cancelled his threat, and in February 1970 the brothers became the first former Motown act to win a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.

Band Members / Post Motown:

• Lead vocals by Ronald Isley
• Background vocals by O'Kelly Isley, Jr. and Rudolph Isley
• Written, arranged and composed by Ronald Isley, O'Kelly Isley, Jr. and Rudolph Isley
• Produced by The Isley Brothers
• Bass by Ernie Isley
• Guitar by Charles "Skip" Pitts
• Piano by Everett Collins



Over sixty artists have recorded their own version of the song including a not yet established Jackson Five, who first performed the song at their television debut on the Miss Black America Pageant, later recording it for their ABC album. I was able to dig up this rare performance although the quality is very poor. Check out the young MJ working it.



Also to note, the song’s meaning has long been taken out of context. Many thought it to be a “female anthem” much like “Respect”.