The Isley Brothers’ “It’s Your Thing” Redefines Funk and Independence in 1969
By the late 1960s, The Isley Brothers had already made a name for themselves in rhythm and blues, but It’s Your Thing marked a turning point in both their career and the evolution of funk music. Released in February 1969, the song became a rallying cry for independence, both artistically and personally, as the group asserted creative control over their music for the first time. It was an immediate success, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the R&B chart, earning the Isleys their first Grammy Award and setting the stage for the funk revolution of the 1970s.
The Isley Brothers’ origins trace back to the early 1950s, when the group—formed by brothers O’Kelly, Rudolph, and Ronald Isley—began as a gospel trio before transitioning to R&B. Their early career was marked by a mix of styles, from doo-wop to soul, with notable hits like Shout (1959) and Twist and Shout (1962), the latter famously covered by The Beatles. However, as the 1960s progressed, they found themselves in a transitional phase, searching for a distinct sound that would carry them into the next era of popular music.
The inspiration behind It’s Your Thing came as a direct response to the group’s newfound artistic freedom. For years, they had been signed to Motown, where they contributed hits like This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You) in 1966. However, feeling creatively stifled under the label’s tightly controlled production system, the Isleys left Motown in 1968 and launched their own label, T-Neck Records. It’s Your Thing was the first single released under this new independent venture, making a bold statement about their autonomy and artistic direction.
Recorded at A&R Studios in New York City, It’s Your Thing was produced by the Isleys themselves, a significant departure from their Motown days. The track’s arrangement was built on a tight, groove-heavy foundation, featuring a driving bassline, crisp horn sections, and Ronald Isley’s impassioned lead vocals. The song’s rhythm—propelled by Bernard Purdie’s legendary drumming—embodied the syncopated funk sound that would later become a defining characteristic of the genre.
Upon its release, It’s Your Thing became an instant sensation, not only topping the R&B charts but also proving The Isley Brothers could succeed outside the Motown machine. The song peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, only held back from the top spot by the 5th Dimension’s Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In. Despite missing No. 1, the song’s impact was undeniable, earning the group a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group and securing their place among the pioneers of funk music.
Culturally, It’s Your Thing arrived at the perfect time. The late 1960s was a period of social upheaval, and its message of independence resonated beyond the music industry. At a time when civil rights, individual empowerment, and self-expression were at the forefront of American consciousness, the song’s lyrics—”It’s your thing, do what you wanna do”—became an anthem of self-determination. It wasn’t just about breaking free from a record label; it was about personal and creative liberation.
For The Isley Brothers, the success of It’s Your Thing marked a major turning point. It paved the way for their transformation into one of the most influential funk and soul groups of the next decade. The group expanded their lineup in the 1970s with younger family members Ernie Isley, Marvin Isley, and Chris Jasper, ushering in a new era of their sound that blended rock, funk, and R&B. The foundation laid by It’s Your Thing led to later classics like That Lady, Fight the Power, and Between the Sheets.
The song’s influence extended far beyond the Isley Brothers’ own catalog. It’s Your Thing played a key role in shaping the future of funk, inspiring artists like James Brown, Sly & The Family Stone, and George Clinton’s Parliament-Funkadelic. Its tight groove and assertive lyrical style became a blueprint for countless funk and R&B songs that followed.
Over the years, It’s Your Thing has been covered and sampled extensively, with notable renditions by artists like Aretha Franklin, Salt-N-Pepa, and The Jackson 5. Each version brought its own spin to the song, but none quite captured the original’s raw energy and sense of freedom.
The timing of It’s Your Thing was also significant in the context of The Isley Brothers’ personal and professional trajectory. Their departure from Motown was a bold move, and the song’s success validated their decision to take control of their music. It also solidified their status as independent trailblazers, proving that an artist could thrive without major-label oversight.
Decades later, It’s Your Thing remains a staple of classic R&B and funk playlists, frequently appearing in films, commercials, and television shows. Its infectious groove and universal message of independence continue to resonate, ensuring its place as one of the most enduring songs of the era.
Looking at its lasting influence, It’s Your Thing helped redefine the business side of music just as much as the sound of funk itself. By proving that artists could leave major labels and still achieve mainstream success, The Isley Brothers set a precedent for later generations of musicians to take control of their own creative and financial destinies.
More than just a hit song, It’s Your Thing was a declaration of artistic freedom that changed the course of The Isley Brothers’ career and left an indelible mark on the landscape of funk and R&B. Its grooves remain as fresh today as they did in 1969, a testament to the enduring power of music that speaks to liberation, confidence, and the right to define one’s own path.
