Isley Brothers bassist dies

Isley Brothers bassist Marvin Isley has died.

The musician passed away on Sunday morning (06.06.10) at Chicago’s Weiss Memorial Hospital aged 56.

According to Marvin’s cousin Chris Jasper – who played keyboards for the R&B group – he died from diabetes, although this is yet to be confirmed.

Marvin had the medical condition for years, although he chose to ignore it, and suffered from several complications caused by it, including a stroke and high blood pressure.

He also had to have both of his legs amputated.

He had to stop performing with the band – which at one point was comprised of five Isley brothers, including multi-instrumentalist Ernie Isley - in 1996 because of his ill health.

In a previous interview, Marvin – who is survived by his wife, a son and two daughters - admitted his decision to ignore his illness was a mistake, saying: “If I would have listened, if I would have understood diabetes like I understood music, maybe these things wouldn't have happened.”

The Isley Brothers have had an extremely successful career which has spanned six decades and earned them an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.

Their biggest hits include ‘Fight the Power Part 1’, ‘Harvest for the World’, 'Summer Breeze' and 'Who's That Lady'.