R.I.P. Marvin Isley. One third of Isley Jasper Isley died on Monday of diabetes.

I know. You’re asking, Isley Jasper Isley? You mean the Isley Brothers, right?

Well, for me, my first introduction to any Isley was Isley Jasper Isley back in 1984. As a 14-year-old, I asked for this cassette for Christmas, and it’s a cassette I still own. It’s music I still listen to.

“Caravan of Love” was the hit, well, on the R/B charts. My only exposure to the song had been from BET videos. Yes, once upon a time, BET regularly played videos, too, especially in the after-school afternoons if memory serves. Great, great 80s soul music.

This album featured great tunes like “Insatiable Woman” and “If You Believe In Love,” which had (I have always said) one of the best bass grooves in the history of pop.

Well, Marvin was the bassist. He was 56.