The Facts About Two Music Legends

The Los Angeles Times missed the chance to be informative, educational and give proper credit to the legacy of Bobby (Blue) Bland and the Isley Brothers in Steve Hochman’s article “Rock’s Hall of Fame Inductees” (Calendar, Nov. 5).

Hochman’s interest in three Anglo groups that didn’t make the Hall of Fame cut short the true legacy of the African-American males that were selected for the honor.

The Isley Brothers are singers-songwriters of note, with such hits as “This Old Heart of Mine,” “It’s Your Thang,” “Twist and Shout” and “Love the One You’re With.”

The New Jersey-based group’s recording of “Twist and Shout” is the biggest-selling twist record ever. Also, with a little research, Hochman would have found that fellow inductee Jimi Hendrix began his career as a member of the Isley Brothers band.

Bobby (Blue) Bland is more than a vocalist. In fact, he is a legendary blues crooner.

Bland’s early recordings of “Further On Up the Road,” “Saint James Infirmary,” “Turn On Your Love Light,” “Stormy Monday” and “Call On Me” are blues classics. These recordings on Duke and Peacock Records of Houston are prized possessions of blues fans.

The label was owned by an African-American named Don Robey. Bland came to the attention of the mainstream in early 1970 with the recordings of his “California” album (ABC/Dunhill) and two collaborations with legendary blues guitarist-singer B.B. King.

I hope that Los Angeles Times reporters will take more time to research the real background and true legacies of African-Americans in the future.

Why report without facts?