Bill Isles, Co-Founder of “Love Train” Crooners The O’Jays, Has Died Of Cancer

Bill Isles was 78. His son, Duane Isles, did not specify which type of cancer Isles had — but did confirm that his father sadly passed from the disease at his home in Southern California at the end of March.

Isles’ musical career began in 1958 in Canton, Ohio — where he formed the band the Mascots with childhood friends. The band changed their name to The Triumphs in 1961 — and then again to The O’Jays on the advice of Cleveland DJ, Eddie O’Jay, according to the San Diego Union Tribune. Isles was in the group when they created hits like “Love Drifter” and “Lipstick Traces,” but quit in 1965. He acted as the group’s tour manager between 1971 and 1974 when they released their biggest hits “Love Train” and “Back Stabbers,” according to his son.

“Love Train” topped the charts in 1973 and the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2006. The song has lived on in popularity to this day, having been covered by artists ranging from The Supremes to Hall & Oates , Kylie Minogue , Justin Timberlake and The Rolling Stones.

The song was also used in the films “Earth Girls Are Easy” and “Final Destination 3”, where it was performed by Motley Crue’s Tommy Lee.

Isles moved his family to Southern California in the early 80s and lived out the rest of his days there. He was a religious man, and spent many years performing with his church’s choir, according to Shawn Mitchell, the singer’s pastor at New Venture Christian Fellowship, who said Isles was an amazing presence and a top-notch performer.

“Isles was one of the most memorable, loving and consistently upbeat and talented individuals I have had the privilege of knowing,” Mitchell told Fox News. “He was a lover of music and a lover of God, and he combined both of those on stage in extraordinary fashion.”

After his years with the O’Jays — Isles opened a family business called Nutri Power, a vitamin manufacturing and food supplement company. He retired from the business around the year 2000, according to The San Diego Union Tribune — though he stuck with his passion for music. He was a member of the Oceanside New Venture Christian Fellowship choir until he became ill last year.

Isles leaves behind his wife of 52 years — Laural — along with 7 children.

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