Morning Edition

60 years since the Isley Brothers recorded ‘Shout’

The Isley Brothers recorded “Shout” 60 years ago on Monday.

As Ronald Isley explained to the Wall Street Journal, the song began as an improvised call and response to extend a performance of the Jackie Wilson song “Lonely Teardrops.” The crowd loved it so much the brothers created a stand-alone song. It never climbed above No. 47 on the pop chart, but over time became a much beloved, and frequently covered, classic.