Marvin Isley dies at age 56

CHICAGO — Marvin Isley, the bass player who helped give R&B powerhouse the Isley Brothers their distinctive sound, has died at a Chicago hospital. He was 56.

1. More Entertainment stories
   1. Will Smith shines in 'Men in Black III'
      

      REVIEW: If you're not a fan of Will Smith's smooth-talking Agent J in the "Men in Black" franchise, don't see the third mo...

   2. Can WWII film hidden by Army help veterans?
   3. Happy 35th anniversary, 'Star Wars'!
   4. Tim McGraw giving homes, hope to veterans
   5. Phillip Phillips has a double double name name

Weiss Memorial Hospital spokeswoman Catherine Gianaro says Isley died Sunday morning at a hospice at the facility. She could not confirm a cause of death.

Isley stopped performing in 1996 because of complications from diabetes. By that time, he'd suffered a stroke, had a kidney transplant, lost both his legs, and the use of his left hand.

The Isley Brothers have spanned more than five decades, producing popular hits such as "Shout," "Fight the Power" and the Grammy-winning 1969 smash, "It's Your Thing."

The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.