The Aretha Franklin Amphitheater | Detroit MI
A Special Night of Old School R&B
Father’s Day, June 16, 2024, I attended one of the best concerts of this year, The Isley Brothers with opening artist Angela Winbush! Whaaat? Yeah, I know, right? A cool irony of the evening indeed, considering Angela and Ron Isley were married over 20 years ago, and one of his background singers is none other than his current wife (Kandy Johnson) of nearly 20 years! Their intertwined histories added a layer of nostalgia and intrigue, no doubt. Pure observation, so this isn’t about that…
Set against the gorgeous backdrop of the Detroit River at The Aretha Franklin Amphitheater in downtown Detroit, the scenery was perfect for an evening of soul-stirring music. The show began about 20 minutes late, but there was no notable frustration among the audience. The moment Angela Winbush made her entrance and hit that first note, it was clear that we were in for a phenomenal night. Angela’s vocals were as powerful and captivating as ever, a testament to her enduring talent. She didn’t just sing; she commanded the stage with an energy that defied her 69 years. At one point, she even dropped it like it was hot (several times!), reminding everyone to put some respect on her name. 👑
I hadn’t seen Angela perform in many years, but she was just as amazing as I remembered. Despite all the challenges she has faced throughout her personal life/health, she stood before us, unbroken and more inspiring than ever. Her resilience shone through every song, every note, and every moment of her performance.
Angela treated us to several of her hit songs, each one a highlight in its own right. She sang “Angel,” a timeless classic that had the crowd swaying and singing along. “Your Smile” brought back memories of her undeniable impact on the R&B scene. She also performed “I’ll Be Good” , “You Don’t Have to Cry” and more! “Lay Your Troubles Down” was the inspiration many of us needed! Each song was delivered with such emotion and precision that it felt like hearing them for the first time.
Then, it was time for The Isley Brothers to take the stage, and they did not disappoint. From the moment Ron Isley and Ernie Isley appeared, the energy in the venue surged. The backdrop imagery was filled with photos and videos showcasing their journey through the decades. It was a visual trip down memory lane, highlighting their evolution and enduring influence in the music industry.
Ron Isley took a moment to thank us all for rocking with them for 65 years—a remarkable feat of longevity in the music game. They tried their best to perform as many songs as possible, but with such an extensive catalog, we could have easily stayed there all night. They did their thing, though, and took us back with a setlist that spanned their greatest hits.
The Isley Brothers delivered a stellar performance, blending their classic hits with a few surprises that had everyone on their feet. Songs like “Between the Sheets,” “For the Love of You,” “Shout,” “It’s Your Thing” “Choosey Lover” and more echoed through the venue, reminding us all why they remain legends. Each song was met with enthusiastic applause and singing from the crowd.
The night was about timeless music, enduring talent, and the incredible journey of two iconic artists. Seeing Angela Winbush and The Isley Brothers share the stage was more than a concert; it was an experience. While this was one of the best concerts for me this year, it was also bittersweet because it was promoted as a Father’s Day celebration concert. My dad is no longer here, but he LOVED The Isley Brothers. When I heard about this concert, I knew I had to be there, in my dad’s honor, and to rekindle my fondness of the music I grew up on because of him.