Ernie Isley is the secret sauce of The Isley Brothers , but he’s far from underrated. Just ask him. As a visionary and legend in his own right, the 73-year-old recently co-headlined the second annual Maui Music & Food Experience (MMFE) with funk band, Dumpstaphunk , as part of a tribute to the late, indelible Jimi Hendrix.

His history with the influential guitarist dates back to his youth. Isley met Hendrix at the tender age of 11 when he joined the Isley Brothers’ backing band, the I.B. Specials, for a few years. Hendrix lived in their family home and was “never charged for his room [or] whatever food he ate.” Isley emphasized this tidbit in our conversation, noting that he was the only band member afforded that “privilege.”

Isley praised his talents and couldn’t help, but to s

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