Formed in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1954, The Isley Brothers boast one of the longest, most influential, and most adaptable careers in American music history. Starting as a gospel vocal trio, they exploded onto the mainstream with their 1959 rock 'n' roll anthem "Shout". They seamlessly evolved across seven decades, mastering Motown soul, 1970s funk rock, and sultry 1980s quiet storm R&B. The group famously featured a young Jimi Hendrix as their touring guitarist in the 1960s and later expanded into a complete, self-contained band fueled by Ernie Isley’s blistering guitar solos. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992, they are best known for timeless hits like "Twist and Shout", "It's Your Thing", "That Lady", "Between the Sheets", and "Contagious". Today, core members Ronald and Ernie Isley continue to perform and tour.

Formed in Canton, Ohio in 1958, The O'Jays are true titans of R&B and the premier architects of the "Philadelphia Soul" sound. Anchored by the powerful, distinctive lead vocals of Eddie Levert and the smooth harmonies of Walter Williams, the group partnered with legendary producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff to dominate the charts throughout the 1970s. Their music uniquely blended rich, lush orchestration with danceable funk rhythms and highly socially conscious lyrics. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005, their massive catalog of anthems includes the chart-topping global smash "Love Train", as well as "Back Stabbers", "For the Love of Money", "I Love Music", and "Use ta Be My Girl".