Which 1969 Isley Brothers song was a #2 pop and #1 R&B hit?

The 1969 Isley Brothers song that reached No. 2 on the pop chart and No. 1 on the R&B chart was “It's Your Thing.” Released on February 16, 1969, it became the group's breakthrough recording after leaving Motown and reviving their own T-Neck label.

The song was written by Ronald, O'Kelly, and Rudolph Isley. Its famous refrain—about doing what you want—captured the group's newly independent attitude. The recording also introduced 16-year-old Ernie Isley on bass, an important early step toward the younger Isley siblings becoming central members of the band.

“It's Your Thing” was recorded in only two takes and became the Isleys' first No. 1 R&B single. It peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, behind “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” by the 5th Dimension. The song won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group in 1970, making the Isleys the first former Motown act to win a Grammy.

A common mix-up is confusing it with later Isley Brothers hits such as “That Lady,” “Fight the Power,” or “For the Love of You.”