Who's That Lady

Album: Best Of The Isley Brothers (1964)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song went nowhere when it was released as a single in 1964, but when the Isley Brothers reworked the song in 1973 and released it as "That Lady," it became a huge hit for the band. The new version features younger brother Ernie on guitar.
  • A soul trio called The Impressions inspired this song. The Isleys were big fans.

Comments: 14

  • Tani from Baton Rouge LaThe lyrics are very different to above in the 70s version of "That Lady. And if I remember correctly, an alternative bit of "That Lady" was also recorded in the 70s for an anti-smoking campaign. "no, no, no, don't smoke"
  • K. Burns from MaineI have to sing this to my giant dog every morning before she’ll get out of her dog bed. She waits for it!
  • Jon from ChicagoGee...I just don't know...what is up wit all dis talk about The incredibly long and Fab guitar solo when it seems to me the Guitar is doing nothing but funk chord stabs thru a Wah-wah pedal? The Lead (and Solo!) appear to be a Mini-Moog Sunthesizer! This synth was incredibly OVER-USED thru out the entire 70's!!
  • Joyce from PaThanks for the correction regarding a synthesizer. Damn man, check it out. Pure guitar, pure Ernie...learn your facts before you diss a legend!!!!
  • Malcolm from SyracuseNo offense to the reviewer who thinks there is a synthesizer making those notes but it is ALL Ernie on the guitar. He's using a fuzz box to get the long sustain and fuzziness but no synth. There are several youtube videos of him playing the lead where you can see for yourself.
  • Markantney from BiloxeAug 2014,

    The way Ernie Throws down on the "GET Tar" (guitar) on this song, he either had to replace his fingers or the strings on that bad boy when he finished.

    I bet the Army had to stop him from Playing.
  • Elmer H from Westville, OkSo catchy & funky from 1973. It got lots of radio airplay in the Kansas City area where I lived at the time. I believe the instrumental background being so rhythmy & funky really got me to dancing in a huge music store in KC when I heard the song over their PA system link to radio. Simply the 1970s at its best (before disco ruined things).
  • Camille from Toronto, OhIf that's a funky guitar and cool synthesizer making those sounds on this tune, they are great. Love the opening notes of this song, always a treat when it comes on the car stereo.
  • Cyberpope from Richmond, CanadaUsed in a Spring-2010 ad for Swiffer mops
  • Guy from Woodinville, WaThis has such a great combination of funky guitar and cool synthesizer--not the kind of thing you typically heard from R&B groups in those days. Very cool!!
  • Brendan from London, United Kingdomthe impressions version has different lyrics like i didnt get a chance to ask her to dance... its more latiny santana ish smoky and cool.. british dj mr scruff plays it..
  • Stefanie from Rock Hill, ScI've never heard this version. How is it different from the reworked one of "That Lady."
  • Sam from Bright, InOne of my all time favorites.
  • John from El Paso, TxUsed in the movie "Bound by Honor". You can hear it during the scene that features Cruz's party and celebrations
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)Songwriter Interviews

The former Metallica bassist talks about his first time writing a song with James Hetfield, and how a hand-me-down iPad has changed his songwriting.

History Of Rock

History Of RockSong Writing

An interview with Dr. John Covach, music professor at the University of Rochester whose free online courses have become wildly popular.

Gilby Clarke

Gilby ClarkeSongwriter Interviews

The Guns N' Roses rhythm guitarist in the early '90s, Gilby talks about the band's implosion and the side projects it spawned.

Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire

Verdine White of Earth, Wind & FireSongwriter Interviews

The longtime bassist of Earth, Wind & Fire discusses how his band came to do a holiday album, and offers insight into some of the greatest dance/soul tunes of all-time.

Julian Lennon

Julian LennonSongwriter Interviews

Julian tells the stories behind his hits "Valotte" and "Too Late for Goodbyes," and fills us in on his many non-musical pursuits. Also: what MTV meant to his career.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.