Angela Winbush is a talented singer, songwriter, producer, and arranger who has made a mark in the music industry with her soulful voice and creative skills. She is best known as one half of the 1980s R&B duo René & Angela, and as a solo artist who scored hits like “Angel” and “You Don’t Have to Cry”. But who is Angela Winbush husband, and what happened to their relationship?
The Beginning: How Angela Winbush Met Ronald Isley
Angela Winbush husband is none other than Ronald Isley, the legendary lead singer and founding member of the family music group The Isley Brothers. Ronald Isley is a respected figure in the music world, with a career spanning over six decades and numerous awards and honors, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.
Angela Winbush and Ronald Isley met in 1986, when Angela was working on her debut solo album, Sharp, after the breakup of René & Angela. Ronald Isley was impressed by Angela’s talent and offered to collaborate with her on a duet, “Hello Beloved”, which became one of the singles from the album. The two also worked together on The Isley Brothers’ album Smooth Sailin’, which Angela co-produced and co-wrote.
The musical partnership soon blossomed into a romantic one, and Angela Winbush and Ronald Isley got married on June 26, 1993, in a lavish wedding ceremony. Angela became the stepmother of Ronald’s daughter, Tia, from his previous marriage to Margret Tinsley. Angela and Ronald continued to work together on several projects, including The Isley Brothers’ albums Mission to Please and Eternal.
The End: Why Angela Winbush and Ronald Isley Divorced
Despite their musical and personal chemistry, Angela Winbush and Ronald Isley’s marriage was not a smooth sail. The couple faced several challenges and conflicts, both personal and professional, that eventually led to their divorce in 2002.
One of the main reasons for their separation was Ronald Isley’s legal troubles. In 1997, Ronald was sued by Angela’s former partner, René Moore, for interfering with René & Angela’s contract with PolyGram Records. The lawsuit was settled out of court, but it caused a rift between Angela and Ronald. In 2002, Ronald was also indicted for tax evasion and sentenced to three years in prison in 2006.
Another reason for their divorce was Angela Winbush’s health issues. In 2003, Angela was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and had to undergo surgery and chemotherapy. Angela later revealed that Ronald was not supportive of her during her battle with cancer and that he had cheated on her with other women. Angela also claimed that Ronald was abusive and controlling, and that he tried to sabotage her career.
Angela Winbush and Ronald Isley divorced in 2002, after nine years of marriage. The divorce was finalized in 2004, and Angela received a settlement of $5 million. Angela and Ronald have not spoken to each other since then, and have moved on with their lives. Angela has focused on her music and her faith, and has recovered from cancer. Ronald has remarried to Kandy Johnson, a singer and member of the group JS, and has two sons with her.
The Legacy: How Angela Winbush and Ronald Isley Influenced Music
Despite their bitter divorce, Angela Winbush and Ronald Isley have left a lasting legacy in the music industry. Their collaboration as a musical couple has produced some of the most memorable songs and albums of the 1980s and 1990s, blending R&B, soul, gospel, and new jack swing. Their songs have been sampled and covered by many artists, such as Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Aaliyah, and R. Kelly.
Angela Winbush and Ronald Isley have also influenced many other musicians with their individual talents and achievements. Angela Winbush is regarded as one of the few successful female producers and arrangers in the male-dominated music industry, and has worked with artists like Janet Jackson, Stephanie Mills, Lalah Hathaway, and Sheena Easton. Ronald Isley is considered as one of the most distinctive and influential vocalists of all time, and has collaborated with artists like Rod Stewart, Aretha Franklin, Burt Bacharach, and Santana.
Angela Winbush husband may not be her husband anymore, but he will always be a part of her musical history. Angela Winbush and Ronald Isley may have had a tumultuous relationship, but they have also created a musical legacy that will live on for generations.