Isabell was born in Memphis, Tennessee. He served in the US Navy during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1946. For three decades he worked as a barber and also with Motown records as a musician playing the double bass. From 1959 through 1962 he was one of the first members of Motown’s Funk Brothers, a group of musicians who backed most of the labels’ groups during the 60's and 70’s. Isabell was inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame in 2014

Great Lakes National Cemetery

Clarence E. Isabell Jr was born April 13th, 1926 in Memphis, Tennessee.  He served in the US Navy during World War II as a Ships Steward 1st Class until his Honorable discharge in 1946.  He grew up loving music and learned to play the double bass guitar.  From 1959 through 1962 he was one of the first members of the "Funk Brothers" on Motown records.  The Funk Brothers, who backed most of the Motown label groups were later inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame in 2014.

CLARENCE E ISABELL JR

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