The singer was found guilty of five counts of tax evasion and one count of willful failure to file a tax return.
At the time of sentencing, the “Contagious” singer requested a reduced sentence due to a series of health issues stemming from complications from a stroke, as well as his struggle with kidney cancer.
Isley was also ordered to pay $3.1 million in back taxes to the Internal Revenue Service, and his request was denied.
While in prison, Isley worked in the chapel, which is where he received his inspiration for his new gospel CD.
“I was working at the chapel, and I did gospel shows every week and that kept me up,” he said.
“I’m working on another album, and this album is going to mean so much. I’ve been thinking about it for three years and wondering what it was going to be like and what it was going to be like to sing certain songs. … And now I’ve got the chance to do that,” he shared, before adding, “Some of the people that I’m working with on this album will be Lauryn Hill, T.I., Rick Ross and Burt Bacharach.”
The Cincinnati-bred singer will perform for the first time on May 8 at a concert in Atlantic City and will later appear on the Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage seven-day cruise, which sets sail May 16. –chistian johnson
Source: Black Voices
