<P> The brothers' decision to leave Motown came after a successful UK tour, where the brothers had a bigger fanbase than in America . A re-release of "This Old Heart" had reached number three on the UK pop singles chart . Similar success came with two more singles from their Motown catalog that were hits well after their Motown departure . </P> <P> Berry Gordy allowed the brothers to leave the label, and the Isleys reactivated their own label, T - Neck Records, which they had originally started a few years prior to their Motown signing . For Buddah Records, the Isleys recorded "It's Your Thing" which Ronald wrote upon arriving home after taking his daughter Tawana to school . The lead singer said that he thought of the melody and some of the lyrics in his head . His older brothers O'Kelly and Rudolph helped compose more lyrics . </P> <P> Recorded in two takes and featuring the first appearance of 16 - year - old Ernie on bass and Skip Pitts on guitar . The song was released as a single on February 16, 1969, and quickly rose to the top of both the Billboard pop and R&B singles charts, peaking at #2 on the former and marking their first #1 hit in the latter . Upon the song's release and ascent to success, Gordy threatened to sue the group for releasing it in an attempt to bring them back to Motown, but he eventually cancelled his threat, and in February 1970 the brothers became the first former Motown act to win a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group . </P> <P> Over 60 artists have recorded their own version of the song . A version was recorded by Memphis soul singer Ann Peebles for her 1969 debut album This Is Ann Peebles . Saxophonist Lou Donaldson recorded an instrumental version on his 1969 album Hot Dog . The same year, Atlantic recording artist Lotti Golden also recorded the song in a mash - up medley with "Sock It To Me Baby", to promote her Atlantic Records debut LP The medley included the only two covers that Golden recorded as an artist . In 2000, the medley featuring "It's Your Thing," was reissued in an Atlantic compilation, with Golden as the sole female artist in the line up . </P>

Who sang it's your thing do what you want to do