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Saybrook Department of Research

A guide to the Saybrook University Department of Research

Saybrook Student Research Blog

The Saybrook University Department of Research Student Research Blog offers an inside look at the research interests. Students share their passion for research and insights on the research journey. 

Featured Student Researcher

Jannelle Means is a Saybrook University doctoral student pursuing her Ph.D. in Humanistic Psychology with a specialization in Creativity, Innovation, and Leadership. 

Could you tell us about your dissertation research? 

My research is about the legendary group, the Isley Brothers. I wanted to focus on the group and their notoriety and why they are not as popular and celebrated as much as their musical counterparts. They are sometimes compared to groups such as Earth, Wind, and Fire due to the era they entered, their audience, and longevity. The Isley Brothers have been around for over 60 years, but many people are not aware of their success and hits. Many people are not aware of musicians who have started with them before creating their own success. Their impact and influence should be acknowledged, and I hope that my study will bring new fans to their music and create a newfound love and respect for the group.

How did you come to this topic? 

I initially wanted to do a study on how people emotionally respond to soul music. With the help of Dr. Walker Ladd, I made the decision to focus on the Isley Brothers and their notoriety. While talking with Dr. Ladd about my research and interests, she discovered that they are my favorite band. She suggested this study, and something in me was illuminated. I knew by the way I personally responded to this revelation that this is what I wanted to focus on. I love their music, and I love to perform their music as well. 

For me, being a performer and a scholar are deeply connected. It’s about telling and expressing a story with integrity. 

What is it about the music of the Isley Brothers that speaks to you? 

The Isley Brothers are my favorite band. Their sound has evolved over the years. My favorite years of their music are between 1969 and 1989. But there are many songs I love from the group from the beginning of their journey to now. There is a chemistry that all of the brothers had, along with their brother-in-law Chris Jasper, who collaborated with the brothers a great deal in composing many of their songs. From Chris Jasper’s beautiful gift playing the keys, to Ronald Isley’s soulful vocals, to Ernie Isley’s incredible guitar riffs, to Marvin Isley’s funky bass sound, it was a true family match made in heaven.

How do you connect being a performer and a scholar? For me, being a performer and a scholar are deeply connected. It’s about telling and expressing a story with integrity. When I perform as a vocalist, I try to be as authentic as possible. When I perform songs by the Isley Brothers, it is always an emotional experience, as I immensely love their soulful sound. That same intentionality with performing drives my scholarship. Studying the Isley Brothers allows me to appreciate their evolving sound and, along with the cultural, historical, and spiritual narratives that shaped their sound. At the same time, researching their legacy, particularly how they've been underrated compared to their peers, helps me better honor their artistry in performance. In both spaces, I'm advocating for their rightful place in music history, whether it's through the power of my voice or the depth of my analysis. It’s all part of the same mission: to give voice to what deserves to be heard.

Where do you see yourself 5 years after graduation? 

After graduation, I can see myself teaching courses related to the music of the Isley Brothers, a podcast centered around the group, an Isley Brothers biography, and working on a documentary about their journey. I also plan to continue performing and making music as a vocalist and performer. I hope to continue coaching performers in the arts and grow my organization, Soul Vibes Global, an organization that brings musicians together to perform and educate others about soul music.

To learn more about Jannelle's work, please visit: