The verdict
Documented Sampling History
Confirmed songwriters of record (Ronald, O’Kelly & Rudolph Isley), no dispute found — the first T-Neck release and Jimi Hendrix’s documented first recording session, presented factually including the honest disclosure that it was a commercial flop on its 1964 release.
Quick Facts
Released1964
GenreSoul, R&B
LabelT-Neck Records
ProducerThe Isley Brothers
Recorded atNew York City
More infoWikipedia → · Discogs →
Who you need to ask
The songwriters of record — Ronald, O’Kelly & Rudolph Isley
Wikipedia → · checked Jul 2026
The current administrator — Not confirmed — T-Neck/Atlantic; needs a Songview/Discogs lookup
Unknown · checked Jul 2026
Has it been reused?
Historically significant as Jimi Hendrix’s documented first recording session; a commercial flop in 1964, recognized decades later. Part of this batch’s Isley thread.
Do they allow reuse?
No standalone policy found; confirmed songwriters of record.
Related Songs
Same album, answer records, and songs worth knowing about
Same group; the Hendrix household backstory (this batch)
Same group, earliest era (this batch)
Same group; both on their own T-Neck label (this batch)
Who Owns It
Licenses explained →The two permissions you need, and who holds them
The song itself (the writing)Ronald Isley, O’Kelly Isley Jr. & Rudolph Isley
An honest disclosure — a commercial flop at the timeDespite its later historical significance, “Testify” commercially flopped on its 1964 release, failing to chart on either the Hot 100 or the Hot R&B Singles chart — its recognition emerged only decades later, specifically due to its connection to Hendrix’s early career.
The recording (current administrator)Not confirmed
Receipts
Every public mention of terms, policy, or past deals we've found
“Oh, is this how you make records?”
Ronald Isley recalled Jimi Hendrix’s naivety walking into a professional studio for what may have been his first time: “Jimi walked into the studio — he’d never been in one before — and said, ‘Oh, is this how you make records?’” No lyrics reproduced.
EarlyHendrix.com (LP liner notes) · read it →
A later Hendrix-anthology recognition
Later featured on the 2010 four-disc anthology “West Coast Seattle Boy: The Jimi Hendrix Anthology,” highlighting Hendrix’s pre-fame R&B contributions. The Isleys named T-Neck after Teaneck, NJ, where extended family lived.
T-Neck Records (Wikipedia) · read it →
Can You Use It for Free?
How to check PD →Is it public domain?No
Sample History
—
Times sampled
Jimi Hendrix’s documented first recording session
Covers
—
First flip
Big names who used itJimi Hendrix
Who to Contact
TF
Ronald, O’Kelly & Rudolph Isley (T-Neck)
The confirmed songwriters of record
What they'll chargeNobody's shared numbers yet
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References
Every source cited on this page — 5 in total
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Page history · 2 updates
Jul 2026Page created — full research (Research Queue Batch 22)
Jul 2026BPM/Key pending the automated GetSongBPM/Deezer pass