Chris Jasper Of The Isley Brothers Dead At 73

Chris Jasper, beloved member of the iconic soul group The Isley Brothers, died at the age of 73.

His family announced his death Monday on Facebook.

“Chris Jasper, renowned singer–songwriter and producer known for his pivotal role in shaping the sound of The Isley Brothers and Isley-Jasper-Isley, and over three decades as a distinguished solo artist, passed away on February 23 at the age of 73 following a cancer diagnosis in December, 2024,” they wrote.

They went on to say that Jasper’s “classical training laid the foundation for his powerful music that blended his classical training with R&B, funk, and soul.” He played an integral role in turning the band from a vocal trio to a R&B/Funk group with six members that made a significant mark in the music industry.

Jasper’s talents as a musician shone from a young age. He was already training as a pianist by the age of seven, according to his family — a sign of great success to come.

Jasper joined Ernie and Marvin Isley in 1973 and lent his talents as a songwriter, as well as his skills on the keyboard and synthesizers to cultivate the band’s signature sound. “Chris was instrumental in writing, arranging, and producing numerous hits, including classics like ‘For the Love of You,’ ‘Between the Sheets,’ and ‘Fight the Power,’” Jasper’s family wrote on Facebook.

Jasper created Isley-Jasper-Isley with the younger band members Ernie and Marvin in 1984.

“The trio achieved international recognition with chart-topping hits like ‘Caravan of Love’ in 1985, its message of peace and love resonating around the world and later covered by various artists,” the family wrote in their statement.

Jasper branched off to pursue his solo career in 1987 and formed Gold City Records. He went on to release seventeen R&B albums, four of which were gospel albums. His debut as a solo artist was “Superbad,” which advocated for higher education — a theme that was near and dear to the artist’s heart, according to his family.

FEBRUARY 1978: The Isley Brothers (L-R O’Kelly Isley, Ernie Isley, Chris Jasper, Rudolph Isley, Ronald Isley and Marvin Isley) pose for a portrait in February 1978. Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Through his Gold City label, Jasper featured artists including Liz Hogue, Out Front and Brothaz By Choice.

“Chris’s contributions to music have been widely recognized. He has received numerous gold and platinum albums and music industry awards,” his family wrote.

They went on to list a number of Jasper’s accolades, including his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992. He was honored by becoming the recipient of a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014.

CIRCA 1975: R and B group The Isley Brothers (L-R Marvin Isley, O’Kelly Isley, Chris Jasper, Ronald Isley (seated) Rudolph Isley and Ernie Isley) pose for a portrait circa 1975. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

“In 2016, Jasper was awarded the National R&B Society Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2020, Jasper was awarded the Soultracks Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2022, Chris was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame,” the statement said.

Jasper was further honored when top artists opted to sample his songs.

“His innovative work has influenced generations of musicians, with his compositions being sampled and covered extensively by countless recording artists including Whitney Houston, Aaliyah, Notorious B.I.G., Tupac Shakur, Queen Latifah, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani, Fantasia, Will Smith, and Jaheim,” his family wrote.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqLBj-agZCw

They paid tribute to the talented star by noting that he was “a dedicated and loving husband and father.”

He leave behind his wife of 42 years, Margie Jasper, and his three sons Michael, Nicholas and Christopher. (RELATED: R&B Legend Roberta Flack Dead At 88)

“He will be deeply missed and his legacy will live on as an inspiration for generations.”