Celebrated singer-songwriter, and producer – who penned, produced and arranged The Isley Brothers‘ classics ‘For the Love of You’, ‘Between the Sheets’ and ‘Fight the Power,’ – Chris Jasper passed away on Sunday (2.26) at the age of 73.
Diagnosed with cancer in December of 2024, a formal facebook statement from his family read:
“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.” “He will be deeply missed and his legacy will live on as an inspiration for generations.”
Chris started studying classical piano at the age of seven and later attended the prestigious Juilliard School of Music in New York City where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in music composition from C.W. Post, Long Island University.
In 1973, Jasper joined The Isley Brothers and was instrumental in shaping the iconic band’s soul sound and transforming the group form a vocal trio into chart-topping, six-member R’n’B/funk act.
As the keyboard and synthesizer player for The Isley Brothers, in 1984 Chris subsequently formed the spin-off group Isley-Jasper-Isley with Ernie and Marvin Isley who enjoyed a massive hit with ‘Caravan of Love’ in 1985.
In 1987, Jasper went on to launch a successful solo career releasing a number of albums under his Gold City Records label, the last of which was ‘It Started With a Kiss’ in 2023.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 as a member of The Isley Brothers, Jasper was also awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014, and his music has been sampled by the likes of Whitney Houston, Tupac Shakur, and Jay-Z.
Chris Jasper is survived by his wife, Margie Jasper, and three sons Michael, Nicholas, and Christopher.
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Author: Saul Goode
Photo: T-Neck Records – Public Domain