R.I.P.: Chris Jasper, Sang With The Isley Brothers

(1952-2025)

Chris Jasper, a towering figure in music whose innovative artistry helped define the soul and funk sounds of the 1970s and 1980s, has passed away at the age of 73. 

The legendary R&B singer-songwriter, producer, and keyboardist, best known for his transformative tenure with The Isley Brothers, died on Sunday, his family confirmed. While no official cause of death was disclosed, Jasper had received a cancer diagnosis just two months prior, casting a shadow over his final days.

Jasper’s journey with The Isley Brothers began in 1973, when he joined forces with Ernie and Marvin Isley to expand the group from its original vocal trio—famous for 1950s and ’60s staples like “Shout” and “This Old Heart of Mine”—into a dynamic six-piece R&B and funk ensemble. His arrival marked a turning point, infusing the band with a fresh, electrifying sound that would resonate for decades. “His songwriting talent and mastery of keyboards and synthesizers became the cornerstone of the group’s signature style,” his family noted in a statement. Jasper’s creative fingerprints are all over timeless hits like the silky “For the Love of You,” the sultry “Between the Sheets,” and the socially charged “Fight the Power,” tracks he wrote, arranged, and produced with a visionary flair.

After a decade of shaping The Isley Brothers’ golden era, Jasper branched out in 1984 with Ernie and Marvin to form Isley-Jasper-Isley. The trio struck gold with their 1985 chart-topper “Caravan of Love,” a soulful anthem that showcased his enduring knack for crafting unforgettable melodies. By 1987, Jasper embarked on a solo career, founding Gold City Records and releasing 17 albums that spanned genres from gospel to the groove-heavy “Superbad,” a nod to his funk roots. His versatility and relentless creativity kept him a vital force in music well into the 21st century.

Jasper’s contributions earned him a slew of accolades. In 1992, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside The Isley Brothers, a testament to his pivotal role in their evolution. The Grammys honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014, and in 2022, the Songwriters Hall of Fame recognized his extraordinary penmanship. Beyond awards, his influence rippled through popular culture, with his compositions sampled or reinterpreted by icons like Whitney Houston, Aaliyah, Notorious B.I.G., Tupac Shakur, Queen Latifah, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani, and Will Smith—proof of his lasting impact on multiple generations.