Chris Jasper, the influential singer-songwriter who helped elevate the Isley Brothers to fame during the 1970s and ’80s, has passed away at age 73.
The family announced the heartbreaking news on Facebook, stating that Chris died on Sunday, February 23.
A post from his official page stated that he had been battling cancer since December of the preceding year. His niece, Michelle Missy Jasper, expressed the family’s grief on Facebook: “It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of my Uncle Chris Jasper, former member of The Isley Brothers, and Isley Jasper Isley. Chris passed away yesterday surrounded by his family. Please pray for the entire Jasper family, as they have asked for privacy and respect at this time.”
The family also highlighted Chris Jasper’s lasting impact on music: “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,” shared Chris’ family in the Facebook announcement of his passing.
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“Beyond his musical achievements, Chris was a dedicated and loving husband and father. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Margie Jasper, a New York-based attorney and author, and his three sons Michael, Nicholas, and Christopher. He will be deeply missed and his legacy will live on as an inspiration for generations.”
Born on December 30, 1951, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Chris was a musical prodigy. He began his classical music education at the tender age of seven, mastering the complexities of the classical piano. His raw talent and passion for music led him to the prestigious Juilliard School of Music in New York City, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in music composition under the mentorship of jazz legend Billy Taylor, reports the Mirror.
In 1973, Chris joined forces with siblings Ernie and Marvin Isley, transforming The Isley Brothers from a vocal trio into a musically self-sufficient six-member powerhouse of RandB and Funk. With Chris at the keyboard helm, his genius for songwriting and production became integral to the band’s unique vibe.
Memorable hits like For the Love of You, Between the Sheets, and the charged-up Fight the Power flowed from his creativity. In 1984, Chris formed Isley-Jasper-Isley with the Isley whizz kids Ernie and Marvin.
This dynamic trio made a significant impact on the international stage, particularly with their soul-stirrer “Caravan of Love” in 1985-an anthem of unity covered by artists worldwide.
Chris Jasper, a former member of the Isley Brothers, has been flying solo since 1987 and has released seventeen albums on his own label, Gold City Records. His first solo hit, “Superbad,” was a testament to his passion for education.
Throughout his career, Jasper has received numerous accolades, including gold and platinum albums. His contributions were recognised with an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014.
The National R&B Society presented him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016, and he received the Soultracks Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2022, Chris Jasper’s songwriting talents were honoured with an induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.