Isley Brothers Member Chris Jasper Dead: He Was At 73

Chris Jasper, a singer-composer known for his key role in shaping The Isley Brothers‘ sound, died at age 73 on Sunday (Feb. 23). His family confirmed the tragic news on Facebook, revealing that Jasper’s death comes just two months after being diagnosed with cancer. Their statement reads, “He will be deeply missed and his legacy will live on as an inspiration for generations.”

Jasper was born on December 30, 1951, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and studied classical piano by age 7. He studied music composition at the Juilliard School of Music in New York City. He lived in the same housing complex as the Isleys and later became family when his older sister, Elaine, married the late Rudolph Isley. He joined The Isley Brothers in 1973 alongside Ernie and Marvin Isley.

Jasper helped transform the then trio—of Ronald, O’Kelly, and Rudolph—”into a self-contained six-member R&B/Funk group.” The group’s signature sound was cultivated through “his songwriting talent and expertise on keyboards and synthesizers.” Jasper was instrumental in writing, arranging, and producing several hits, including “For the Love of You,” “Between the Sheets,” and “Fight the Power.”

In 1984, Jasper, Ernie, and Marvin formed Isley-Jasper-Isley and released the hit record “Caravan of Love.” Two years later, Jasper went solo and launched Gold City Records, where he released 17 albums, including four gospel LPs. His breakout hit, “Superbad,” promoted education and literacy, “a theme he was passionate about throughout his career,” according to his family.

Jasper was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with The Isley Brothers in 1992. The group was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014, and he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2022.

Bryan-Michael Cox, Donnie Simpson, and Alex Isley were among those who paid tribute to Jasper on social media. Cox wrote, “His contribution to the culture is infinite. Job well done, sir.” Isley expressed that he’s “family forever.” Simpson, who described Jasper as a “very cool and talented brother,” shared footage from his Video Soul episode.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame also honored him, tweeting that Jasper “played a key role in defining the sound of soul and funk in the 1970s and 1980s. A classically trained musician and composer, he led the Isleys’ transition into a self-contained band.” The organization also credited him for “writing and producing most of the group’s music between 1973 and 1983.”

Jasper is survived by Margie, his wife of 42 years, and their sons, Michael, Nicholas, and Christoper.