Chris Jasper, Isley Brothers singer and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, dies at 73

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Chris Jasper, a past member of the Isley Brothers, who played a significant role in crafting their distinctive blend of funk and rock music, has passed away.

On a sad note, the renowned musician passed away at the age of 73 this past Sunday. His family shared the news on Facebook on Monday, exactly two months after his cancer diagnosis in December. The announcement did not provide further details such as the specific type of cancer or the location of his passing.

His family expressed that he’ll be greatly mourned, and his influence will continue to inspire future generations.

On Tuesday, neither Jasper’s Gold City Records nor any of his family members responded promptly to The Times’ inquiry seeking verification regarding the report. However, Jasper’s son Michael subsequently confirmed his father’s passing to several media sources.

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Jasper was born on December 30, 1951, in Cincinnati. From his youth, he nurtured a love for music through classical piano. This passion led him to the Juilliard School of Music, where he honed his skills in musical composition under composer Billy Taylor. By the early 1970s, he joined The Isley Brothers, a band that was formed by brothers O’Kelly Isley, Rudolph Isley, Ronald Isley, and Vernon Isley. Although Vernon passed away in 1955, the group had already gained popularity in the late ’50s and early ’60s with hits like “Twist and Shout” and “This Old Heart of Mine.

In 1973, Jasper, who was married to Rudolph Isley’s sister Elaine, became a keyboardist in the group alongside Ernie and Marvin, the younger Isley brothers. He played a significant role in transitioning their style towards slower funk-rock tunes. The band solidified their six-member lineup with the release of their album “3+3” that same year. As a member of the Isley Brothers, Jasper penned, arranged, and produced songs such as “For the Love of You,” “Between the Sheets,” and the energetic “Fight the Power,” according to his official site.

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The musician took over from Bob Stinson in the groundbreaking rock group, contributing his skills on their last two studio albums.

In the 1980s, due to disagreements among its founding members, known as the brothers, the group split into two smaller units. Jasper, along with Ernie and Marvin, remained together to establish a new subgroup called Isley-Jasper-Isley.

This three-piece group was popular for hits like “Caravan of Love,” “Look the Other Way,” and “Insatiable Woman.” After releasing three albums, Isley-Jasper-Isley separated in 1987. That year, Jasper embarked on his solo journey and established Gold City Records. The artist behind “Superbad” and “Share With Me” continued his solo endeavors throughout his later years. His latest single, “Be Number One,” was released in July 2024.

In 1992, the esteemed Rock & Roll Hall of Fame welcomed The Isley Brothers, which included Jasper, as members. Additionally, in 2014, they were honored with a lifetime achievement award at the prestigious Grammy Awards. Separately, Jasper gathered recognition from entities such as the National R&B Society and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, along with numerous other accolades.

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On Monday, his family recalled Chris as not just a musician but also a devoted and caring spouse and parent.

I am grateful to be cherished by my beloved wife, Margie Jasper, who has been by my side for over four decades, as well as our trio of sons – Michael, Nicholas, and Christopher – as stated in a heartfelt message from our family.

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2025-02-25 23:31