Legendary musician Chris Jasper who steered the Isley Brothers’ characteristic musical sound has died at the age of 73. Social media posts from his family disclosed that he passed away on February 23 because of a battle with recently diagnosed cancer. The Isley Brothers member Chris Jasper’s son Michael Jasper verified the artist’s death through his interview with Variety magazine.
A Key Figure in the Isley Brothers’ Success
Chris Jasper directed the Isley Brothers’ musical direction through his skills in playing keyboards as well as drums and singing vocals. Between the Sheets and For the Love of You are among the hit songs to which Jasper brought his talents while performing with the group. He served in the band for ten years between 1973 and 1983 before earning his place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame together with his group in 1992.
Jasper Ernie and Marvin Isley established Isley-Jasper-Isley in 1984 after their separation from the Isley Brothers. Before splitting up in 1987, the group succeeded in the music industry. His 17 album releases brought him both the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014 and a place in the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2022 as he pursued his solo career.
From Cincinnati to Stardom
Chris Jasper originated in Cincinnati where he became the last child of seven siblings. At age seven he began his lessons in classical piano before making his way to New York City to attend Juilliard for music composition studies. During their teenage years, Thrillers formed The Jazzmen Trio alongside Marvin and Ernie Isley whom he met in his childhood apartment complex.
Jasper started working with the Isley Brothers in 1971. In 1973 the Isley Brothers struck their Epic Records distribution deal leading to the complete addition of Chris Jasper along with Marvin and Ernie. The musical success of the newly formed group brought forth the hit album 3 + 3 which included several popular tracks including Fight the Power, That Lady, and Live It Up.
A Solo Journey and Lasting Impact
After the Isley Brothers dissolved in 1984 Chris Jasper became the lead member of Isley-Jasper-Isley which achieved its first number-one success with Caravan of Love. He established Gold City Records during his solo career after the Isley Brothers disbanded in 1987 and released Superbad which hit the R&B chart’s top position.
As an artist and label owner, Chris Jasper both released musical productions and penned the 1988 song Make It Last for Chaka Khan. The National R&B Society presented Jasper with the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 while Soultracks gave him the same honor in 2020. Margie Jasper maintains widowhood while she continues to live with their sons Michael, Nicholas, and Christopher.
