Chris Jasper, a beloved member of the iconic soul group The Isley Brothers, passed away at the age of 73.
His family announced his death on Facebook on Monday.
“A famous singer, singer writer and producer, played a vital role in shaping the sound of the Isley Brothers and Irey Jasper Isley, and has been a well-known solo artist for over 30 years, and has been a prominent solo artist. He passed away on the 23rd at the age of 73. Following the diagnosis of cancer in December 2024,” they wrote.
They went on to say that Jasper’s “classic training laid the foundation for his powerful music, combining his classical training with R&B, funk and soul.” He played an integral role in switching the band from a six-member vocal trio that won key marks in the music industry to an R&B/funk group.
Niles, Illinois – 1986: Singer and musician Chris Jasper (Christopher H. Jasper) was interviewed behind the scenes at the Mill Run Theatre in Niles, Illinois in 1986.
Jasper’s talent as a musician has been shining from a young age. According to his family, he was already training as a pianist by the age of seven.
Jasper joined Ernie and Marvin Isley in 1973 and lended out his songwriter talent, keyboard and synthesizer skills, to develop the band’s signature sound. “Chris contributed to writing, arrangements and production, including classics such as “Love for Your Love”, “While Sheet”, and “The Power of Fighting,” Jasper’s family wrote on Facebook. Masu.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hn723phkkwo
Jasper created Isley Jasper Isley in 1984 with young band members Ernie and Marvin.
“The trio achieved international recognition that chart topping hits like “Caravan of Love” in 1985, messages of peace and love resonated around the world and later covered by a variety of artists. “I did,” the family wrote in a statement.
Jasper branched out in 1987 to pursue a solo career and formed the Gold City record. He continued to release 17 R&B albums, four of which were gospel albums. According to his family, his debut as a solo artist was “Superbad.”
February 1978: Isley Brothers (Lr O’Kelly Isley, Ernie Isley, Chris Jasper, Rudolph Isley, Ronald Isley, Marvin Isley) poses for a portrait in February 1978.
Through his Gold City label, Jasper selected artists such as Liz Hoag, Outfront and Brosas.
“Chris’ contributions to music are widely recognized. He has been awarded numerous gold and platinum albums and music industry awards,” his family wrote.
They cited many Jasper admiration, including in 1992, directing them to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
circa 1975: The Isley Brothers (LR Marvin Isley, O’Kelly Isley, Chris Jasper, Ronald Isley (seats) Rudolph Isley, Ernie Isley) of the R and B poses for portraits from circa 1975. ))
“In 2016, Jasper was awarded the National R&B Society Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2020, Jasper was awarded the SoulTracks Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2022, Chris was inducted into the Songwriter Hall of Fame,” the statement said. It’s there.
Jasper was even more honored when the top artists chose to sample his songs.
“His innovative work has influenced a generation of musicians, with his compositions being Whitney Houston, Aaliyah, the infamous Big, Tupac Shakur, Queen Lattifer, Jay Z, Snoop Dogg. It has been extensively sampled and extensively covered by countless recording artists such as Gwen Stefani, Fantasia, and Will Will. His family wrote.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqlbj-agzcw
They paid tribute to the talented star by noting that he is a “devoted and loving husband and father.”
He leaves his 42-year-old wife, Margie Jasper, and his three sons, Michael, Nicholas and Christopher. (Related: R&B Legend Roberta Flack Dead at 88)
“He is deeply overlooked and his legacy will continue to live as inspiration for generations.”
