Chris Jasper in 1986.Photo:Raymond Boyd/Getty
Raymond Boyd/Getty
Chris Jasper, known for shaping some ofThe Isley Brothers' biggest hits, has died, his son Michael Jasper confirms with PEOPLE. He was 73.
Jasper’s family first announced the news onFacebookMonday, Feb. 24. He died the day prior, after being diagnosed with cancer in December 2024, his family said.
Jasper joined The Isley. Brothers in 1973, helping them “[transform]” “from a vocal trio into a self-contained six member R&B/Funk group,” his family said. “His songwriting talent and expertise on keyboards and synthesizers became the cornerstone of the group’s signature sound.”
Jasper helped write, produce and arrange several of the legendary R&B group’s singles, including “For the Love of You,” “Fight the Power” and “Between the Sheets.”
In 1984, Jasper, Ernie and Marvin formed Isley-Jasper-Isley, and went on to release chart-topping songs like 1985’s “Caravan of Love.”
Two years later, Jasper embarked on a solo career and launched Gold City Records, where he released 17 albums, including four gospel albums. His breakout hit “Superbad,” encouraged education and literacy, “a theme he was passionate about throughout his career,” his family said.
Artists such asJay-Z,Beyoncé,Snoop Dogg,Gwen Stefani,Will Smith,Queen Latifahand Fantasia have sampled his work.
Jasper, who studied music composition at the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 alongside The Isley Brothers. In 2014, he and the group were honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award and in 2022, Jasper was inducted into theSongwriters Hall of Fame, his loved ones said.
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“He will be deeply missed and his legacy will live on as an inspiration for generations,” the statement, signed “His Loving Family,” concluded.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame also paid tribute, writing onXthat 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 becoming a self-contained band.”
PEOPLE reached out to The Isley Brothers' representative for comment.
source: people.com
