Chris Jasper, who helped The Isley Brothers turn funk, dead at 73
Chris Jasper, a celebrated singer-songwriter who helped steer The Isley Brothers during some of their most successful years, died Sunday, People Magazine and the Independent report. He was 73.
His death follows a 2024 cancer diagnosis, a post to his Facebook page, apparently written by his family, revealed. The type of cancer was not specified.
"He will be deeply missed and his legacy will live on as an inspiration for generations," it read.
USA TODAY has reached out to reps for Jasper for comment.
A classically trained musician and composter, Jasper helped write, produce and arrange much of The Isley Brothers' music from 1973 to 1983. Joining brothers Ernie and Marvin Isley, he helped usher in a new era for the group, transforming it from a more classic vocal trio to a six-man R&B, funk powerhouse.
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Jasper's pen and influence were behind classics like "For the Love of You," "Between the Sheets," and "Fight the Power." Their 1970-80s sound, a novel mashup of slow-grooving R&B and upbeat electronica, helped secure The Isley Brothers a spot in the pantheon of musical innovators.
In 1984, when the sextuplet disbanded, he took two of the Isley brothers with him to form Isley-Jasper-Isley, a soul-funk group that found success in 1985 with peace and love-infused track "Caravan of Love."
Jasper broke out on his own in 1987, launching a solo career that would include the release of nearly two dozen R&B albums under Gold City Records, a label he founded. His music has continued to be sampled by a new generation of R&B and rap stars, appearing in tracks from Queen Latifah, Tupac, Biggie and Aaliyah.
Rudolph Isley, founding memberof The Isley Brothers and 'Shout' songwriter, dies at 84
An illustrious and decades-spanning career landed Jasper, as part of The Isley Brothers, in both the Songwriters and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022 and 1992, respectively. In 2014, he received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, again, as part of the group.
"Beyond his musical achievements, Chris was a dedicated and loving husband and father," the Facebook post said. "He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Margie Jasper, a New York-based attorney and author, and his three sons Michael, Nicholas, and Christopher."
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