Chris Jasper, an instrumental member of the legendary Isley Brothers, has passed away. He was 73.
Michael Jasper, Chris’ son, confirmed his father’s passing in a statement on Facebook on behalf of their family noting that he was diagnosed with cancer in December.
“He will be deeply missed and his legacy will live on as an inspiration for generations,” the statement read.
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, by the time he was 7 years old, Jasper was studying classical piano. His family lived in the same apartment complex in Cincinnati as the Isleys, and he would become an in-law when Elaine, his older sister, married Rudolph, a founding member of the iconic group. Eventually, he attended the prestigious Juilliard School of Music and Long Island University, New York, where he studied with jazz pianist and composer Billy Taylor. He graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in music composition.
While in college, his band “The Jazzman Trio” featuring Ernie and Marvin Isley, began performing local gigs before touring with the Isley Brothers.
In 1973, Jasper officially joined the Isley Brothers, featuring Rudolph, Ronald Isley, and O’Kelly Isley. With the injection of musical creativity from Jasper, the Isley. Brothers would become one of the most revered bands of the era helping them transition from a “trio into a self-contained six-member R&B/Funk group,” the family’s statement said. “His songwriting talent and expertise on keyboards and synthesizers became the cornerstone of the group’s signature sound.”
As a keyboardist, arranger, writer, and producer, Jasper made his debut on the classic 3+3 album and would stay with the group until the release of Between The Sheets in 1984. He helped to craft some of the group’s biggest songs including “Fight the Power (Part 1 & 2)”, “For the Love of You (Part 1 & 2)”, “Make Me Say It Again, Girl”, “(At Your Best) You Are Love”, and “Between The Sheets” just to name a few.
In 1984, Jasper, Ernie, and Marvin formed Isley-Jasper-Isley, and released “Caravan of Love.”
As a solo artist, he founded Gold City Records and released 17 albums, including four gospel albums.
In 1992, the Isley Brothers along with Jasper, were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, The group also received a lifetime achievement award at the Grammy Awards in 2014. For his contributions, Jasper was honored by the National R&B Society and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Jasper 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. He will be deeply missed and his legacy will live on as an inspiration for generations.
We at WBLS extend our prayers and deepest condolences to the family and friends of Chris Jasper.