Chris Jasper, Isley Brothers Member and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, Dies at 73

Chris Jasper, a former member of the Isley Brothers who helped define their classic sound, died at the age of 73.

Jasper’s family announced his death on social media, stating that he passed away on Feb. 23 following a cancer diagnosis in Dec. 2024. His son Michael confirmed his death to Variety.

As a member of the Isley Brothers, Jasper acted as a keyboardist, percussionist and vocalist, contributing writing to many of the group’s songs including “Between the Sheets” and “For the Love of You.” He was with the Isley Brothers from 1973 to 1983, and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame alongside the collective in 1992. Following his tenure as a group member, he formed Isley-Jasper-Isley with Ernie and Marvin Isley in 1984, and as a solo artist released 17 albums. In 2014, he received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2022 he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

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In a statement shared on social media, the Isley Brothers remembered Jasper and his contributions to the group. “Chris Jasper wasn’t just a musician—he was a musical genius, a lyricist, an extended member of the Isley family, a pioneer, and a key part of the sound that shaped generations,” they wrote. “Our hearts are heavy, but we are grateful for the time, the music, and the memories we shared. His legacy will live on forever. Rest easy, brother.”

Jasper was born in Cincinnati, OH, and was the youngest of seven siblings. He started studying classical piano at seven years old, and after high school moved to New York to study music composition at Juilliard. He grew up alongside the Isley family in the same apartment complex, and formed the Jazzmen Trio with Marvin and Ernie Isley as teenagers.

In 1971, he started contributing to the Isley Brothers’ music alongside Ernie and Marvin. The Isley Brothers, then a trio, signed a distribution deal with Epic Records in 1973 and expanded the group to include Jasper, Ernie and Marvin. As a six-piece, the collective hit its mainstream stride beginning with the 1973 album “3 + 3,” producing smash singles including “Fight the Power,” “That Lady” and “Live It Up.”

After the group disbanded in 1984 due to internal issues, Jasper formed Isley-Jasper-Isley. As lead singer, Jasper was a crucial force behind the group’s three albums and the chart-topping hit “Caravan of Love.” The trio disbanded in 1987 and Jasper began his solo career, forming his label Gold City Records and hitting No. 1 on the R&B charts with his debut single “Superbad.”

As a solo artist, he released 17 R&B albums including four gospel albums. He produced records for artists on his Gold City label including Liz Hogue, Brothaz by Choice and Out Front, and wrote and produced Chaka Khan’s “Make It Last” in 1988. In addition to his Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Grammy designations, he was given the National R&B Society Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 and the Soultracks Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020.

Jasper is survived by his wife, Margie Jasper, and his three sons Michael, Nicholas and Christopher.