R&B Legend Chris Jasper, Isley Brothers Luminary, Passes Away at 73
In a heavy blow to the music world, Chris Jasper, the iconic singer-songwriter and a pivotal member of The Isley Brothers, has passed away at the age of 73. His son, Michael Jasper, shared the heart-wrenching news with PEOPLE after Chris succumbed to cancer, a diagnosis he received in December 2024. The announcement was made on February 24, 2025, just a day after his passing, leaving a gaping hole in the hearts of fans and family alike.
Jasper’s journey with The Isley Brothers began in 1973, a time when he helped elevate the ensemble from a traditional vocal trio into a dynamic self-contained six-member R&B and funk powerhouse. His genius in songwriting and expertise on the keyboards laid down the groundwork for some of the group’s most memorable tracks, including the soul-stirring “For the Love of You” and the socially conscious anthem “Fight the Power.” These tunes not only showcased the group’s evolution but also highlighted Jasper’s dexterous ability to weave together melody and message.
In 1984, Chris teamed up with fellow Isleys, Ernie and Marvin, to create Isley-Jasper-Isley, which produced hits like the soulful “Caravan of Love.” After two increasingly successful years, he launched his solo career and founded Gold City Records, churning out 17 albums, with messages of education and literacy embedded in his popular track “Superbad.”
Jasper kept creating, releasing his greatest hits album, “The Essential Chris Jasper,” in 2015, and his most recent endeavor, “For the Love of You” in 2019, featured modern renditions of classic hits. The influence of Jasper’s work is not lost on the current generation; he’s been sampled by artists like Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and Snoop Dogg, proving that good music knows no age limit.
A Juilliard alumnus, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 and earned a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014. Never one to rest on his laurels, Jasper was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame just last year, a testament to his enduring legacy. Survived by his wife Margie, along with their three sons, Chris Jasper’s musical footprint will undoubtedly inspire generations to come. As his family aptly put it, “He will be deeply missed.”
So, raise a glass (or your earbuds) in honor of Chris Jasper, who not only shaped R&B music but left behind a rich legacy that will echo through the ages.
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and People Magazine, Billboard, Rolling Stone
