Chris Jasper, Isley Brothers member and soul musician, dies at 73

Chris Jasper, the venerable soul artist and Isley Brothers member who sang about the power of love and the importance of making the world a better place on tracks like “For the Love of You” and “Caravan of Love,” has died. He was 73. 

Jasper’s family confirmed in a Facebook post on Monday that the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter died on Feb. 23. While a cause of death was not given, his family stated that Jasper had been diagnosed with cancer last December. 

“He will be deeply missed and his legacy will live on as an inspiration for generations,” the family wrote. 

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1951, Jasper was raised as a classical musician who, as fate would have it, resided in the same apartment complex as the Isley family. While in high school, he formed a band called the Jazzman Trio with Marvin and Ernie Isley and frequently toured with the older Isley Brothers during his college years at Juilliard and Long Island University. He also penned several songs for the Isleys during this time, including their 1972 track, “Love Put Me on a Corner.” 

A year later, Jasper, Marvin, and Ernie officially joined the Isley Brothers lineup, transforming the group from a vocal trio into a self-contained, self-producing six-member funk band. In addition to bringing his smooth, lilting vocals and synthesizer skills, Jasper was also instrumental in writing, producing, and arranging some of the band’s biggest hits over the next decade, including “For the Love of You,” “Between the Sheets,” and “Fight the Power.” 

When the Isley Brothers disbanded in 1984, Jasper, Marvin, and Ernie continued to make music together under the name Isley-Jasper-Isley. Together, they released three albums over the next three years, with their biggest hit — the empowering “Caravan of Love” — topping the Billboard R&B charts.

Jasper embarked on his own solo career in 1987, founding his record label, Gold City Records, and releasing 17 albums throughout his legendary career. Through his music, he often stressed the importance of love, understanding, education, and leaving the world a better place than when you found it. His final album, It Started With a Kiss, was released in 2023.

Alongside his fellow Isley Brothers members, Jasper was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2022. He also received Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014 and was similarly recognized by both Soultracks and the National R&B Society.

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