Chris Jasper, the renowned singer, songwriter and producer who helped shape the sound of The Isley Brothers, died on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, at the age of 73. His death followed a cancer diagnosis in December 2024.

Born Dec. 30, 1951, in Cincinnati, Jasper was a classically trained musician whose journey began at age 7 studying classical piano. He later studied music composition at the Juilliard School of Music in New York, earning a bachelor’s. His classical background fused with R&B, funk and soul to form the foundation of his groundbreaking career.

In 1973, Jasper, along with Ernie and Marvin Isley, transformed The Isley Brothers into a six-member self-contained R&B/funk group. As the group’s primary keyboardist, his songwriting and skills were central to hits such as “For the Love of You,” “Between the Sheets” and “Fight the Power.”

In 1984, Jasper formed Isley-Jasper-Isley with Ernie and Marvin Isley. The trio gained success with the hit single “Caravan of Love” in 1985, which delivered a message of peace and love and was later covered by several artists.

Jasper launched his solo career in 1987 and founded Gold City Records, releasing 17 R&B albums including four gospel albums.

His debut solo album featured the hit “Superbad.” In 2015 he released The Essential Chris Jasper, a compilation of his work from the Isley-Jasper-Isley era and his solo career.

Jasper’s contributions were widely recognized. He earned numerous gold and platinum albums and in 1992 was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. In 2014 he received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, followed by the National R&B Society Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2022.

His innovative work influenced generations of musicians, with compositions sampled and covered by artists including Whitney Houston, Aaliyah, Notorious B.I.G., Tupac, Queen Latifah, Jay-Z, Gwen Stefani, Fantasia, Will Smith and Jaheim.

Jasper is survived by his wife of 42 years, Margie Jasper, a New York-based attorney and author and their three sons Michael, Nicholas and Christopher.