Sadly, we’ve lost another legend, The Isley Brothers member, Chris Jasper. The gifted musician and songwriter, whose keyboard prowess helped define The Isley Brothers’ signature sound, died at 73 after a battle with cancer diagnosed in December 2024. His family announced the heartbreaking news on Facebook, revealing he’d passed away on February 23, 2025:
“Chris Jasper, renowned singer–songwriter and producer known for his pivotal role in shaping the sound of The Isley Brothers and Isley-Jasper-Isley, and over three decades as a distinguished solo artist, passed away on February 23 at the age of 73 following a cancer diagnosis in December, 2024. …
Beyond his musical achievements, Chris was a dedicated and loving husband and father. He 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.”
Sincerely,
His Loving Family
Jasper joined The Isley Brothers in 1973, transforming the group from a vocal trio into a self-contained six-member R&B/funk band. His expertise on keyboards and synthesizers, along with his natural songwriting talent, quickly became the backbone of the band’s lush, soulful sound. He played a vital role in crafting classics such as “For the Love of You,” “Fight the Power,” and “Between the Sheets,” songs that have resonated with fans for decades.
In 1984, Jasper joined forces with bandmates Ernie and Marvin to form Isley-Jasper-Isley. The trio scored a major hit with 1985’s “Caravan of Love,” further cementing their influence on the evolving R&B landscape. Not one to rest on his laurels, two years later he embarked on a solo career, launching Gold City Records and releasing 17 albums—including four gospel projects. His breakout hit “Superbad” even carried a message encouraging education and literacy, a cause close to his heart. Jasper also nurtured new talent by signing acts such as Out Front, Liz Hogue, and Brothaz by Choice.
In his later years, Jasper continued to honor his musical legacy. He released a greatest hits collection, The Essential Chris Jasper, with Sony Music in 2015 and followed it up with a soulful cover of Billy Preston’s “You Are So Beautiful” titled “Share With Me” in 2016. His 2019 covers album, For the Love of You, featured not only The Isley Brothers’ timeless hits but also renditions of Sam Cooke’s “Nothing Can Change This Love,” Marvin Gaye’s “God Is Love,” and Van Morrison’s “Have I Told You Lately.”
A Juilliard-trained composer, Jasper’s influence has been sampled by artists like Jay‑Z, Beyoncé, Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani, Will Smith, Queen Latifah, and Fantasia. Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992, honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014, and later inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2022, his legacy endures. He is survived by his wife Margie—his partner for 42 years—and sons Michael, Nicholas, and Christopher. His family’s loving tribute reminds us that his music will continue to inspire generations.
