*The music world is mourning the loss of Chris Jasper, the legendary keyboardist and songwriter for the Isley Brothers, who passed away at the age of 73 due to complications from cancer, diagnosed just two months prior.
His family has expressed their devastation at the loss, reflecting on Chris’s remarkable contributions to music and his indelible legacy.
Chris Jasper played a vital role in one of the most iconic soul and funk groups of the 1970s and early 1980s. The Isley Brothers, known for their electrifying performances, seamlessly blended powerful funk anthems like “Fight The Power” and “That Lady” with tender ballads such as “For The Love of You” and “(At Your Best) You Are Love.”
The Isleys were not only recognized for their striking visual presentations, including smoke-filled concerts, but also for the unparalleled musical versatility that set them apart from their contemporaries.
While Ronald Isley’s captivating voice and Ernie Isley’s electrifying guitar solos certainly garnered much of the spotlight, as Soul Track’s Chris Rizik notes, it is essential to acknowledge Chris Jasper’s instrumental role in shaping the unique sound of the Isleys. His exceptional keyboard work, particularly on the Moog synthesizer, served as the backbone for many of the group’s dance hits and heartfelt ballads, including classics like “Groove With You” and “Between the Sheets.” His artistry was pivotal in defining the Isleys’ sound, making him an invaluable member of the group despite often being overlooked.
Scroll to continue reading
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, as the youngest of seven siblings, Jasper relocated to New York after completing high school. He earned both an undergraduate and law degree, which is a testament to his diverse talents and intellect. Having family ties to the Isley Brothers through his sister Elaine’s marriage to Rudolph Isley, Jasper joined the group as part of the younger trio alongside Ernie and Marvin Isley for the landmark album “3+3” in 1972. This album revolutionized the fusion of metal and funk, drawing inspiration from the pioneering sounds of Jimi Hendrix and James Brown.
The success of “3+3,” characterized by its innovative sound and exceptional songwriting, established the Isley Brothers as a formidable force in the music industry. After 13 years and an impressive run of 11 gold albums, the group restructured, and Jasper along with Ernie and Marvin Isley formed Isley/Jasper/Isley. This new group released three albums under Columbia/Epic, with the standout track “Caravan of Love,” which became a definitive soul classic of the 1980s, showcasing Jasper’s talent as a principal writer and performer.
Following the dissolution of Isley/Jasper/Isley in 1988, Jasper continued to forge his path as a solo artist, founding his own Gold City label and signing a distribution deal with CBS. His debut album, “Superbad,” maintained the smooth, keyboard-driven sound that characterized his earlier work and achieved notable success, including a #1 R&B hit with the title track. Jasper continued to create music that resonated with audiences, releasing the acclaimed “Time Bomb” and transitioning to Gospel music with “Praise the Eternal” in 1992.
Throughout his career, Jasper recorded over a dozen albums across various genres, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992, received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014, and was honored with the National R&B Society Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.
In 2020, he was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the SoulTracks Readers’ Choice Awards, underscoring his profound impact on soul and funk music.
As we remember Chris Jasper, it is important to celebrate not only his impressive body of work but also his enduring legacy within the community of musicians and fans alike. His contributions to the Isley Brothers and his influence as an independent soul artist have shaped the landscape of music for decades. His artistry will forever be cherished, and his spirit will live on through the timeless songs he helped create, inspiring future generations of musicians and music lovers.
View this post on Instagram
RELATED NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: The Isley Brothers’ Essential Library – 23-CD Box Set Collection is Historic
