Chris Jasper
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Biography
Singer, guitarist, and producer Chris Jasper â born in Cincinnati, Ohio on December 30, 1951 â was best known for his association with iconic soul outfit the Isley Brothers and the offshoot musical project Isley-Jasper-Isley. While growing up in Cincinnati, he became friendly with the Isley family, who lived in the same apartment complex. He eventually formed a jazz trio, playing keyboards with younger Isley siblings Ernie (drums) and Marvin (bass). A classically trained musician, Chris Jasper studied music composition at the Julliard School of Music in New York City and earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in music composition from Long Island University. Eventually, he and the two younger Isleys began working with the hit-making Isley elders and turned the Isley Brothers into a funk-oriented sextet. Beginning in 1973, Chris Jasper wrote songs for the brothers as well as producing and arranging their recordings. For the next decade, Chris worked with the Isley Brothers on a string of albums and several hits including âThat Ladyâ (1973), âLive It Upâ (1974), âFight the Powerâ (1975), âHarvest for the Worldâ (1976), âThe Prideâ (1977), and âBetween the Sheetsâ (1983). The six member Isley Brothers split up in 1984 with several members continuing the group and signing to Warner Bros. Records. However, Chris Jasper, Marvin Isley, and Ernie Isley chose to re-sign with longtime label CBS as Isley-Jasper-Isley. The trio recorded three albums â Broadwayâs Closer to Sunset Blvd (1984), Caravan of Love (1985), and Different Drummer (1986) â before breaking up. Chris Jasper continued as a solo artist beginning with the hit album Superbad (1988) and released more than a dozen solo album while also working with other artists including Chaka Khan, Liz Hogue, and others. Chris Jasper died of cancer on February 23, 2025, at the age of 73.
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