Music legend Chris Jasper dies after cancer battle

His work was sampled by Tupac, The Notorious BIG and Jay-Z

The sad news was announced by his son, Michael Jasper, who said that his father had died after being diagnosed with cancer in December last year.

The musician joined The Isley Brothers in 1973 and is credited with helping to overhaul the style of the trio.

The band would become a six-member funk and R&B group.

In a statement on Jasper's Facebook page, his family said: "His songwriting talent and expertise on keyboards and synthesisers became the cornerstone of the group’s signature sound."

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on the 30 December 1951, Jasper learned his trade at the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, learning classical music.

He would go on to join his brother-in-law, Rudolph Isley, O’Kelly Isley, Ronald Isley, and their younger brothers Ernie and Marvin, after graduating.

Some of the bands biggest hits include Between the Sheets and The Heat is On, Fight the Power and For the Love of You.

After the band split in 1984, the remnants became Isley-Jasper-Isley with Ernie and Marvin, hitting new hits with Caravan of Love, which would later be covered by British band The Housemartins in 1986.

In his later life, Jasper would go on to release music as a solo artist.

His work was sampled by huge names such as Tupac, Jay-Z and Snoop Dogg.

His family said: “He will be deeply missed and his legacy will live on as an inspiration for generations.”