Funk music started to emerge in black American communities ... song Thank You and Family Affair in 1971 – and The Isley Brothers. There was also crossover with Motown artists such as The ...

as Uncle Jam led his all-star virtuoso crew of “extra-terrestrial brothers” through a nonstop rush of visionary concept albums. Their beats became the mothership of hip-hop and dance music.

A classically trained musician and composter, Jasper helped write, produce and arrange much of The Isley Brothers' music from 1973 ... trio to a six-man R&B, funk powerhouse.

Chris Jasper, a member of The Isley Brothers in the 1970s and 1980s, has died at 73, his son confirms with PEOPLE. His family ...