Singer Chris Jasper, who sang with the Isley Brothers and pursued a solo music career as well, died this week at age 73. He was recently diagnosed with cancer.

Jasper was an R&B singer-songwriter and producer credited with shaping the sound of the Isley Brothers in the ‘70s and ’80s. He, along with Ernie and Marvin Isley, transformed the vocal trio (originally known for ‘50s and ’60s hits like “Shout” and “This Old Heart of Mine”) into a six-member R&B/funk group in 1973.

The late R&B singer was the original frontman of The Impressions, a musical group that he co-founded with Curtis Mayfield.