Latest news with #TheWhispers


Hindustan Times
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Walter Scott Jr. dies at 81: What was the cause of Vocalist of The Whispers' death?
Jun 29, 2025 04:14 PM IST Walter Scott Jr. passed away on Thursday, June 26 at the age of 81 following a fight with cancer. Walter C. Scott Jr., the singer and co-founder of the R&B group The Whispers (Michael) The R&B icon gained notoriety as a founding member of the vocal group The Whispers, who released classics including Rock Steady in 1987 and And the Beat Goes On in 1979. He passed away six months after receiving a cancer diagnosis, according to several media publications, including the Los Angeles Sentinel and Billboard.


New York Post
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Walter Scott Jr., founding member of R&B group ‘The Whispers,' dead at 81 after cancer battle
Walter Scott Jr., a founding member of the iconic R&B group The Whispers, died after his six-month-long battle with cancer on Thursday. He was 81 years old. Scott was surrounded by his loved ones in Northridge, Calif., a suburb of Los Angeles, when he died, according to the Los Angeles Sentinel. Advertisement Walter Scott Jr. co-founded The Whispers in 1963. The Whispers' Music / Facebook The legendary group's former publicist, Desirae Lee Benson-Brockington, mourned the trailblazing musician, declaring Scott's 'legacy will continue to live on.' 'Walter was more than a performer — he was part of a movement that brought soul, harmony, and timeless love songs to generations,' Benson-Brockington wrote. 'His legacy will continue to live on through every note, every lyric, and every fan he touched.' Advertisement Benson-Brockington started working with the group in 2020, decades after the artists formed their influential style. 'Watching him perform was a masterclass in grace and soul — but knowing him personally was the real gift,' Benson-Brockingson added. 'We'll miss his warm presence, his wisdom, and the way he made everyone feel like they mattered. Rest well, Walter. Your voice lives on, and so does your legacy.' The 'And the Beat Goes On' singer was born in Fort Worth, Texas, but moved to Los Angeles in 1959. Scott formed The Whispers during high school in 1963 alongside his identical twin brother, Wallace 'Scotty,' Nicholas Caldwell, Marcus Hutson and Gordy Harmon, according to Billboard. Advertisement 'We'll miss his warm presence, his wisdom, and the way he made everyone feel like they mattered,' former publicist, Desirae Lee Benson-Brockington wrote on Facebook. Desirae Lee Benson-Brockington / Facebook Scott's music career was put on hold after he was drafted to serve in the Vietnam War, but he returned to the group in 1969, the same year the group's first album, 'Planets of Life, was released. The musicians got their first taste of success in 1970 when their track 'Seems Like I Gotta Do Wrong' cracked the Top 10 on the Billboard R&B charts. The Whispers maintained a steady presence on the Billboard R&B charts through the 70s with tracks like 'One for the Money (Part 1),' 'Make It With You,' and '(Let's Go) All the Way.' Advertisement One of the group's most well-known hits, 'And the Beat Goes On,' debuted in 1979 and they received their first – and only – Grammy nomination in 1987 for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group with their single 'Rock Steady.' The Whispers were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2003 and released over two dozen albums. Scott is survived by his wife, Jan, two sons, three grandchildren and his twin brother, who is the last founding member of the R&B group still alive.


Daily Mail
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Walter Scott Jr. dies at 81: R&B legend from The Whispers passes away after cancer battle
Walter Scott Jr. died at the age of 81 on Thursday, June 26 after a battle with cancer. The R&B legend was famous for being one of the founding members of the vocal group The Whispers, releasing hits such as And the Beat Goes On in 1979 and Rock Steady in 1987. According to multiple media outlets, including Billboard and the Los Angeles Sentinel, he died six months after he was diagnosed with cancer. He was in Northridge, California, surrounded by his family at the time of his passing. Scott was one of the original founding members of the iconic vocal group The Whispers, who cemented their place in R&B history after 15 of their songs landed in the Top 10 of Billboard's R&B chart over the years. Their greatest hits, And the Beat Goes On, topped the chart in 1980, while Rock Steady also reached No. 1 status in 1987. The R&B legend was famous for being one of the founding members of the vocal group The Whispers, releasing hits such as And the Beat Goes On in 1979 and Rock Steady in 1987. He died six months after he was diagnosed with cancer Scott was born in Texas in 1944, but his family later relocated to Los Angeles in his early years. While living there in 1963, he and his brother, Wallace Scott, decided to form an R&B quintet together called The Whispers alongside Nicholas Caldwell, Marcus Hutson and Gordy Harmon. Scott eventually went on hiatus from the group when he was drafted to serve in the Vietnam War, but he rejoined them in 1969. The Whispers also landed eight of their R&B records on the Top 10 R&B albums chart. They continued performing throughout the 2000s, and in 2014, The Whispers were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame. Hutson died in 2000, while Caldwell and Harmon died in 2016 and 2023, respectively. According to Billboard, Scott is survived by his wife Jan and their two sons, three grandchildren and his brother.
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Walter Scott Jr. of The Whispers Dead at 81 After Battle With Cancer
Walter C. Scott Jr., whose buttery vocals alongside his identical twin Wallace were the hallmarks behind hitmaking R&B group The Whispers, died on Thursday (June 26) after a six-month battle with cancer. At the time of his death in Northridge, Calif., the 81-year-old was surrounded by his family. The Los Angeles-based quintet is best known for its spate of R&B hits in the '80s such as its first No. 1 with dance anthem 'And the Beat Goes On,' followed by the sensual ballad 'Lady,' the up-tempo groove 'It's a Love Thing' and the group's second No. 1 with another dance track 'Rock Steady,' which also reached No. 7 on the Hot 100. All told, The Whispers charted 15 top 10 R&B hits, beginning in 1970 with the group's No. 6 breakthrough ballad 'Seems Like I Gotta Do Wrong.' The quintet also counts eight top 10 R&B albums in its catalog including two No. 1s: The Whispers and Love Is Where You Find It. More from Billboard Gone But Not Forgotten: Musicians We Lost in 2025 Benson Boone Scores First ARIA Albums Chart No. 1 With 'American Heart' KATESEYE Release New EP 'BEAUTIFUL CHAOS': Stream It Now Walter Scott Jr. was born in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1944, with the family later moving to Los Angeles. That's where he and his brother Wallace teamed up as The Whispers with Nicholas Caldwell, Marcus Hutson and Gordy Harmon in 1963. The group relocated briefly to San Francisco in 1966, playing gigs and honing their live act. Drafted to serve in the Vietnam War, Walter rejoined the group when he returned in 1969. Recording for various labels including Soul Clock, Janus and Soul Train, The Whispers began to hit its stride in 1978 after signing with Dick Griffey's Solar Records, scoring No. 10 on the R&B chart with '(Let's Go) All the Way' followed by the top 15 '(Olivia) Lost and Turned Out.' A year later came 'And the Beat Goes On.' In addition to their elegant vocals and scintillating harmonies, the group was heralded as well for its smooth dance routines onstage, making The Whispers a concert draw well into the 2000s. Following an injury to his larynx, Harmon — who died in 2023 — was replaced by Leaveil Degree in 1973. Fellow founding members Hutson and Caldwell died in 2000 and 2016, respectively. The Whispers were inducted into the National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame in 2014. Walter is survived by his wife, Jan, two sons, three grandchildren and brother Wallace. Information about funeral services will be announced at a later date. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart


Black America Web
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Walter Scott, Founding Member of The Whispers, Passes Away at 81
Source: Paras Griffin / Getty Walter Scott, a founding member of the legendary R&B vocal group The Whispers, has passed away at the age of 81, leaving behind a rich musical legacy that spans over five decades. His family confirmed his passing to the LA Sentinel on June 26, following a six-month battle with cancer. In a statement to SoulTracks, Whispers Promotional Team member, Desirae L. Benson, said the following: We all are incredibly heartbroken. It is with deep sadness that we confirm the passing of Walter Scott, beloved member of the legendary R&B group The Whispers. His voice, presence, and contributions helped shape a musical legacy that touched millions. Walter's impact on the industry and in the hearts of fans will never be forgotten. Memorial details will be shared at a later date. Sending love and light to his family, friends, and all of the millions of fans around the world. We lost a legend! Scott, alongside his twin brother Wallace 'Scotty' Scott, formed The Whispers in 1963 in Los Angeles. The group, known for their smooth harmonies, impeccable style, and timeless hits, became one of the defining sounds of R&B and soul music. Though Walter was often regarded as the more reserved of the Scott brothers, his contributions to the group were immeasurable, from his distinct baritone to his passion for perfection in their performances. The Whispers gained a reputation during the 1970s and 1980s as one of the most consistent and beloved acts in R&B. Their breakthrough came in 1979 with the hit 'And the Beat Goes On,' which topped the R&B charts and earned them widespread acclaim. The song, with its infectious groove and flawless vocal arrangement, remains a staple of the genre to this day. Another of their major hits, 'Rock Steady,' released in 1987, showcased their ability to adapt to evolving musical trends while staying true to their soulful roots. Beyond commercial success, The Whispers' music stood out for its themes of love, heartache, and perseverance. Tracks like 'Lady' and 'It's a Love Thing' resonated with generations of fans, cementing their place in the pantheon of R&B greats. Walter Scott performed with the group well into his later years, showing remarkable dedication to the craft. The Whispers were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2003, a testament to their enduring impact on the music world. Along with his brother, Scott leaves behind his wife, Jan, two sons, and three grandchildren. SEE ALSO Walter Scott, Founding Member of The Whispers, Passes Away at 81 was originally published on