Latest news with #AndtheBeatGoesOn
Los Angeles Times
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Walter Scott of R&B group the Whispers dies at 81
Walter Scott, who with his twin brother Wallace founded the Los Angeles-based R&B group the Whispers — a hit-making force in the 1970s and '80s with songs like 'And the Beat Goes On,' 'Rock Steady,' 'Lady' and 'Seems Like I Gotta Do Wrong' — died Thursday, according to multiple media outlets, including Billboard and the Los Angeles Sentinel. He was 81. The Sentinel reported that Scott's family said he died in Northridge after a six-month bout with cancer. With a smooth, danceable sound built on sturdy post-disco rhythms and carefully arranged group vocals, the Whispers put 15 songs inside the Top 10 of Billboard's R&B chart; 'And the Beat Goes On' reached No. 1 in 1980, followed by 'Rock Steady,' which topped the tally in 1987. The band's music was widely sampled in later years, including by 50 Cent, Mobb Deep, J. Cole and Will Smith, the last of whom used 'And the Beat Goes On' as the basis for his late-'90s hit 'Miami.' In a post on Instagram, the musician and filmmaker Questlove described Scott as 'one of the most trusted voices in '70s soul music' and compared him to 'the talented uncle in the family….who btw could DUST you inna min w his dizzying blink & you lost him squiggle gee doo dweedy scatlibs.' Scott was born in 1944 in Fort Worth, Texas, and later moved to L.A. with his family; he and his brother started singing as students at Jordan High School, according to the Sentinel, and formed the Whispers in the mid-'60s with Nicholas Caldwell, Marcus Hutson and Gordy Harmon. The group spent time in San Francisco before Scott was drafted to serve in the Vietnam War. The group recorded for a series of record companies but found its biggest success on Dick Griffey's Solar label. The Whispers were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame. Billboard said Scott is survived by his wife, Jan; two sons; three grandchildren and his brother.
Black America Web
a day ago
- 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
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Walter Scott, co-founder of R&B group 'The Whispers', dies at 81
Walter Scott, co-founder of the renowned R&B group The Whispers, has passed away at the age of 81. His death was confirmed by family and friends, marking the end of a musical legacy that helped define soul and R&B from the 1960s onward. Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Walter and his twin brother Wallace 'Scotty' Scott relocated to Los Angeles in 1959. The brothers began singing while attending Jordan High School, and in 1964, they formed The Whispers, a group that would become one of R&B's most enduring acts. The Whispers achieved mainstream success in the late 1970s and 1980s with a series of gold and platinum records. Their most celebrated hits include 'And the Beat Goes On,' 'Rock Steady,' 'It's a Love Thing,' 'Lady,' 'Love is Where You Find It,' and 'Love at Its Best.' In a 2017 interview with the L.A. Sentinel, Walter reflected on their breakthrough: 'We knew by 1981, we didn't think of it as made it, we thought of it as the validation from our peers and fans that they liked us.' Scotty added, 'From that point on, up until 1988 everything we recorded was either gold or platinum.' Walter and Scotty remained active performers well into their later years. In 2023, they headlined the Taste of Soul Family Festival, continuing to bring their classic sound to new generations of fans.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
‘And the Beat Goes On' event brings awareness to heart health
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – In honor of American Heart Month, Sweat with Jess is hosting 'And the Beat Goes On,' a high-energy dance fitness event dedicated to raising awareness about heart health. The event occurs on Saturday, 15 at 10 a.m. at Sweat with Jess Fitness Studio & Events on 7633 Pines Road. Participants are encouraged to wear red to support heart health awareness. Online registration is required, and attendees can get a Sweat with Jess t-shirt when signing up. Moving with Mata: 'Sweat with Jess' hip-hop dance workout classes One of this year's honorees is Rhyna Blackwell, who is using her journey to warn other women about the risks of heart disease. 'I would definitely say if you feel like you have any issues, any swelling, or fatigue just go get it checked. If we catch it early, because heart disease is the number one killer of women in America, then we can have early prevention, and you can make the life changes you need just to stay healthy,' Blackwell emphasized. With heart disease remaining the leading cause of death among women in the U.S., Sweat with Jess aims to make fitness fun while spreading a life-saving message. For more details and to register, visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
