Latest news with #TheWhispers
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- 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
a day ago
- 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
2 days 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
2 days 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.
CBC
24-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
8 books to read if you loved Watch Out for Her by Samantha M. Bailey
Fans of the first thriller on Canada Reads will enjoy these other titles Image | Maggie Mac Neil Caption: Maggie Mac Neil holds up thriller novel Watch Out for Her on the set of Canada Reads 2025. (Joanna Roselli/CBC) Open Image in New Tab Olympic swimmer Maggie Mac Neil championed Watch Out for Her by Samantha M. Bailey on Canada Reads 2025. The thriller was the first of its genre in the show's history! Watch Out for Her is about a young mother named Sarah who thinks her problems are solved when she hires a young babysitter, Holly, for her six-year-old son. Her son adores Holly and Holly adores Sarah, who is like the mother she never had. But when Sarah sees something that she can't unsee, she uproots her family to start over. Her past follows her to this new life, raising paranoid questions of who is watching her now? And what do they want? Here are eight Canadian books to read if you loved Watch Out for Her. The Whispers by Audrey Audrain Image | The Whispers by Ashley Audrain composite Caption: The Whispers is a book by Ashley Audrain. (Viking, Alex Moskalyk) Open Image in New Tab In The Whispers, the truth behind a picture-perfect neighbourhood is revealed following an incident at a neighbourhood barbecue when the seemingly flawless hostess explodes in fury because her son disobeys her. When her son falls from his bedside window one night and she stops talking to everyone, the women in the neighbourhood begin to contend with what led to this horrible incident. Ashley Audrain is the former publicity director of Penguin Canada. Her debut novel The Push was a New York Times bestseller and won the Best Crime First Novel at the 2022 Crime Writers of Canada Awards. She currently lives in Toronto. Behind You by Catherine Hernandez Image | Behind You by Catherine Hernandez Caption: Behind You is a novel by Catherine Hernandez. (Noor Khan, HarperAvenue) Open Image in New Tab Behind You follows the story of Alma, a film editor for a corny true crime series. At a glance, her life with her wife and teenage son seems comfortable and safe. But when Infamous' latest episode features the Scarborough Stalker — who terrorized Alma's own neighborhood when she was a girl — Alma is consumed by her long-suppressed past. In present day, she must reckon with her understanding of consent to stop her young son from making terrible choices toward his own girlfriend. Unfolding in two timelines, Behind You challenges and dissects rape culture and champions one girl's resilience into adulthood. Hernandez is a Canadian writer, author and playwright. Her 2017 novel, Scarborough, was a shortlisted finalist for the 2017 Toronto Book Award, the 2018 Trillium Book Award, the 2018 Edmund White Award and was on Canada Reads 2022 defended by actress Malia Baker. Wild Hope by Joan Thomas Image | Wild Hope by Joan Thomas Caption: Wild Hope is a novel by Joan Thomas. (Ian McCausland, HarperCollins Canada) Open Image in New Tab Wild Hope follows Isla and Jake, a couple who are slowly drifting apart. Isla's farm-to-table restaurant is failing and visual artist Jake is haunted by his late father's legacy in the oil and gas industry. Jake's childhood friend-turned-enemy Reg Bevaqua is a local bottled-water baron and harbours a seething resentment toward Jake. Reg is a demanding regular at Isla's restaurant and Jake is keeping a close eye on him. When Jake disappears after a winter camping trip all signs point to Reg and his magnificent Georgian Bay property — and Isla is determined to get to the bottom of it. Joan Thomas is the author of four previous novels. Her first novel, Reading by Lightning, won the Commonwealth Prize for Best First Book (Canada and the Caribbean) and the Amazon First Novel Award. Her novel Five Wives won the 2019 Governor General's Literary Award for fiction. Her novel The Opening Sky was a finalist for the Governor General's Literary Award for fiction in 2014. Hold My Girl by Charlene Carr Image | Hold My Girl by Charlene Carr Caption: Hold My Girl is a novel by Charlene Carr. (HarperCollins Publishers) Open Image in New Tab Hold My Girl is a dual narrative novel about a seemingly impossible situation: two women, Katherine and Tess, find out after pregnancy that their eggs were mistakenly switched during in vitro fertilization (IVF). For Katherine, who conceived her miracle baby, Rose, the news is her worst nightmare realized. For Tess, the news is a seed of hope: her IVF treatment ended in a stilborn birth. Charlene Carr is a Toronto-raised writer and author now based in Nova Scotia. Her books include Hold My Girl and We Rip the World Apart. I Will Ruin You by Linwood Barclay Image | I Will Ruin You by Linwood Barclay Caption: I Will Ruin You is a novel by Linwood Barclay. (HarperCollins, Ellis Parrinder) Open Image in New Tab Most people never have to answer the question of how they would react in a life-or-death situation. Unfortunately, English teacher Richard Boyle must figure it out quickly when a former student shows up at school with a bomb in I Will Ruin You. His response averts a tragedy and hails him as a hero, but Richard is pulled into a dark web of secrets with a blackmailer, drug-dealing gangsters and a truth about his town that could cost him everything. Thriller writer Linwood Barclay is inspired by these 5 books Linwood Barclay is a New York Times bestselling author who has written over 20 books, including thrillers Find You First, Broken Promise and Elevator Pitch and the middle-grade novels Escape and Chase. Many of Barclay's books have been optioned for film and television, and he wrote the screenplay for the movie Never Saw It Coming, adapted from his novel of the same name. Barclay championed the memoir Jennie's Boy by Wayne Johnston on Canada Reads 2025. The Lost Sister by Andrea Gunraj In The Lost Sister, Sisters Alisha and Diana are growing up at Jane and Finch in Toronto, a neighbourhood where many immigrants have come to start their lives in Canada. A terrible sadness descends when Diana, Alisha's role model and light of the family, doesn't come home. Her body is found in the woods and Alisha thinks she knows what happened. This novel is partially inspired by the experiences of a former resident of the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children. Andrea Gunraj is also the author of The Sudden Disappearance of Seetha. Gunraj was longlisted for the 2020 CBC Short Story Prize for her story Back to Where You Came From. Are You Sara? by S.C. Lalli Are You Sara? revolves around a case of mistaken identity. When two women, each named Sara, get into separate rideshares one fateful night, one of them is murdered. But when the surviving Sara realizes that she might have actually been the target, it sets off a mystery involving race, class and ambition. S.C. Lalli is a Punjabi and Bengali writer based in Vancouver. Her other novels include Jasmine and Jake Rock the Boat, A Holly Jolly Diwali, Grown-Up Pose and The Matchmaker's List. The Lost Ones by Sheena Kamal
