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Daily Mail
a day 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
2 days 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
