Walter Scott, Co-Founder of The Whispers, Passes Away at 81

Walter Scott, the beloved co-founder of the legendary R&B group The Whispers, has passed away at the age of 81 after a six-month battle with cancer. Surrounded by his family in Northridge, Los Angeles, the soul icon’s death marks the end of a golden era in classic R&B.

Known for their velvet harmonies and timeless grooves, The Whispers formed in 1964 at Jordan High School in Watts, California, led by Walter and his twin brother Wallace “Scotty” Scott. Over more than five decades, the group carved out a monumental presence in the music industry with 33 top ten hits and 20 Billboard-charted albums. Songs like And the Beat Goes On, Rock Steady, It’s a Love Thing, and A Song for Donny made them romantic royalty in the R&B world.

Walter’s contributions helped The Whispers rise from Soul Train Records’ first signed act to global stardom with Solar Records. Their sound, a blend of soul, jazz, disco, and pop, made them a household name. Even as trends shifted, the group’s lineup stayed remarkably steady—Walter, Scotty, and Leaveil Degree kept the legacy alive well into the 2000s. They began re-recording their music in 2022 to own their masters, a power move in preserving their legacy.

Beyond the charts, The Whispers stood for more than music. Their songs pushed messages of social awareness and human compassion—like Seems Like I Gotta Do Wrong and How Long. Their accolades speak volumes: Vocal Group Hall of Fame, NAACP Image Award, Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame, and even the Presidential Lifetime Volunteer Service Award from President Biden in 2022, honoring their community work in education, cancer awareness, and social justice.

Walter Scott’s influence ran deep. His voice shaped soundtracks for generations and his message lifted communities. Now, as fans mourn his loss, his music continues to tell the story of love, struggle, and soul.