Walter Scott Jr. of The Whispers Passes Away
Walter Scott Jr., a founding member of the renowned R&B group The Whispers, has died at the age of 81 after a six-month battle with cancer. His passing occurred on Thursday in Northridge, California, surrounded by family.
Des Lee Benson Brockington, a former spokesperson for the group, expressed sorrow over the loss, stating that Scott’s legacy will endure. “Walter was more than just a performer; he was part of a movement that brought soul and timeless love songs to countless listeners,” he commented, indicating how deeply Scott’s influence will be felt.
Benson Brockington joined the group in 2020, long after they had carved out a significant place in music history. He shared that witnessing Scott perform was an experience of grace and talent, commenting, “Knowing him personally was truly a gift.” The warmth and wisdom Scott exuded made everyone feel valued, he added. “Rest well, Walter. Your voice will continue to resonate, as will your legacy.”
Originally from Fort Worth, Texas, Scott moved to Los Angeles in 1959. He, along with his twin brothers Wallace “Scotty” and other members, formed The Whispers in 1963. Together, they were instrumental in shaping an influential sound in R&B.
Scott’s music journey faced interruptions when he was drafted into the Vietnam War, but he and the group released their debut album, *Planets of Life*, in 1969. They began to achieve success in 1970 with their hit “Seems to Be Wrong,” which climbed the R&B charts.
Throughout the 1970s and beyond, The Whispers maintained a consistent presence on the Billboard R&B charts. Notably, their song “And the Beat Goes On,” released in 1979, earned a Grammy nomination in 1987 for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for the track “Rock Steady.” In 2003, the group was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and has released over 20 albums throughout their career.
Scott is survived by his wife, January, two sons, three grandchildren, and his twin brothers, leaving behind a rich musical legacy as the last surviving founding member of The Whispers.
