Walter C. Scott Jr., a founding member of the R&B group The Whispers, has died, per the LA Sentinel. He was 81.
According to the outlet, Scott died Thursday (June 26) in Northridge, California, following a six-month battle with cancer. The singer was reportedly surrounded by his family at the time of his death.
Scott was a founding member of The Whispers along with his twin brother, Wallace. The group produced several hitmakers, including “And the Beat Goes On,” “Rock Steady,” “It’s a Love Thing,” “Lady, “Love is Where You Find It,” and “Love at Its Best.”
The singer was born in Fort Worth, Texas in 1944. Scott’s family later moved to Los Angeles, where he and his brother created The Whispers in 1963 along with Nicholas Caldwell, Marcus Hutson, and Gordy Harmon. The group relocated to San Francisco in 1966 before Scott was drafted to serve in the Vietnam War. He rejoined the group following his return in 1969.
The Whispers recorded for various labels, including Soul Clock, Janus, Soul Train, and Solar Records. Throughout their career, the group charted 15 top 10 R&B hits and eight top 10 R&B albums.
In 1973, Harmon, who died in 2023, suffered an injury to his larynx and was replaced by Leaveil Degree. 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 his brother Wallace.
Rest in peace, Walter Scott.
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