Walter Scott, who with his twin brother Wallace “Scotty” founded the legendary R&B group The Whispers, has passed away at the age of 81, after a six-month bout with cancer, his family confirmed. He passed away surrounded by his family in the Northridge neighborhood of Los Angeles.
Desirae L. Benson, a member of the Whispers promotional team, confirmed Scott’s passing in a statement to Soul Tracks.
“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!“
The Whispers extensive catalog includes “And the Beat Goes On,” “Rock Steady,” “It’s a Love Thing,” “Lady, “Love is Where You Find It,” and “Love at Its Best.”
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The group’s 1979 self-titled album, in particular, was hugely popular and contained the band’s signature song, “And the Beat Goes On.” And just when they seemed to slow down, Babyface, who was a member of the Deele, wrote and produced “Rock Steady,” peaking at #7 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Subsequent albums, like 1980’s Imagination, 1982’s Love Is Where You Find It, and 1987’s Just Gets Better With Time, solidified the Whispers as a reliable force in the worlds of soul, R&B, and disco.
The group had a multitude of success including starting their own production company, winning a number of awards for heir singles, not to mention the group opened Game 2 of the 1989 World Series at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum with their rendition of the National Anthem.
In 2014, the Whispers were inducted into the National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame.
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The Roots’ Questlove eulogized Walter Scott on Instagram, calling him “one of the most trusted voices in 70s soul music.”
Cancer and Black Men
With Walter’s death adding to yet another Black man dying by cancer, we know that Black individuals, including men, have the highest death rate and shortest survival rate for most cancers in the U.S. Here are some of the cancers that affect our men the most:
- Prostate Cancer: Black men have the highest incidence of prostate cancer and are more than twice as likely to die from it than other racial/ethnic groups. The reasons for this disparity are complex and not fully understood, but may involve genetics, access to care, and differences in tumor biology.
- Lung Cancer: Lung cancer is the second most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death among Black men.
- Colorectal Cancer: Black men have the second highest incidence of colorectal cancer in the U.S., and death rates are 40% higher compared to white men. Experts recommend Black men begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45, which is younger than the general guideline.
- Multiple Myeloma: Black men are more than twice as likely to develop multiple myeloma than any other ethnic group, and also face a higher risk of death from the disease.
How Black Men Can Fight Back
Here are some things Black men can do to change these disparaging numbers of cancer deaths:
- Increased Screening and Early Detection: Prompt screening for cancers like prostate and colorectal cancer is crucial for early detection and improved outcomes.
- Improved Access to Care: Addressing financial barriers and increasing access to quality healthcare services are vital.
- Targeted Interventions: Specific programs and research aimed at understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by Black men are needed.
- Increased Diversity in Clinical Trials: Greater representation of Black individuals in clinical trials is crucial to ensure research findings and treatments are applicable to this population.
The Start of The Whispers
Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Walter and Scotty moved to Los Angeles with their family in 1959. They started singing while attending Jordan High School and in 1964, The Whispers were formed, according to a Sentinel interview with Walter and Scotty in 2017.
The original members included the twin brothers, along with Gordy Harmon, Marcus Hutson, and Nicholas Caldwell. After being invited to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1966 by Sly Stone, the group relocated to that area where they began developing a reputation as a show-stopping live act. Walter Scott was drafted to serve in the Vietnam War during that period for eighteen months, returning to the group in 1969 after discharge.
Marcus Hutson left the group in 1992 due to prostate cancer. According to the Whispers’ website, when Hutson succumbed to it on May 23, 2000, they vowed to never replace him, and started performing as a quartet.
Jerry McNeil resigned from his position as the keyboardist in the latter part of 1993 in order to spend more time with his family.
A veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, Walter served as a signaleer during the Vietnam War. Upon his return in 1969, he rejoined his brother in The Whispers. Walter recorded for several record companies, including Soul Train Records, Solar Records and Capital Records. In 1980, the group really took off and released several gold and platinum hits.
We’re sending our love, support and prayers to their entire family. Walter’s music and legacy will live on!
