Overview

• Walter C. Scott Jr. died at age 81 in Northridge, California, on June 26 after a six-month battle with cancer, according to family and group statements.
• As co-founder and lead vocalist of The Whispers, Scott helped define post-disco soul with hits like “And the Beat Goes On” and “Rock Steady,” and the group amassed two No. 1 R&B albums and 15 Top 10 R&B singles.
• Formed in Watts, California, in 1963, The Whispers navigated Vietnam War interruptions and achieved a commercial breakthrough in 1978 after signing with SOLAR Records.
• Fellow artists and publicists, including Desirae L. Benson and Questlove, paid tribute to Scott’s smooth vocals and his influence on generations of soul musicians.
• Scott is survived by his wife, Jan, two sons, three grandchildren, and his twin brother Wallace, with memorial arrangements to be announced.