The Whispers, Blue Note Napa, CA

Event Date: November 1, 2025 - 07:00 PM
Website: www.bluenotejazz.com
Location Map:

Location: Blue Note Napa, 1030 Main Street, Napa, CA 94559
Date: Nov 1, 2025 – 7pm

The Whispers, one of the most cherished and consistently popular vocal groups in R&B music, commenced their iconic and enduring career in 1963.

Twin brothers Walter and Wallace Scott, along with their friends Nicholas Caldwell, Marcus Hutson, and Gordy Harmon, established a local singing ensemble. They honed their intricate harmonies on street corners in the Watts area of Los Angeles and in nightclubs throughout the San Francisco/Oakland Bay Area. Initially, they performed as “the Eden trio,” a name devised by Nicholas Caldwell and Marcus Hutson. Eventually, they were rebranded as “The Whispers” by Lou Bedell of Dore Records. Between 1964 and 1967, the group recorded nine singles for the Dore label. Their popularity surged in the Bay Area as they participated in a series of events known as “The Battle of the Bands,” where they vied for the admiration and affection of local audiences against other acts. In 1969, they released “The Time Will Come” under a small Los Angeles-based label, Soul Clock Records, and subsequently achieved their first Top 10 R&B hit, “Seems Like I Gotta Do Wrong,” in 1970 after transitioning to Janus Records. By 1971, Gordy Harmon opted to depart from the group and was succeeded by Leaveil Degree, who had previously performed with “The Friends of Distinction.”

The Whispers achieved a series of hits over the subsequent two decades, establishing themselves as the foremost romantic vocalists of their time, accumulating one gold album after another and securing numerous R&B hits throughout the 1970s and 1980s. They were the inaugural artists to be featured on the newly established Soul Train label, co-owned by the creator and host of the TV show, Don Cornelius, and entrepreneur Dick Griffey. Their albums from the 1970s, including “One For The Money”, “Open Up Your Love”, and “Headlights”, garnered national recognition, producing two singles that reached Billboard’s Top 20 R&B Charts: “(Let’s Go) All the Way” and “(Olivia) Lost and Turned Out”. Their first platinum album, “The Whispers” (1980), showcased “A Song For Donny,” a tribute written by Carrie Lucas in honor of Donny Hathaway, along with their most significant hit, “And The Beat Goes On.” This album became their best-selling release, achieving double platinum status. The neoclassic track “Lady,” penned by group member Nicholas Caldwell, remains a concert favorite. The 1987 album “Just Gets Better with Time” also achieved platinum status, featuring the R&B number one and US Top 10 pop hit “Rock Steady,” a collaboration with Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds. Their vocal style evokes a more refined era of crooning, favoring soft pillow talk and songs that resonate with deep emotions. They are arguably the most revered R&B balladeers of their generation, continuing to captivate audiences with the smooth yet powerful tenors of twins Walter and Scotty. In the 1990s, The Whispers became part of the Capitol Records family, releasing additional favorites. Brothers Walter and Scotty expanded their creative boundaries by producing “My Brothers Keeper,” a duet album that received critical acclaim in 1993, achieving another R&B success with their rendition of the Intruders’ “I Wanna Know Your Name.” In 1995, they released “Toast to the Ladies,” which included a compilation of love songs dedicated to women worldwide. In 1997, the group transitioned to Interscope Records, where they once again collaborated with Babyface on their album, “Songbook, Vol. 1: The Songs of Babyface.” Marcus ceased performing with the group in 1989 due to health issues, and following his passing in 2000, the Whispers pledged never to replace him. In the new millennium, the group continues to perform globally, entertaining thousands of devoted fans. They have maintained their original lineup, which includes Walter Scott, Wallace Scott, Nicholas Caldwell, and Leaveil Degree. The group has made a significant impact in Las Vegas, consistently selling out performances in various casinos and hotels, and they enjoy a substantial following on both the West and East coasts, especially in the San Francisco Bay Area, Southern California, New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC, St. Louis, Indiana, and Chicago. On September 23, 2003, their four decades of achievements were recognized when Charlie Thomas of the Drifters inducted them into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. On June 12, 2005, the San Francisco Chapter of the Grammy Awards honored the Whispers with the esteemed Governors Award, the highest accolade given by an Academy Chapter. They continue to perform to sold-out audiences worldwide, and their popularity is on the rise among younger generations whose parents introduced them to the Whispers’ music. Additionally, they are recognized for their philanthropic efforts with youth involved in the PAL (Police Athletic League) Reading Program, as well as their ongoing support for domestic violence organizations and cancer agencies. They are among the few “old school” groups that can proudly claim over 40 years in the industry, boasting a global fan base while preserving their vocal prowess and original lineup. The Whispers took nearly a decade to release a new CD in 2006. This independent project, the inaugural effort of their newly established company “Satin Tie Productions”, is a remarkable work titled “For Your Ears Only”. Walter expresses, “This title signifies our gratitude to our fans who have supported us for many, many years.” Nick offers his insights regarding its significance, stating, “In my view, the CD embodies the musical DNA and artistic expression of what the Whispers were and have evolved into over their 42 years together. It was designed to resonate with the ears, hearts, and minds of our incredibly supportive and loyal fan base. It was a labor of love, and I believe it is a collection of work blessed by God. CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Four Decades of Pop and R & B Favorites, Seven Gold Albums, Two Platinum Albums, 12 Top Twenty Singles, 40 Charted Hits Since 1970, American Music Award Nominees, Soul Train Award Nominees, Grammy Award Nominees, 2003 Vocal Group Hall of Fame Inductees, 2005 Regional Grammy Governors Award, 2002 NAACP Image Award.

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The Whispers, Blue Note Napa, CA

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