Formed in LA in the early 60s, the Whispers have certainly taken a "slow and steady" career course in which they have quietly become one of the most successful modern soul groups. Consisting of twin brothers Walter and Wallace (Scotty) Scott, Nicholas Caldwell, Marcus Hutson and Leaveil Degree (who replaced departing member Gordy Harmon in 1973), the Whispers have survived a half century of changes in the musical world and displayed amazing group unity in their rise to the top... Click Here for the full Whispers biography
Formed in LA in the early 60s, the Whispers have certainly taken a "slow and steady" career course in which they have quietly become one of the most successful modern soul groups. Consisting of twin brothers Walter and Wallace (Scotty) Scott, Nicholas Caldwell, Marcus Hutson and Leaveil Degree (who replaced departing member Gordy Harmon in 1973), the Whispers have survived a half century of changes in the musical world and displayed amazing group unity in their rise to the top... Click Here for the full Whispers biography
When the group finally broke out big in 1980, teaming writer/producer Leon Sylvers and landing the hit "And the Beat Goes On," it began a period of chart dominance. But that album also had a touching ballad that continues to be a favorite of fans over three decades later. "A Song For Donny" was a tribute to Donny Hathaway sung to the tune of Hathaway's "This Christmas" (with lyrics by Whispers labelmate Carrie Lucas) and with a slowed down groove that captured both the sadness of Hathaway's death and the magnitude of his accomplishments.
"A Song For Donny" is this week's SoulTracks Lost Gem. Hear it all over again, and tell us what you remember about this classic gem.