Gordy Harmon, founding member of The Whispers, dies at 79

(January 6, 2023) His name wasn’t known to music fans generally, but he was an original member of one of the all-time great vocal groups. Today we say a sad goodbye to Gordy Harmon, one of the founding members of the iconic singing group The Whispers. Harmon died last night in his sleep at his home in Los Angeles. He was 79.

Formed in LA in the early 60s, the Whispers took the "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 Harmon, the group recorded several singles with moderate success in the 1960s and early 70s, including “The Time Will Come” and “Seems Like I Gotta Do Wrong.” But they couldn’t seem to achieve real national attention.

Suffering from throat problems, Harmon left the group in 1973 and was replaced by Leaveil Degree. But the group’s fortunes didn’t change for another half dozen years, when they signed with LA’s SOLAR Records, and were with upcoming writer/producer Leon Sylvers, resulting in the across-the-board smash hit "And the Beat Goes On." That began a string of hit that lasted for nearly two decades and made the Whispers one of the post popular R&B vocal groups ever.

Harmon didn’t get to experience the highs that The Whispers ultimately achieved, but he was certainly a key part of the formative years – the nights of small clubs and small checks – that prepared the group for the halcyon days that were to come.

By Chris Rizik