Founding member of R&B group The Whispers, Walter Scott Jr., has died aged 81.
According to the Los Angeles Sentinel, the musician died on Thursday (June 26), six months after being diagnosed with cancer. Scott was in Northridge, California and surrounded by his family at the time of his passing.
Desirae Lee Benson-Brockington, a publicist for The Whispers, paid tribute on Facebook, writing: “I’ve had the honor of witnessing up close the power of Walter’s artistry, humility, and grace. His contribution to music, culture, and the hearts of so many will never be forgotten.
“Walter was more than a performer — he was part of a movement that brought soul, harmony, and timeless love songs to generations. His legacy will continue to live on through every note, every lyric, and every fan he touched.”
Fans also took to social media to pay their respects to the musician, thanking him for “a lifetime of masterful song & music”. You can check out more tributes below.
Remembering #WalterScott of the #Whispers he had been sick for a while. He was 82 years old.. Walter and his brother Scotty were a founding members of a musical group that was part of the musical culture for over 60 years🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/3yvEKJXWzq
— Patty Jackson (@MsPattyJackson) June 27, 2025
We are heartbroken to share the passing of Walter Scott, co-founder and original voice of the legendary R&B group The Whispers. His smooth vocals and timeless style helped define a generation of soul music.
Walter’s voice was more than sound, it was feeling, memory, and magic.… pic.twitter.com/svurlyWx7o
— Okayplayer (@okayplayer) June 27, 2025
Woken up to the incredibly sad news that Walter Scott, one of the co-founders of the Whispers, has died at the age of 81.
Walter established the legendary soul band with his twin brother Wallace in 1964.
Thank you so much for the music Walter and may you sleep peacefully ❤️🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/bOcWoz6Hc9— Lorraine King (@lorrainemking) June 27, 2025
So sorry to hear that Walter Scott, Jr. of The Whispers passed yesterday. I just saw him last July in Philly when they opened for Frankie Beverly’s last concert. This pic is from that night. I’m a twin and Lonnie is my heart. I can’t imagine losing him. pic.twitter.com/9j4sfKhKsX
— DSVS (@DSVideoSoul) June 27, 2025
Born in Texas in 1944, he moved with his family to Los Angeles, where he would later go on to form R&B quintet The Whispers with his twin brother Wallace, alongside Nicholas Caldwell, Marcus Hutson and Gordy Harmon.
Shortly after their formation in the early sixties, Scott Jr. was drafted to serve in the Vietnam War, but re-joined the group in 1969. They signed with Dick Griffey’s Solar Records (The Soul Train Gang, The Sylvers) in 1978, first finding success in No. 10 hit ‘(Let’s Go) All the Way’.
The group are also well known for hits including ‘And the Beat Goes on’ – which also had significant chart success – as well as tracks like ‘Lady’, ‘It’s a Love Thing’ and ‘Rock Steady’. They went on to land eight Top 10 R&B albums, with 1979’s ‘The Whisper’s and 1982’s ‘Love Is Where You Find It’ both going to No. 1.
In 2014, the group were inducted into the National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame, and, more recently, was recognised by Los Angeles for their contributions to the R&B and soul genres.
Marking Black Music Month last year, Councilwoman Heather Hutt presented them with a certificate of recognition. “We deeply appreciate seeing this honour,” Scott said at the time.
“This all started for us in Watts, California, more than 50 years ago, attending Jordan High School and the Jordan Downs projects. I’m so proud of that,” he stated.
Other awards for the band include inductions into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame, and Bay Area Blues Society Hall of Fame. Across their five-decade career, they also received the NAACP Image Award, the Black Music Academy Living Legends Award, and the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from Joe Biden.