The Whispers
The Whispers are a renowned American vocal group that originated in Los Angeles, California, in 1964. Initially formed in the Watts neighborhood, the group consisted of twin brothers Wallace "Scotty" and Walter Scott, along with other members who would come and go over the years, including Gordy Harmon, Marcus Hutson, and Nicholas Caldwell from the earlier group known as The Eden Trio. They began their musical journey by harmonizing at local events and quickly gained attention for their unique sound and style.
The Whispers gained their first major success in the late 1960s and continued to score hit records throughout the 1970s and beyond. They are well-known for their smooth R&B ballads and dance tracks. Their ability to blend harmonious vocals with catchy melodies contributed significantly to their popularity, leading to several chart-topping hits. Over time, they became a staple in the soul and R&B genres, earning acclaim for both their vocal performances and stage presence.
Throughout their career, The Whispers experienced minimal lineup changes, with the most notable being the addition of Leaveil Degree in 1973, following the injury of original member Gordy Harmon. This stability helped maintain their sound and identity as a group during the transition into more contemporary music trends. The Whispers navigated various musical eras, adapting their style while remaining true to their roots.
The Whispers have left an indelible mark on the music industry, influencing a multitude of artists across genres. Their extensive catalog includes numerous hits that have transcended generations. The group continues to be celebrated for their contributions to soul and R&B music, with many of their songs still resonating with audiences today.
Overall, The Whispers' journey reflects a remarkable legacy in the musical landscape, characterized by their smooth harmonies, engaging performances, and ability to evolve with the times while maintaining their unique identity. Their story is a testament to the enduring power of music and the lasting impact of vocal harmony groups in American culture.
Bingo
Arranged By – Norman Harris
Producer – Baker, Harris, Young, Sigler
Written-By – Allan Felder, Bunny Sigler, Norman Harris 3:15
A2 Someone's Waiting
Arranged By – Norman Harris
Producer – Baker, Harris & Young Productions, Inc.
Written-By – Allan Felder, Bunny Sigler, Norman Harris 3:37
A3 Will You Be Mine
Arranged By – Ronald Baker
Producer – Baker, Harris & Young Productions, Inc.
Written-By – Norman Harris, Ronald Baker 3:37
A4 Little Red Riding Hood
Arranged By – Ronald Baker
Producer – Baker, Harris & Young Productions, Inc.
Written-By – Allan Felder, Bunny Sigler, James Sigler 3:40
A5 Bingo
Arranged By – Norman Harris
Producer – Baker, Harris & Young Productions, Inc.
Written-By – Allan Felder, Bunny Sigler, Norman Harris 5:19
B1 Once More With
Arranged By – Ronald Baker
Producer – Baker, Young & Harris Productions, Inc.
Written-By – Ronald Baker 3:22
B2 God Gave Me Everything
Arranged By – Norman Harris
Producer – Baker, Harris, Young, Bunny Sigler
Written-By – Allan Felder, Bunny Sigler, Norman Harris 3:56
B3 Where There Is Love
Arranged By – Bruce Hawes, Talmadge Conway
Producer – Bruce Hawes, Charles Simmons
Written-By – Bruce Hawes, Charles Simmons, Joseph B. Jefferson 3:53
B4 What More Can A Girl Ask For
Arranged By – Norman Harris
Producer – Baker, Harris & Young Productions, Inc.
Written-By – Allan Felder, Norman Harris 3:40
B5 Don't Take Your Love
Arranged By – Ron Kersey
Producer – Baker, Harris & Young Productions, Inc.
Written-By – Allan Felder, Bunny Sigler, Ron Kersey 3:00
B6 Broken Home
Arranged By – Vincent Montana
Producer – Baker, Harris & Young Productions, Inc.
Written-By – Allan Felder, Norman Harris 3:28
Label: Janus Records – JXS-7006
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1974
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Philly Soul
Bingo, the fourth album by The Whispers, is widely considered a "hidden gem" and arguably the best album of their early career. It is praised by critics and fans for its strong Philly Soul sound, lush arrangements, and the group's "peerless" vocal performances.
The album is lauded as a high point in the group's catalog that unfortunately suffered from a lack of promotion upon its initial release, preventing it from achieving the commercial success it deserved.
The move to Philadelphia for production resulted in a lush, string-drenched sound featuring the legendary M.F.S.B. house band (Baker, Harris, Young rhythm section, Vince Montana Jr. on vibes, etc.). This musical backdrop is described as "soulful and jazzy" and a "potent musical partnership" with The Whispers' vocals.
Reviewers highlight the group's "tight, tender and thankful harmonies" and the "power, passion and sincerity" of the lead vocals, noting a "vocal masterclass" on tracks like "God Gave Me Everything".
User reviews describe the album as a "well rounded release" for any 70s soul/funk fan, with "smooth and moody tunes" and a "big studio sound" that make it enjoyable and timeless.
Specific songs consistently receive praise, including "A Mother For My Children" (an "uptempo start" with "hurt and despair" in the vocal), the moving and dramatic "Someone's Waiting," and the joyful "Where There Is Love," an "infectiously catchy slice of Philly Soul".
Overall, Bingo is highly regarded as an album of immense quality and an essential listen for fans of The Whispers or 1970s R&B and Soul music.
More Of The Night
Arranged By [Background Vocals] – O'Deen Mays, Jr.
Arranged By [Strings, Rhythm & Vocal Arrangements] – Joel Davis
Backing Vocals – Whispers
Drum Programming – Skylark
Engineer – Fil Brown
Engineer [Assistant] – Joe Shay, Matt Hyde
Guitar – Gene Robinson
Lead Vocals – Scotty Scott
Mixed By – Taavi Mote
Percussion – Keith Robertson
Producer, Drum Programming, Programmed By [Keyboards], Strings, Bass, Keyboards – Joel Davis
Programmed By [Keyboards] – Gary Taylor
Written-By – Joel Davis
6:02
2 My Heart Your Heart
Arranged By [Rhythm & Strings] – Gary Taylor
Backing Vocals – Whispers
Engineer [Assistant] – Ross Donaldson
Engineer, Mixed By – Fil Brown
Lead Vocals – Scotty Scott
Producer, Keyboards, Drum Programming, Programmed By [Keyboards], Synthesizer [Bass Synthesizer] – Gary Taylor
Written-By – Gary Taylor
5:19
3 Mind Blowing
Arranged By [Rhythm & Strings] – Gordon Jones
Arranged By [Rhythm, Strings & Vocals] – Robert Brookins
Backing Vocals – Whispers
Co-producer, Keyboards, Drum Programming, Programmed By [Keyboards], Strings, Synthesizer [Bass Synth] – Gordon Jones
Engineer – Mitch Gibson
Engineer [Assistant] – Scott Weatherspoon
Lead Vocals – Scotty Scott
Mixed By – Jeff Lorenzen
Producer, Strings, Drum Programming, Programmed By [Keyboards] – Robert Brookins
Written-By – Quander, Jones, Brookins
4:55
4 Don't Be Late For Love
Backing Vocals – Alex Brown, Carl Carwell, Keni Burke, Marelena Jeter, Marva King
Cymbal – Ndugu Leon Chancellor
Engineer – Craig Burbridge, Steve Hallquist, Thom Kidd
Guitar [Solo] – Henry Johnson
Lead Vocals – Scotty Scott
Mixed By – Steve Hallquist
Producer – Peabo Bryson
Producer, Drums, Percussion, Bass, Keyboards, Drum Programming, Programmed By [Keyboards] – Sir Gant
Rhythm Guitar – Paul Jackson Jr.
Written-By – Jenkins, Ferguson, Lindsay
Written-By [Bridge] – Peabo Bryson
5:12
5 You Are The One
Arranged By [Guitar] – Eric Bryce, Gene Robinson
Arranged By [Strings, Rhythm & Vocals] – Joel Davis
Backing Vocals – Whispers
Drum Programming – Skylark
Engineer – Fil Brown
Engineer [Assistant] – Joe Shay
Guitar – Gene Robinson
Lead Vocals – Scotty Scott
Mixed By – Taavi Mote
Overdubbed By – Matt Hyde
Percussion – Keith Robertson
Producer, Drum Programming, Strings, Drums, Bass, Keyboards, Programmed By [Keyboards] – Joel Davis
Written-By – Joel Davis
5:26
6 Is It Good To You
Arranged By [Rhythm & Strings] – Tsuyoshi "Taka" Takayanagi
Arranged By [Vocals] – Kevin Spencer
Backing Vocals – Whispers
Drum Programming – Donnell Spencer
Engineer – Fil Brown, Jim Shifflet, Joe Shay
Lead Vocals – Scotty Scott
Mixed By – Craig Burbridge
Producer – Kevin Spencer
Producer, Strings, Drums, Bass, Keyboards, Drum Programming, Programmed By [Keyboards] – Tsuyoshi "Taka" Takayanagi
Saxophone – Gerald Albright
Written-By – K. Spencer, T. Takayanagi
6:16
7 Innocent
Arranged By [Rhythm & Vocals] – Gordon Jones, Robert Brookins
Arranged By [Strings] – Robert Brookins
Backing Vocals – Portia Griffin, Whispers
Co-producer, Keyboards, Synthesizer [Bass & Guitar], Drum Programming, Programmed By [Keyboards] – Gordon Jones
Engineer – Jared Held, Mitch Gibson
Lead Vocals – Scotty Scott
Mixed By – Jeff Lorenzen
Mixed By [Assistant] – Anthony "A.J." Jeffries
Producer, Keyboards, Drum Programming, Programmed By [Keyboards], Strings – Robert Brookins
Written-By – Jones, King, Brookins
5:16
8 Girl Don't Make Me Wait
Arranged By [String, Rhythm & Vocals] – Christopher Troy, Zack Harmon
Backing Vocals – Whispers, Vernell Shaw
Engineer – David Koenig
Engineer [Assistant] – Gregg Barrett
Lead Vocals – Scotty Scott, Walter Scott
Mixed By – Craig Burbridge
Mixed By [Assistant Mix Engineer] – Anthony "A.J." Jeffries
Producer, Strings, Percussion, Keyboards, Bass, Drum Programming, Programmed By [Keyboards] – Christopher Troy
Producer, Strings, Percussion, Keyboards, Guitar, Drum Programming – Zack Harmon
Written-By – C. Troy, Z. Harmon
4:26
9 Misunderstanding
Arranged By [Rhythm & Vocals] – Steve Russell
Backing Vocals – Whispers
Co-producer – The Whispers
Engineer – David Koenig
Engineer [Assistant] – Anthony "A.J." Jeffries
Lead Vocals – Scotty Scott, Walter Scott
Mixed By – Craig Burbridge
Mixed By [Assistant] – Gregg Barrett
Piano [Other], Programmed By [Keyboards] – Dwayne McGhee
Piano [Solo] – Chuckii Booker
Producer, Drums, Percussion, Bass, Keyboards, Drum Programming – Steve Russell
Sounds [Bass Boom] – Timmy Gatling
Synth [Bass], Soloist – D.C. (4)
Written-By – R. Benford, S. Russell
5:49
10 Forever Lover
Arranged By [Rhythm & Vocals] – Greg Dalton
Backing Vocals – Whispers
Engineer – David Koenig
Engineer [Assistant] – Gregg Barrett
Engineer [Assistant], Mixed By [Assistant] – Anthony "A.J." Jeffries
Lead Vocals – Scotty Scott, Walter Scott
Mixed By – Craig Burbridge
Producer, Drums, Bass, Keyboards, Drum Programming, Programmed By [Keyboards], Sequenced By – Greg Dalton
Written-By – Greg Dalton
4:49
11 Babes
Arranged By [Rhythm & Vocals] – "The Riddler"
Backing Vocals – Whispers
Co-producer – "Romance"
Engineer – Dave Rideau, David Koenig
Engineer [Assistant] – Anthony "A.J." Jeffries, Joe Shay
Executive-Producer – Herb Trawick, Whispers
Lead Vocals – Scotty Scott
Mixed By – Craig Burbridge
Mixed By [Assistant] – Anthony "A.J." Jeffries
Producer, Drum, Percussion, Bass, Keyboards, Drum Programming, Programmed By [Keyboards] – "The Riddler"
Written-By – C. Romance, Riddler
4:15
12 I Want 2B The 1 4U
Arranged By [Rhythm, String & Vocals] – Skylark
Backing Vocals – Whispers
Engineer [Assistant] – Michael Scottella
Guitar – Paul Jackson Jr.
Lead Vocals – Scotty Scott
Mixed By – Taavi Mote
Mixed By [Assistant] – Anthony "A.J." Jeffries
Producer, Keyboards [AKAI MPC 60], Synth [Bass], Drum Programming, Programmed By [Keyboards], Strings – Skylark
Programmed By [Synth Additional], Engineer – Conley Abrams
Written-By – Skylark
4:06
13 Help Them See The Light
Arranged By [Rhythm, String & Vocals] – Jerry McNeil
Backing Vocals – Whispers
Engineer – Matt Hyde, Steve Hallquist
Engineer [Assistant] – Joe Shay, Ross Donaldson
Lead Vocals – Scotty Scott
Mixed By – Craig Burbridge
Producer, Percussion, Synth [Bass], Keyboards, Drum Programming, Programmed By [Keyboard], Strings – Jerry McNeil
Saxophone, Arranged By [Saxophone] – Gerald Albright
Written-By – Jerry McNeil
5:24
14 Innocent (Heat Of The Heat Edit)
Backing Vocals – Portia Griffin
Co-producer, Synth [Bass, Guitar], Keyboards – Gordon Jones
Engineer [Assistant] – Kimm James
Producer [Additional Production], Mixed By – Keith Cohen
Producer, Keyboards, Drum Programming, Programmed By [Keyboards], Strings – Robert Brookins
Written-By – Jones, King, Brookins
4:37
Label: Capitol Records – CDP 7 92957 2
Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 1990
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: New Jack Swing, Soul
The Whispers' More of the Night (1990) is generally well-regarded as a strong, smooth soul/R&B album, continuing their successful late-80s/early-90s sound with polished production, though some critics noted it softened the raunchier edge of earlier works for a more debonair, gentlemanly feel, focusing on well-crafted love songs and hits like "Innocent" and "My Heart Your Heart". Fans praise its classic Whispers sound, excellent vocals, and ability to deliver timeless soul, with the album achieving Gold status and producing multiple R&B Top 10 hits, solidifying their place in the era's smooth R&B landscape.
It's characterized as high-quality soul-pop, featuring a sophisticated, smooth, and sometimes intimate atmosphere, with a reliance on strong vocals and polished instrumentation.
The album shifts focus from Nicholas Caldwell's typically raunchy ballads to more universally appealing, gentlemanly love songs, maintaining the group's signature romantic themes.
While not groundbreaking or "cutting-edge," reviews highlight it as a strong, well-crafted collection, a successful follow-up to Just Gets Better with Time, and a great addition for fans.
The album went Gold in the U.S. and spawned major R&B hits, keeping The Whispers relevant and popular in the early '90s R&B scene.
Standout Tracks (as mentioned in reviews): "Innocent"; "My Heart Your Heart"; "Is It Good to You"; "Its You" (noted for its sexy sax and gentle vibe); The title track, "More of the Night" (praised for its groove).
Overall, More of the Night is seen as a satisfying continuation of The Whispers' smooth R&B legacy, offering expertly produced, timeless love songs that resonated with longtime fans and introduced their sound to new listeners.
Planets of Life
Written-By – Dee Ervin
2:42
A2 Seems Like I Gotta Do Wrong
Written-By – Dee Ervin, Lynn Farr
2:45
A3 Planets Of Life
Written-By – Ron Carson
2:47
A4 They're Gonna Hear From Me
Written-By – Robert Stewart
1:38
A5 A Singer Of Songs
Written-By – Robert Stewart
2:30
A6 I Can Remember
Written-By – Robert Stewart
2:31
B1 Needle In A Haystack
Written-By – Gordy Harmon, Nicholas Caldwell
2:14
B2 Creation Of Love
Written-By – Ron Carson
2:24
B3 I'm The One
Written-By – Alex Brown, Dee Ervin
2:44
B4 You Made Me So Very Happy
Written-By – Berry Gordy, Brenda Holloway, Frank Wilson, Patrice Holloway
2:54
Label: Janus Records – JLS 3055
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1973
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
Planets of Life by The Whispers, released in 1973 on Janus Records (JLS 3055), is considered a vocal soul-funk masterpiece that showcases the group's tight, flawless harmonies. The album marked a transitional period for the group and is praised by fans for its excellent R&B sound and strong vocal performances.
Reviewers consistently highlight the group's exceptional four- and five-part harmonies, describing them as "magically crazy" and "flawless". The album is seen as a prime example of great group vocals in classic soul music.
The album is praised as a "vocal soul-funk masterpiece" that marked the group's shift towards an "electric funk vibe with a clear Temptations twist". The band's R&B combination is described as excellent, with some comparisons made to the Isley Brothers due to vocal similarities.
Specific songs like "Seems Like I Gotta Do Wrong", "Needle in a Haystack," and the title track "Planets of Life" are noted as highlights, with the latter's edit described by some as one of the best funk songs they'll ever hear.
Overall, the album holds an average rating of over 4 out of 5 stars on community music sites like Discogs, with users calling it a "must have for those who really do enjoy classic soul music" and "one of the greatest R&B albums of all time".