Kingdom Records (recording home to Shekinah Glory Ministry of “Praise is What I Do” and “Yes” fame) has signed the legendary R&B group, The Whispers, to record its first gospel CD.
Gospel star Fred Hammond has been tapped to produce a handful of tracks for the highly anticipated project that is tentatively scheduled for a fall 2009 release.
“We’ve been wanting to do this for 10 years. God has been really, really good to the Whispers,” says founding member Nick Caldwell. “He was looking out for us even when we were ignoring Him. He allowed us to live long enough to do this inspirational CD that we want to use to inspire people to get closer to God.” “There were several offers from big labels but I feel this one is part of a divine plan for The Whispers,” added Pamela Blackman of Joy Management Inc., who is the group’s manager for their gospel pursuits.
With almost 50 R&B chart singles, The Whispers are one of the most successful vocal groups in soul music history. Twin brothers Wallace and Walter Scott (aka “Scotty”) formed the group in 1963 with Nicholas Caldwell, the late Marcus Hutson and Gordon Harmon (replaced by Leaveil Degree in 1973). They sang on the street corners of the Watts area of Los Angeles before they earned their first record deal in 1964.
The label chief of that label named them The Whispers because of their smooth sound. Since then the group has enjoyed a string of hits that has maintained their position as one of urban music’s top concert draws.
The Whispers reached their peak as a secular group with classics released between 1978 and 1994. Among their dance-oriented hits are the No. 1 Billboard R&B chart singles “And the Beat Goes On” and “Rock Steady.” Other rhythmic hits include “It’s A Love Thing” and “Keep on Loving Me.” The group has also laid down their share of classic slow jams such as “Lady,” “Just Gets Better with Time,” “In the Mood” and “Say Yes.”
The Grammy and American Music Award nominated ensemble has earned seven gold or platinum singles or albums, a 2002 NAACP Image Award and they were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2003.
“We are excited and humbled by the coming together of Kingdom Records and The Whispers,” says Kingdom Records CEO/President, Joan Sullivan. “We are excited because the Whispers have exhibited outstanding musical artistry over the years. We are humbled that they would choose us in this season of their lives to help fulfill their vision of making gospel music for God’s glory. The entire Kingdom Records family welcomes The Whispers.”
