Walter Scott Jnr. founder of The Whispers dead at 81

Walter Scott Jnr, the founding member of the popular R&B group, The Whispers, has died at the age of 81.

The legendary musician was suffering from cancer for the past six months and now, passed away in Northridge, California, surrounded by his family.

Scott and his band, The Whispers were known for hits songs like 1980’s And the Beat Goes On and 1987’s Rock Steady.

Winning hearts through their impeccable vocals, they garnered 15 top ten R&B tracks throughout the entirety of their career.

In recent years, The Whispers, which were comprised of the original members, Scott and his twin brother Wallace "Scotty," Gordy Harmon, Marcus Hutson, and Nicholas Caldwell, were sampled by contemporary hip-hop artists, including 50 Cent, J. Cole and Will Smith.

The band shot to stardom through their breakthrough hit in 1970, titled, Seems Like I Gotta Do Wrong and performed together until the 2000s.

In 2014, The Whispers were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame as well as the National Rhythm & Blues (R&B) Hall of Fame.

Walter Scott Jnr is survived by his twin brother Wallace “Scotty,” his wife, Jan, their two sons and three grandchildren.