“New Compilation Album ‘Thankful’ by The Whispers Released”
viving members of the iconic R&B group, The Whispers, known for their timeless hits like “Rock Steady” and “And the Beat Goes On,” are set to release a new compilation album titled Thankful: The Compilation (Kingdom Records / Virgin Music Group). This album, a reissue of their cherished 2010 gospel album, will be available on all digital music platforms starting December 10, 2025. Fred “Toxic” Taylor has remastered the 16-track compilation, including special remixes and unreleased material.
Having been established in Los Angeles around 1963, The Whispers faced the loss of co-founding members Walter Scott and Nick Caldwell. Walter succumbed to stomach cancer in June, while Nick passed away in 2016 due to congestive heart failure. The album commences with an introduction by surviving members Wallace “Scotty” Scott, Walter’s twin brother, and Leaveil Degree, as they share the inspiration behind creating the gospel album and reflect on the recent losses.
The compilation includes eleven original songs, four of which were produced by renowned gospel artist Fred Hammond. One of the tracks, “For Thou Art with Me,” a soulful ballad, reached the Top 40 on the gospel radio charts in 2010. Additionally, the album features a song co-written by the Scott twins that first appeared on their 2006 album, “For Your Ears Only.” Drawing the project to a close are four mixes of “Praise His Holy Name,” two of which are remixed by Grammy Award-winning mixer Maurice Joshua, known for his work with artists like Beyoncé and Mariah Carey.
Released initially, the Thankful album achieved a peak position of No. 3 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums sales chart and spent 45 weeks on the chart. The tracklisting of the compilation includes a mix of original songs, remixes, and instrumentals such as “Walk With Me,” “Did You Know?,” “In the Name of Jesus,” and more.
Formed in 1963, The Whispers’ journey started with twin brothers Walter and Wallace Scott singing in the streets of Los Angeles alongside Nicholas Caldwell, Marcus Hutson, and Gordy Harmon. Securing a contract with Dore Records in 1964, their harmonious vocals led them to be named The Whispers by the label owner, Lou Bedell. Their transition from novelty dance tunes to chart-topping hits like “And the Beat Goes On” and “Rock Steady” solidified their legacy in the music industry.
Over the years, The Whispers amassed 46 tracks on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart, earning accolades and inductions into prestigious music halls of fame. Their contributions to music have garnered them GRAMMY, American Music, and Soul Train Music Award nominations, as well as a celebrated place in the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. Recently, they were honored with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for their philanthropic work.
In conclusion, The Whispers’ upcoming release of “Thankful: The Compilation” pays tribute to the group’s enduring legacy, blending their classic sound with gospel melodies to deliver a soul-stirring music experience for fans old and new.