The group's sound was marked by Scotty Scott's fluid, melodic voice which featured on virtually all of their hits. Scotty's sound was so distinctive and likeable that, in his heyday, he was as recognizable as such noted R&B lead singers as Ronald Isley of The Isley Brothers.[citation needed]
In 1987, they enjoyed a career resurgence when "Rock Steady" hit #1 on the R&B charts, and it became their first Top 10 success on the Hot 100, reaching #7. The Whispers also founded the Black Tie record label.
In the 1990s, The Whispers joined the Capitol Records family releasing more favorites. Expanding their creative horizons, brothers Walter and Scotty cut “My Brothers Keeper”, a critically-acclaimed duet album in 1993, scoring another R&B hit with a cover of the Intruders' "I Wanna Know Your Name." The 1995 release “Toast to the Ladies” featured a collection of love songs dedicated to women all over the world. In 1997, the group moved to Interscope Records where they featured the works of Baby face once again with their album, "Songbook, Vol. 1: The Songs of Babyface”. Both albums charted on Billboard's top 100 albums.
Marcus stopped performing with the group in 1989 due to ill health and the Whispers vowed never to replace him when he died in 2000. In the new millennium, the group still performs around the world to thousands of loyal fans. The group has not made any personnel changes and still consists of Walter Scott, Wallace Scott, Nicholas Caldwell, and Leaveil Degree. They have taken the world by storm, selling out in various casinos and hotels, music venues, and they have a tremendous following throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and Africa. However, they still find time for charity work with youth education, cancer organizations, 100 Black Men, and Domestic violence charities.
On September 23, 2003, The Whispers’ four decades of accomplishments were acknowledged when they were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. On June 12, 2005, The San Francisco Chapter of the Grammy Awards presented the Whispers with the prestigious Governors Award, the highest honor bestowed by an Academy Chapter. They were also inducted into the Bay Area Blues Society Hall of Fame in 2006. In 2007, The Black Music Academy of America selected the Whispers to receive their “Living Legends” award.
They are one of only a few “old school” groups that can boast of having over 40 years in the industry with a worldwide fan base. The Whispers waited almost a decade to produce a new CD in 2005. This independent product, the first venture of their newly formed corporation Satin Tie Entertainment is a masterpiece entitled, “For Your Ears Only”. According to Walter, “This title was a way of saying to our fans that while we want everyone’s support, we very much want the support of our fans, who have been with us for many, many years.” It made its way up the Billboard chart immediately. In 2007, they release a DVD of their live concert entitled “The Whispers Live From Las Vegas”, the first of its kind. A CD soundtrack of the same concert was also released.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Seven Gold Albums, Two Platinum Albums, 12 Top Twenty Singles, 40 Charted Hits Since 1970, Four Decades of Pop & R & B FavoritesAmerican Music Award Nominees, Soul Train Award Nominees, Grammy Award Nominees
2003 Vocal Group Hall of Fame Inductees, 2005 S.F. Regional Grammy Governors Award
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
The Whispers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let your heart be light
From now on, our troubles will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Make the Yuletide gay
From now on, our troubles will be miles away
Here we are as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Gather near to us once more
Through the years we all will be together
If the fates allow
So hang a shining star upon the highest bough
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your heart be light
From now on, our troubles will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Make the Yuletide gay
From now on, our troubles will be miles away
Here we are as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more
Through the years we all will be together
If the fates allow
So hang a shining star upon the highest bough
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now
The Whispers's song "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is a poignant and uplifting track that encapsulates the spirit of the festive season. The song's message is to encourage listeners to let go of their troubles and experience a joyful and heartwarming Christmas with loved ones.
The first two lines of the song set the tone for the whole piece, with the singer encouraging the listener to "have yourself a merry little Christmas" and let their heart be light. This ties in with the second line, talking about how "our troubles will be out of sight", which further emphasizes the idea of letting go of any negative thoughts or emotions and focusing on the happiness of the season.
The lyrics continue to paint a picture of a happy and nostalgic Christmas, mentioning "olden days" and "happy golden days of yore". This nostalgia is further emphasized by the line "faithful friends who are dear to us, gather near to us once more". This line speaks to the importance of spending time with loved ones during the holidays.
The final verse of the song speaks to the hope that through the years, everyone will be able to come together again, and encourages the listener to hang a star upon the highest bough as a symbol of hope and joy. The song's final line, "and have yourself a merry little Christmas now", is a final reminder to embrace the joy of the season and let go of any lingering worries or troubles.
Line by Line Meaning
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Wish you a happy and joyful Christmas
Let your heart be light
Take it easy, don't worry too much
From now on, our troubles will be out of sight
Let's forget our problems and enjoy the moment
Make the Yuletide gay
Celebrate Christmas with excitement and joy
From now on, our troubles will be miles away
Leave behind our worries and embrace the festive atmosphere
Here we are as in olden days
We are reunited like we used to be
Happy golden days of yore
Remember the joyful memories of the past
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Our loyal and beloved companions are with us
Gather near to us once more
Come together and enjoy each other's company
Through the years we all will be together
We will stay united over time
If the fates allow
If destiny permits it
So hang a shining star upon the highest bough
Decorate the Christmas tree with a beautiful star on top
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now
Enjoy a happy and joyful Christmas right at this moment
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Hugh Martin, Ralph Blane
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind