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
Innocent
The Whispers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hey listen girl, I can't explain
What happened to me, oh, no
I just looked at you, babe
And suddenly my body felt weak, over you
Oh, I really should leave but I got to stay
What can I do to make you see
That I really need you too
We are innocent, oh baby girl
Innocent lover, in heat, in my life
We are innocent, sugar baby
Innocent love for more than one night
Baby, something inside is telling me
Your love is so sweet, so, so nice
And you can be sure, babe
That I'm gonna do you just right, just, just right
Oh, oh, no useless games, I'm gonna play
'Cause I bet you want me in the right way
Sugar, you're fine and sure to please
So I'll give my mind so freely
Innocent, baby girl, innocent lover, in heat, in my life
Baby, don't you know I really want you
Innocent, girl, innocent lover for more than one night
Than one night, baby
Innocent, girl
Innocent lover, in heat, in my life
I need a lover in my life
Innocent, innocent lover for more than one night
I really should leave but I got to stay
I want you, girl in my own way
What can I do to make you see
That I really need you too
Innocent
I'll give you love, I'll treat your right
Don't worry, girl everything will be all right
Innocent, I need a girl, that's sugar fine
Sure to please, and wanna be mine all mine
Innocent
Innocent lover, in heat, in my life
Innocent, innocent lover
For more than one night
Innocent, girl
Innocent lover, in heat, in my life
I need a lover in my life
Innocent
The Whispers' song "Innocent" is a romantic ballad that speaks of a man who has been taken by a girl's charms. The lyrics suggest that he can't explain what has happened to him, but he knows that he is overwhelmed by his feelings, and his body goes weak whenever he sees her. He expresses his desire to have her in his life, but he also acknowledges the difficulties of their situation.
The man knows that he should leave, but he can't help but stay because he wants the girl in his own way. He is willing to do anything to make her see how much he needs her, but he also emphasizes that their love is innocent. They are both in heat and are powerless to resist their attraction to one another. He promises to treat her right and to be there for her always.
The song captures the feeling of an innocent and passionate love story where both parties are equally invested, but societal norms make things complicated. The man worries about playing useless games with the girl and emphasizes that he wants her in the right way. It's a poignant and moving love song that showcases The Whispers' soulful vocal performances.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey listen girl, I can't explain
I want to tell you something but I don't know how to express it
What happened to me, oh, no
I don't understand these feelings that I am experiencing
I just looked at you, babe
Just a glance at you has affected me deeply
And suddenly my body felt weak, over you
I am overwhelmed by physical attraction to you
Oh, I really should leave but I got to stay
I know I shouldn't be here but I can't resist being near you
I want you, girl, in my own way
I desire you in a personal and unique manner
What can I do to make you see
How can I show you what I feel for you
That I really need you too
I need you just as much as you may need me
We are innocent, oh baby girl
We have done nothing wrong in our attraction to each other
Innocent lover, in heat, in my life
Our love is pure and passionate
We are innocent, sugar baby
We have done nothing to be ashamed of
Innocent love for more than one night
Our love is not just temporary or fleeting
Baby, something inside is telling me
I am getting an instinctual feeling about you
Your love is so sweet, so, so nice
Your affection for me is kind and wonderful
And you can be sure, babe
You can trust in me
That I'm gonna do you just right, just, just right
I will treat you with love and respect
Oh, no useless games, I'm gonna play
I have no interest in superficial or insincere gestures
'Cause I bet you want me in the right way
I believe that our feelings for each other are genuine
Sugar, you're fine and sure to please
You are attractive and have a pleasing personality
So I'll give my mind so freely
I am willing to be open and vulnerable with you
I'll give you love, I'll treat your right
I will show you affection and respect
Don't worry, girl everything will be all right
I assure you that things will work out between us
I need a lover in my life
I desire a romantic partner to share my life with
Innocent
Our love is pure and untainted
I need a girl, that's sugar fine
I am looking for someone who is attractive and sweet
Sure to please, and wanna be mine all mine
Someone who is willing to be in a committed relationship with me
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: STEVE JONES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind