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
Lay It On Me
The Whispers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When you came to me
And asked for a dance
And I said,"We can dance."
Felt like a queen
Sweedish summer nights are hot
And the trees can talk
We lay on the grass
Whispers in blindness
And I did'nt hold you back
I'm talking about it (babe)
'Cause you've been teasing me
I'm talking about it
'Cause you are bad right through
Stay with me and I shall want no other love
Stay with me another love another lie
Stay with me and I shall want no other love
You were talking so sweet
But you were touching and teasing
I can hear the soft bells ring
Through a thousand years
They call out to me
They say it's only once in a lofe we love
Now I've had that honour too
You were holding my hand
You were kissing my skin
Stay with me
Trees are whispering
Only once my dear
The Whispers released their song Lay It On Me, a smooth and sensual R&B track, in 1981. The song is about a moment of passion and desire that took place one hot Swedish summer night. The opening lines set the scene perfectly, with the singer telling the object of their affection that they looked good when they asked for a dance. The two then danced and lay down on the grass, with the singer feeling blessed and whispering in blindness. The trees are personified as if they are witnessing the moment and have the ability to talk, adding to the dreamy, romantic atmosphere.
The chorus is a plea for the person to stay with them, as they will have no need for any other love, despite knowing that the person is bad right through. The singer admires the person's touch and teasing, but also recognizes the danger that comes with it. The last verse adds a touch of timelessness to the song, as the soft bells ring out through a thousand years, calling to the singer that they have experienced a once-in-a-lifetime love. The song ends with a final plea to stay with them.
Line by Line Meaning
Darling you were looking good
I noticed how good you looked when you came to me
When you came to me
When you approached me
And asked for a dance
Requested a dance with me
And I said,"We can dance."
I agreed to dance with you.
Felt like a queen
I felt highly valued and cherished at that moment
Sweedish summer nights are hot
The Swedish summer nights are warm/humid
And the trees can talk
A figurative way of expressing the calmness and sense of peace that surrounds
We lay on the grass
We rested on the ground/field
So esily, so blessed
We were relaxed and grateful at that moment
Whispers in blindness
This line is ambiguous and its intended meaning is unclear
And I did'nt hold you back
I didn't restrain you from doing anything you wanted
I'm talking about it (babe)
I'm bringing up the topic of conversation
'Cause you've been teasing me
Because of how you've been interacting with me and causing me to want more
'Cause you are bad right through
You have a bit of an edge to your personality, which I find intriguing
Stay with me and I shall want no other love
If you remain by my side, I will not desire another love
Stay with me another love another lie
Even though there may be other loves available, I want you to stay with me and not deceive me
You were talking so sweet
You were being affectionate and friendly
But you were touching and teasing
While you were being sweet, you were also creating a sense of desire through physical touch and flirtatious behavior
I can hear the soft bells ring
I am experiencing a sense of inner peace and calmness
Through a thousand years
Throughout many years/eras
They call out to me
There is a sense of calling or purpose that I am feeling
They say it's only once in a lofe we love
It is rare to experience this level of love in one's lifetime
Now I've had that honour too
I have been fortunate enough to experience that level of love as well
You were holding my hand
You were physically comforting me and showing affection
You were kissing my skin
You were displaying a deep level of intimacy
Stay with me
I want you to remain with me
Trees are whispering
There is a sense of tranquility in the environment we are in
Only once my dear
This level of love and tranquility will only occur once in my lifetime or in our relationship.
Contributed by Tristan O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@music19009
Of course, I would only hear this song decades after it's release. Story of my life.
@NEEKZ81
better late than never!!!✊🏽
@frednixonsr4210
Lol
@frednixonsr4210
Story of my life as well....Lol
@dotsimmons8908
Love this song
@kolbycarter357
For those of you who were born after the 90s, who will join me to go back in time where music was real music⁉
@oldclip70
April-May 1983 Another KBLX lost song.
@jermainedunbar9073
5