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
O Little Town Of Bethlehem
The Whispers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above
While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love
Oh morning stars together, proclaim thy holy birth.
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
The Whispers's song, O Little Town of Bethlehem, is a Christmas carol that celebrates the birth of Christ in Bethlehem. The lyrics paint a picture of a quiet and peaceful town, with the deep and dreamless sleep of its inhabitants undisturbed by the shining light that comes from the birth of a King. The song starts with the description of Bethlehem as being still, while the stars carry on shining brightly in the sky above. In a profound contrast to this serene setting, the lyrics acknowledge that amidst the darkness of the town's streets, there shines the light of hope that comes from the birth of Christ.
The second verse speaks of the angels, who watch over the town in silent wonder, as Christ is born of Mary. The morning stars, singing in unison, proclaim the holy birth of the King, bringing a message of peace to all. The final verse repeats the opening lines, highlighting the tranquillity of the town and the brightness of the everlasting light that shines through its dark streets, all thanks to the birth of the King.
In summary, the song O Little Town of Bethlehem portrays a scene of harmony and serenity in the town where Jesus Christ was born, with the hopes and fears of generations all united in the birth of the newborn King.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
The town of Bethlehem appears to be quiet and undisturbed
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
The stars are quietly passing above the town while everyone is sound asleep
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
Despite the darkness of the streets, there is a constant light shining that never fades away
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
All the expectations and worries of the past are met and resolved in Bethlehem tonight
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above
Jesus, who was born to Mary, has gathered heavenly beings above him
While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love
The angels are keeping a vigilant watch over humanity while they sleep, full of amazement and love for them
Oh morning stars together, proclaim thy holy birth.
The morning stars sing out together in praise of the holy birth of Christ
And praises sing to God the king, and peace to men on earth.
They sing out praises to the king, and pray for peace and goodwill to all people on earth
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
The town of Bethlehem appears to be quiet and undisturbed
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
The stars are quietly passing above the town while everyone is sound asleep
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
Despite the darkness of the streets, there is a constant light shining that never fades away
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
All the expectations and worries of the past are met and resolved in Bethlehem tonight
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Lewis H Redner, Phillip Brooks
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind