There were flashbacks to the days of Soul Train during a special presentation at Los Angeles City Hall in celebration of Black Music Month. Councilwoman Heather Hutt (CD 10) presented The Whispers with a certificate of recognition on June 14 for its legendary contributions to the genres of R&B and Soul.
The Whispers are an American vocal group from Los Angeles, California who are known for their hit records since the late 1960s, earning them two platinum and five gold albums by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
The original members included identical twin brothers Wallace “Scotty” and Walter Scott, along with Gordy Harmon, Marcus Hutson, and Nicholas Caldwell. Known for hit records, such as “And the Beat Goes on” (1979) and “Rock Steady” (1987), the group has made a huge impact on soul, pop, jazz, and disco genres and is known to be one of the world’s longest running vocal groups.
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“For more than 50 years, The Whispers have created timeless hits that have brought joy to our homes, hearts and ears,” said Hutt.
“This Black Music Month I am so excited to celebrate a legendary group that has truly shaped the landscape of R&B and Soul, while inspiring so many through their passion and art.”
“We deeply appreciate seeing this honor,” said Walter Scott during the city council meeting. “This all started for us in Watts, California more than 50 years ago attending Jordan High School and the Jordan Downs projects. I’m so proud of that,” he stated.
His brother, Wallace “Scotty” remembered first meeting his wife on Soul Train and also as a child “pretending that we would be doing exactly what we are doing today. Our dreams came true,” he reminisced.
Council President-Elect Marqueece Harris-Dawson (CD 8) shared personal recollections and Councilmember Curren Price (CD 9) discussed the cultural impact of how music from The Whispers gave good vibes during troubling times in the local community. Other Councilmembers chimed in with flashbacks, agreeing how significant Soul Train was during their Saturday mornings, showcasing youth culture through the then-latest dance moves, new music and fashion which gave national exposure to up and coming musical talent that would go on to become iconic superstars.
In more praise of Black music, Councilwoman Hutt also honored JazzZone Jazzabration, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to creating and preserving legacies, financially, educationally, musically, artistically, and culturally. For the past decade, JazzZone Jazzabration, Inc. has celebrated Black Music Month in Council Chambers with Council District 10 throughout June.
This is the first of two presentations that Hutt highlighted in the Council Chambers this month. On June 18, she spearheaded recognition of Debbie Allen, Norman Nixon, and the Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA) to mark the city’s Juneteenth celebrations.
Allen is a legendary actress, dancer, choreographer, and director and her husband, Nixon, is a former NBA player and DADA co-founder. Allen shared her deep appreciation and joy by stating, “It is a blessing to have this mission to have a real purpose in life, to have a purpose that you feel not only the wind beneath your wings but the support of this incredible family, this incredible community.”
Expressing gratitude to Allen, Nixon, and DADA for their remarkable impact on the community, Hutt said, “We want to thank Debbie for being a true inspiration to our entire community. Thank you for your dedication to not only your craft but to the entire community.
“On behalf of the Los Angeles community, thank you Debbie, Norm, and the entire Debbie Allen Dance Academy for continuing to bring joy to our community.”
