Whispers and Tavis Smiley Discuss The Music Industry, Success and Longevity

LOS ANGELES, CA, – Tavis Smiley, broadcaster, author, advocate, and outstanding voice for change, hosted the Whispers’ lead singers Walter and Wallace “Scotty” Scott on his radio show, “Tavis Talks”. As the smooth rhythm of their mega-hits “It Just Gets Better With Time” and “Rock Steady” flowed through the studio, Tavis engaged them in a discussion of the Whispers’ continued success and longevity, noting that during the last four decades they have crooned their way into the hearts of millions.

As Tavis played snippets from their latest CD, “For Your Ears Only”, Walter credited their success to selecting songs that create “meaningful” music that has something to say … music that’s “Lyric-conscious”. Scotty responded that the Whispers actively look for the beauty in love and romanticism rather than the graphics that dominate today’s youth-inspired music. According to Tavis (who has attended 3 or 4 of their shows during the past few years), the Whispers don’t realize what their music has done for so many people … “it makes them feel comfortable and sets the right mood for their listening pleasure”. Yet there are many radio stations that are not looking for this type of music. Scotty went on to say, “We’re like Barry Bonds, if they don’t let us get up to the plate, we can’t hit a homerun.

Fortunately, there are independent radio stations that have the Whispers’ CD in high rotation across the country. Yet without widespread radio play, “For Your Ears Only” continues to match the sales of their youthful contemporaries. Walter credits this to their faithful fan base, and the thousands of people, young and old, who desire music with meaningful and uplifting messages.
From his celebrated conversations with world figures, to his work to inspire the next generation of leaders, Newsweek profiled Tavis Smiley as one of the "20 people changing how Americans get their news" and dubbed him one of the nation's "captains of the airwaves." Smiley is the first American ever to simultaneously host signature talk shows on both public television and public radio.

Whispers "For Your Ears Only" Makes Billboard's R&B/Hip Hop Top 100

Los Angeles, CA — The Whispers new CD, on their independent label "Satin Tie", charted on Billboard's Top 100 R&B/Hip Hop Albums for the week of September 2, 2006. "For Your Ears Only" entered the chart at number "94" ahead of an impressive lineup of such favorites as Juvenile, John Legend, The Notorius B.I.G. Duets, and Common, a huge feat that is unheard of in an age where major conglomerate record labels dominate the music scene.
Los Angeles, CA — The Whispers new CD, on their independent label "Satin Tie", charted on Billboard's Top 100 R&B/Hip Hop Albums for the week of September 2, 2006. "For Your Ears Only" entered the chart at number "94" ahead of an impressive lineup of such favorites as Juvenile, John Legend, The Notorius B.I.G. Duets, and Common, a huge feat that is unheard of in an age where major conglomerate record labels dominate the music scene.

The musical community continues to let its voice be heard in support of the nostalgic, classic, soul sound with a contemporary ambiance that has virtually disappeared under the overwhelming dominance of Rap and Hip Hop. But Dee Bellington, a fan in San Francisco says it best, "You Guys Are One Of The Few Artists That Have Not Forgotten That There Are Still Millions Of Us Out Here That Want And Need To Hear Some Compositions Of Depth And Weight. Butta, Hold On, Don't Say No, You Name It! This Whole Disc Nearly Made Me Weep Because Of The Nostalgic Aura Released Into The Air. The Atmosphere Just Changed!!!

It's been 9 years since their last CD, "Songbook Volume One: Songs of Babyface". With a long list of Billboard hits over the past 30 years and rigid touring schedule, the Whispers continue to win new fans, both young and old. Their popularity stems from a consistent sound, love and respect for women, meticulous choreography on stage, and staying true to themselves. Says Randy Mahon of Eagle Entertainment, "This CD is sheer genius from the sound quality to the song quality! It's classic Whispers as I know them to be, and only want to know them as. From the ballads to the up tempo songs, this is one of the few CD's I've heard where I did NOT have to song skip, I'd be cheating myself if I did." Houston, Washington DC and Chicago DJs are reporting that dance crowds are stepping all over the country to the #1 and #4 cuts. Anthony Minter sums it up, "The vintage Whispers love songs are outstanding. When I need to step up my love game, I put this CD on and the fireworks begin. These brothers sound as good if not better than they did 9 years ago."

Billboard's charting is based on sales data from Nielsen Soundscan. "For Your Ears Only" has been consistent on Soul Tracks.com Top 10, CDBaby's Top 20, and Jet Magazine's Top 20 since May while continuing to sell out in stores across the country. One store owner quotes, "As soon as I put those CD's out on the rack they grow legs and run out of here!" The songwriting team of Teena Marie, Ali Ollie Woodson, Robert Brookins, Grady Wilkins, and the Whispers' own Nicholas Caldwell, created a recipe for success focusing on love, life, spirituality and enduring relationships. As one record executive stated, "You can't stop a hit record." This album is fulfilling its own destiny.

Whispers partner with Movie Tunes to promote "For Your Ears Only" in movie theaters

Beginning Friday, June 2nd and running through June 30, 2006, “Hold On”, the 6th cut on the Whispers’ new CD will be playing in over 3,100 theatres in the top 50 markets across the United States.
Beginning Friday, June 2nd and running through June 30, 2006, “Hold On”, the 6th cut on the Whispers’ new CD will be playing in over 3,100 theatres in the top 50 markets across the United States. Craig Parker, an executive at Movie Tunes was surfing the internet looking for music that was relaxing, exciting and contemporary yet conducive to general audiences in movie theatres. He happened onto the “Top Sellers” list at CDBABY.COM and the rest is history. After sampling several tunes on the Whispers CD, “For Your Ears Only”, he immediately contacted the marketing staff and insisted that the Whispers’ style of music is what he had been looking for. An agreement was reached and moviegoers across the country will now be able to listen to “Hold On” while waiting for their favorite featured movie. Movie Tunes is the largest audio programming network encompassing the entire cinema – theatre auditoriums (screens), lobbies hallways, restrooms and concessions areas – from open to close daily. In this entertaining environment more than 20 million moviegoers are exposed to music from the nation’s top stars and rising artists. “Hold On”, the #6 cut on the CD was written by Ron Wilson & Ronnie Bell, with music by Ron Wilson. It speaks on the importance of holding on to relationships. Satin Tie Productions has declared the month of June “Whispers Month at the Movies”, encouraging fans and supporters to attend the movies to support this endeavor.

Whispers “For Your Ears Only” Makes the Jet Top 20

The Whispers new CD, on their independent label “Satin Tie”, has made the Jet Top 20, a feat that is
unheard of in the age of rap and contemporary R&B where classic soul artists are considered extinct
and radio station staff and DJ’s seem fearful of playing any of their new material.
The Whispers new CD, on their independent label “Satin Tie”, has made the Jet Top 20, a feat that is unheard of in the age of rap and contemporary R&B where classic soul artists are considered extinct and radio station staff and DJ’s seem fearful of playing any of their new material. Well, the musical community has spoken and the reluctant Program Directors have been overruled. The May 22nd issue of Jet has posted “For Your Ears Only” at number 18 based on a national response of retailers, distributors, music executives and industry musicians. Speaking with Sylvia Flanagan, Senior Editor at Jet Magazine, urban America’s premier news outlet and pacesetter, Ms. Flanagan and the Whispers’ Marketing Director both agreed that good music is good music no matter who sings it and regardless of the genre. The many skeptics that had warned the Whispers that their style of music couldn’t compete with the likes of Mary J. Blige, Kanye West, and 50 Cent must have forgotten about that silent majority of “Baby Boomers” who had been quietly waiting for that smooth, sultry “Whispers” music to reappear. Quoting Mike T, DJ at Sirius Radio Channel 53, “"THEY PUT THEIR FOOT IN IT”! I can't get past the first 4 cuts (keep playing them over and over). Hip Hop Artist's make music to Shoot Guns and Drive By's and Artist's like the Whispers make music to Make Love to; what a difference.” Houston and Chicago DJs are reporting that steppers are stepping all over the country to the #1 and #4 cuts. With a release date of the standard edition scheduled for June 23, the Collector’s Limited Edition that dropped on February 10 originally to be available via internet stores and on the Whispers’ tour, has been in such demand that it has been released to retail outlets and distributors who can’t seem to keep enough copies. Their single, BUTTA” written by Teena Marie has been in the top 10 at KBLX Radio for the past two months. Soultracks.com has reported that “For Your Ears Only’ is the album of the month for May 2006 based on customer demands and the number of hits on its site. The CD has been number one for six weeks at CDBABY.COM and for five weeks on the “Rhythm and Soul” charts on Solar Radio in the UK. AMAZON.COM can’t keep enough in stock.

As many fans have continuously stated, “The Whispers Just Get Better With Time”.

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Fans Turn out in Droves to Welcome the Whispers to Philadelphia

Fans, young and old, came out in droves on Saturday afternoon to get “up close and personal” with the Whispers at the Jazsound, one of the largest urban record stores located in the heart of Philadelphia. The Whispers were in town to perform that evening on their “FOR YOUR EARS ONLY” Tour, at Temple University’s Licouras Center, where they have continuously captured the hearts of Philadelphians.
Fans, young and old, came out in droves on Saturday afternoon to get “up close and personal” with the Whispers at the Jazsound, one of the largest urban record stores located in the heart of Philadelphia. The Whispers were in town to perform that evening on their “FOR YOUR EARS ONLY” Tour, at Temple University’s Licouras Center, where they have continuously captured the hearts of Philadelphians.
Upon their arrival at Jazsound, the front of their limousine overflowed into the intersection so the guys could gain entrance to the store amidst horn-blowing and yelling from motorists who, after recognizing the Whispers, proceeded to exit their cars just to get a handshake and to share a few historical moments with this legendary group. Patty Jackson of WDAS 105.3 FM was playing their single, “BUTTA” on the radio as The Whispers entered the store and ascended the stairs in anticipation of meeting their fans.
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They were delighted to greet an extensive line of mothers, daughters, grandsons and the like who were anxious to share their favorite Whispers moment and get autographs for their newly purchased CD, “For Your Ears Only”. Many turned out, not just to purchase the new CD, but for the opportunity to thank the group who has continued to bring them romantic and socially significant music during the last four decades. The presence of teens and kids under twelve years old was the highlight of the day. Kim Robinson’s son, Shykeir (pictured right with The Whispers), rejected the idea of shopping for Easter clothes just to meet the Whispers. Says Kim, “He literally dragged me into the store when he found out they were here”. 10 year old Quadirrah Tuggles (pictured left) blushed as she took pictures with the guys while her mom, Rosetta Rider, proudly announced that she “raised” Quadirrah on Whispers’ music. As one teen strolled in with two of his friends, he emphatically schooled them, saying, “Now I’m going to educate you on The Whispers … They sing real music”!
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Earlier that week, Darryl King, Manager of Jazsound, had informed the Whispers’ marketing staff that his record store was “Whisperville” … the Whispers’ stories filled the air as the line continue to grow longer and longer. Finally, the line had to be cut so the Whispers could prepare for their evening performance. They autographed again at the Licouras Center after their performance. It was obvious to all involved that the release of their new CD has returned them to the “Spotlight”. As one fan yelled out, “The Whispers are back with a vengeance”.
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