Free Fort Monroe concert features The Whispers

Posted August 12, 2009
By Fort Monroe Public Affairs

8/12/2009 - FORT MONROE, VA. — With two platinum albums and a host of charted R&B hits during their 40-plus years in the music recording business, Fort Monroe is poised to host The Whispers in concert Aug. 22.

The concert at Walker Airfield is free and open to the public. Gates open at 5 p.m.

"One of the things that really set The Whispers apart is that their core members (twins Walter and Wallace Scott, Nicholas Caldwell and Leaveil Degree) have stayed together as a group for all these years," said event coordinator Maria Jackson. "When Marcus Hutson passed away in 2000, the others decided never to replace him. It's uncommon to find that kind of loyalty in a band, and based on the incredible outpouring of interest in this concert, it obviously translates to loyalty among the band's followers."

The Whispers were the first artists featured on the Soul Train label. They initially gained national attention with their series of albums in the 1970s, "One For The Money," "Open Up Your Love," and "Headlights." The work produced two singles — "(Let's Go) All the Way" and "(Olivia) Lost and Turned Out" — that graced Billboard's Top 20 R&B Charts.

"Their vocal style harkens back to a more genteel era of crooning," explains their Web site www.thewhispers.com. "They are arguably the most celebrated R&B balladeers of their generation, and they can still make women swoon ..."

The Fort Monroe concert also will include an opening performance by Gator Allmond and the Spice of Life Band.

Coolers, outside food or beverages are prohibited. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. Fort Monroe is committed to ensuring all events are accessible to people with disabilities. To arrange for special accommodations, call 788-3500.