R&B vocal group the Whispers formed in Los Angeles in 1964 with the lineup of Wallace "Scotty" Scott, Walter Scott, Gordy Harmon, Marcus Hutson, and Nicholas Caldwell. Aside from Harmon's replacement by Leaveil Degree in 1973 and Hutson's retirement in 1992, the band has maintained the same lineup throughout their career. Following several moderately successful romantic Philly-soul-style singles in the 1970s, the Whispers moved to a harder, dance-oriented style that led to hits like 1980's "And the Beat Goes On" and 1987's Top Ten smash "Rock Steady.