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Who was Nicholas Caldwell?
Nicholas Caldwell was a founding member and singer of The Whispers, a legendary R&B group that had a string of hits in the 70s and 80s, such as “And the Beat Goes On”, “Rock Steady”, and “Lady”. He was born in 1944 in Loma Linda, California, and grew up in a musical family. He started singing in church and school choirs, and formed The Whispers in 1963 with his friends Walter and Wallace Scott, Marcus Hutson, and Gordy Harmon. He was also a songwriter and producer, who penned some of the group’s songs and worked with other artists, such as Phil Perry.
How did Nicholas Caldwell die?
Nicholas Caldwell died on January 5, 2016, at the age of 71, at his home in San Francisco. According to his manager, he died of congestive heart failure, a condition that affects the pumping of blood in the heart. He had been battling the disease for several years, and had undergone surgery and treatment. He had also suffered from diabetes and prostate cancer. He had announced his health issues to his fans in July 2015, and thanked them for their prayers and support. He had also expressed his hope to return to the stage and perform with his group.
How did Nicholas Caldwell’s death affect The Whispers and the music industry?
Nicholas Caldwell’s death was a huge loss for The Whispers and the music industry. He was a beloved and respected member of the group, who had been with them for more than five decades. He was known for his smooth and soulful voice, his impeccable style, and his charismatic personality. He was also a mentor and a friend to many other musicians, who admired his talent and his dedication. His death left a void in the group, who decided to continue performing as a trio, with Walter and Wallace Scott and Leaveil Degree, who had replaced Hutson in 1973, after he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The group paid tribute to Caldwell at their concerts, and honored his memory and legacy.
The Whispers also received an outpouring of condolences and appreciation from their fans and peers, who expressed their sadness and gratitude for Caldwell’s music and influence. Many artists, such as Babyface, Will Smith, and Grand Theft Auto, had sampled or covered The Whispers’ songs, and credited Caldwell as an inspiration. Many radio stations, TV shows, and magazines also celebrated Caldwell’s life and career, and recognized him as one of the pioneers and icons of R&B music.
