The Whispers take musical control with re-recordings of hits

[Motown Eddie]

SoulTracks.com-

The legendary act The Whispers have taken a big step to control their musical catalog. In the past two years, pop music has seen acts such as Taylor Swift re-record their music in order to gain control of the marketing of their biggest hits. However, we haven’t seen that much in the R&B world, where record companies have generally owned the rights to classic recordings.
Now The Whispers have decided to re-record some of their biggest hits to get that control, beginning with a new version of “And The Beat Goes On,” which will arrive on September 9. Also in the works are new versions of “Rock Steady,” “Olivia,” and “Keep On Loving Me.” All will be produced by longtime Whispers collaborator, Magic Mendez [United Tribe]. You can check out a snipped of the new version below.
According to group member Wallace “Scotty” Scott, “We want to reap some of the financial benefits that record companies have enjoyed at our expense for decades.” Walter Scott expressed a similar sentiment: “Record contracts have not always been artist-friendly. We and other artists have historically been disadvantaged by the contracts that we've signed.”
While re-recordings are in the news largely due to Taylor Swift and Kelly Clarkson, they are not new. Artists have done it on a smaller scale for years, with mixed success. They key to success has been the quality of the re-recording and importantly the marketing of it.
If The Whispers are successful with this effort, they could become pioneers for other R&B acts wanting to own and market their sound recordings. For now, information and “pre-release” downloads can be found at the Whispers’ website: www.thelegendarywhispers.com.

[PeaceNHarmony]

Thanks for this, Eddie - you found something worthy that I have not seen anywhere else. Bravo to The Whispers for this move. I may have said before on this site that I had not been much of a Whispers fan until seeing the group at a superfest at Madison Square Garden. They Tore. It. Up. Best to you, and thanks again! I'm always happy to see your posts/finds.