"Whispers (Gettin' Louder)" is a song written by Barbara Acklin and David Scott, recorded and released by

Jackie Wilson Jack Leroy Wilson Jr. (June 9, 1934 – January 21, 1984) was an American singer and performer of the 1950s and 60s. He was a prominent figure in the transition of rhythm and blues into soul. Nicknamed "Mr. Excitement", he was considered a mas ...

in 1966.

Background

"Whispers (Gettin' Louder)" features instrumentation by the Funk Brothers and backing vocals by

The Andantes The Andantes were an American female session group for the Motown record label during the 1960s. Composed of Jackie Hicks, Marlene Barrow, and Louvain Demps, the group sang background vocals on numerous Motown recordings, including songs by Mar ...

. The song's B-side, "(Far from) The Fairest of Them All", was written by Buddy Scott and Jimmy Radcliffe and originally intended for presentation to

Ray Charles Ray Charles Robinson Sr. (September 23, 1930 – June 10, 2004) was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. He is regarded as one of the most iconic and influential singers in history, and was often referred to by contemporaries as "The Ge ...

Chart performance

The single peaked at No. 11 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 singles chart and No. 5 on the Top Selling R&B Singles chart.

Cover versions

*In 1967, The Isley Brothers included it on their

Soul on the Rocks ''Soul on the Rocks'' is the fifth studio album by The Isley Brothers. It was released on the Tamla ( Motown) label on January 24, 1967. Their second and final album with the Detroit label, the brothers soon felt disenchanted with their stay at ...

LP.

References

1966 songs 1966 singles Brunswick Records singles Jackie Wilson songs Songs written by Barbara Acklin {{1960s-single-stub