And the Beat Goes On

The single was cut in Los Angeles at Studio Masters for the group’s 1979 self-titled SOLAR album. The original release credits Dick Griffey and The Whispers as producers, with Leon Sylvers III also associated with the record’s production and writing team. The song became The Whispers’ breakthrough crossover hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart and the Hot Soul Singles chart while peaking at No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100. It established the group as major mainstream hitmakers beyond the R&B market. The track remained a durable sample source, most notably for Will Smith’s “Miami,” and it also resurfaced in later releases by Monie Love and BigXthaPlug. Its continued visibility was reinforced by appearances in film, games, and dance-music compilations.