Nicholas Caldwell, one of the founding members of The Whispers, died Tuesday at age 71. Caldwell was found by his wife in their Northern California home, the musician's manager confirmed to TMZ.

The exact cause of death hasn’t been released, though Caldwell battled congestive heart failure, which he addressed last summer. Health problems prevented him from touring with the group in his later years. 

Twin bothers Wallace and Walter Scott, Caldwell, Gordy Harmon and Marcus Hutson formed The Whispers in 1964. Throughout the '70s and '80s, the group garnered R&B hits like "And the Beat Goes On" and "Rock Steady" that are classics today.

In 2003, the Whispers were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and earned a coveted Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation in 2008.  

A message on a Facebook page attributed to The Whispers reads, “We are deeply saddened to announce that our dearly beloved Nicholas Caldwell passed away last night after years of complications with his heart. We will keep everyone informed with updates.”

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(Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)