The Ink Spots were a vocal group in the 1930s and 1940s … Read Full Bio ↴(1934-1954)
The Ink Spots were a vocal group in the 1930s and 1940s that helped define the musical genre that led to rhythm and blues and rock and roll, and the subgenre doo-wop. They gained much acceptance in both the white community and black community largely due to the ballad style introduced to the group by lead singer Bill Kenny. They were inducted into the Rock & Roll hall of fame in 1999.
Their songs usually began with a guitar riff, followed by the tenor Bill Kenny, who sang the whole song through. After Kenny finished singing, the bass would either recite the first half, or the bridge of the song, or would speak the words, almost in a free form, that were not part of the song, commonly using the words "Honey Child", or "Honey Babe", expressing his love for his darling in the song. This was followed by Kenny, who finished up singing the last refrain or the last half of the song. On some songs Deek Watson would sing the lead rather than Bill Kenny. This was mostly on the uptempo "Jive" songs.
The Ink Spots formed in the early 1930s in Indianapolis. The founding members were :-
Orville "Hoppy" Jones (b. 17 February 1902, Chicago, Illinois – d. 18 October 1944, New York City) (bass) (Played cello in the manner of a stand up bass)[1]
Ivory "Deek" Watson (b. 18 July 1909, Mounds, Illinois – d. 4 November 1969, Washington, D.C.) (tenor) (Played guitar and trumpet)
Jerry Daniels (b. 14 December 1915 – d. 7 November 1995, Indianapolis, Indiana) (tenor) (Played guitar and ukulele)
Charlie Fuqua (b. 20 October 1910 – d. 21 December 1971, New Haven, Connecticut)
(baritone) (Played guitar)
*** BILL KENNY ***
The voice that made them famous Bill Kenny (Mr. Ink Spot) was born June 12th 1914 in Philadelphia PA, and died Mar 23rd 1978 in New West Minister, British Columbia. When Bill Kenny joined the group in 1936 they were mostly a "Jive" ensemble, performing swinging uptempo songs. It wasn't until The Ink Spots 1939 recording of "If I Didn't Care" that Bill Kenny's voice began being regularly featured on Ballads, which it was until The Ink Spots disbanded in 1954. Hits that feature Bill Kenny include "I Don't Want To Set The World On Fire", "We Three", "The Gypsy", "Address Unknown", "With My Eyes Wide Open I'm Dreaming", "So Sorry", "Bless You", "My Prayer", "Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall", "It's A Sin To Tell A Lie", It Isn't A Dream Anymore", and dozens of others. Bill Kenny has been listed as an influence by such great artists as Elvis Presley, Sam Cooke, Johnny Mathis, Sonny Till, Clyde McPhatter and many others. Bill Kenny is often noted as the father of Doo Wop for his high tenor singing and his introduction of the popular "Top & Bottom" format used by virtually every Doo Wop group in the 50's and 60's.
Since Bill Kenny broke up The Ink Spots in 1954 there have been well over 500 black vocal Quartets calling themselves The Ink Spots none of which have or had any original members. There are even groups still touring as The Ink Spots today. It is largely accepted that if the group didn't contain Bill Kenny then the group was/ is a fake.
Bless You
The Ink Spots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just when it seemed that heaven was not for me
Bless you, for building a new dream
Just when my old dream crumbled so helplessly
In that vine covered chapel on the hill
Your face was a hymn that lingered still
Heaven is mine and life is divine with you.
So bless, you my darling, my angel,
Heaven is mine and life is divine with you.
The Ink Spots' song "Bless You" reflects gratitude and appreciation for the presence of a significant other. The first two lines express how the singer felt unworthy of going to heaven at some point in their life. However, with the entrance of the significant other in their life, they recognized their life's value again with the assurance that they have someone who loves and cares for them. The lyrics "Bless you, for building a new dream just when my old dream crumbles so helplessly" indicates how the singer's lover came in and became the source of strength needed to rebuild their lives after experiencing a setback.
Moreover, the mention of a "vine covered chapel on the hill" indicates a reference to a place of refuge, of spiritual significance, or where they met. The singer describes the lover's face as a "hymn that lingered still." This line portrays how the lover's presence brings calmness, a sense of serenity, and joy. The repetition of "Bless you my darling, my angel" indicates the magnitude of appreciation and gratitude the singer feels for their significant other. The last two lines reflect how the presence of the significant other made everything worthwhile, and heaven and life mean so much more to them now.
Line by Line Meaning
Bless you, for being an angel
Thank you for being my savior and providing me with hope.
Just when it seemed that heaven was not for me
You came into my life when I was at my lowest point and uplifted me.
Bless you, for building a new dream
You have inspired me to create a new vision for myself and my future.
Just when my old dream crumbled so helplessly
My previous aspirations and goals had fallen apart, and you helped me see that there is still hope and new beginnings.
In that vine covered chapel on the hill
We were in a romantic and peaceful setting, surrounded by nature.
Your face was a hymn that lingered still
Your smile and presence are so beautiful that they have stayed with me, even after we've parted.
So bless, you my darling, my angel,
Once again, thank you for being such an important part of my life.
Heaven is mine and life is divine with you.
Being with you is like experiencing heaven on earth, and every moment with you is a blessing.
So bless, you my darling, my angel,
I cannot express enough how grateful I am to have you in my life.
Heaven is mine and life is divine with you.
You make everything in life so much better and I cherish every moment spent with you.
Lyrics © Royalty Network, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: DON BAKER, EDDIE LANE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@missysparkle1098
This is so beautiful. Such a gem . I love it when I happen apon a terrific tune. Spot on!👌 👏 🙌 😍 ❤
@CPorter
This one was the biggest U.K. Hit for The Ink Spots
@timbertown.vintage
just a funny fact. This song saved Michael Jackson from being sued by Italian songwriter Albano Carrisi. Jackson's "Will You Be There" sounded very similar to one of Carrisi's songs, but after years in court, they decided BOTH songs sounded extremely similar to this Ink Spots one. BTW, there'd you get this Remastered album? Sounds fantastic and I can't seem to find it! Great Post!
@salmasalute
Albano's song sounds NOTHING like michael's song. Isnt it fu*king obvious.
@J_L_V
@@salmasalute listen to both again. They both sound the same.
@marvelessence
Bless you for sharing!
@mokmok8080
I downloaded the whole album via EMule If i can remember. And bless YOU for that information haha! Thanks for watching!