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.
Christopher Columbus
The Ink Spots Lyrics
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Sailed the sea without a compass
Well, when his men began a rumpus
Up spoke Christopher Columbus
He said, "There is land somewhere
So until we get there we will not go wrong
If we sing a swing song
'Till our goal is found we'll just keep the rhythm bound"
Soon the crew was makin' merry
Then came a yell, let's drink to Isabella
Bring on the rum
A music in that all the rumpus
A wise old Christopher Columbus
Soon the crew was makin' merry and Mary got mad
Then came a yell, let's drink to Isabel
So bring on the rum
A music in that all of the rumpus
A wise old Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus
The Ink Spots's song "Christopher Columbus" is a song about the historical figure Christopher Columbus and his voyage across the sea to discover the New World. The lyrics describe the initial uncertainty and chaos that Columbus and his crew experienced on their journey. However, Columbus's optimism and leadership skills are highlighted as he inspired his crew with the idea that there must be land somewhere, and they will be okay as long as they sing a swing song, which symbolizes their unity and determination. Columbus's wise leadership and ability to keep his crew's spirits high are also emphasized as he encourages them to celebrate with drinks and music when they finally arrive at Isabella, their destination.
The song's lyrics also capture the excitement and enthusiasm of Columbus's crew as they make their way across the sea. They are described as making merry and having a good time despite the challenges they face. The song paints Columbus as a hero and a pioneer, whose adventurous spirit and leadership skills helped him achieve a historic feat.
Line by Line Meaning
Mr. Christopher Columbus
The man named Christopher Columbus
Sailed the sea without a compass
Traversed the ocean without any navigational equipment or direction
Well, when his men began a rumpus
When his crew began to make noise, disturbance or chaos
Up spoke Christopher Columbus
Then Christopher Columbus spoke
He said, "There is land somewhere
Columbus expressed his belief that there is land to be found
So until we get there we will not go wrong
He insisted that as long as they keep moving forward, they will eventually find land
If we sing a swing song
Columbus suggested that singing a lively tune might help improve the crew's morale
Since the world is round we'll be safe and sound
He used the recently discovered fact that the earth is round to reassure his crew that they will eventually be okay
'Till our goal is found we'll just keep the rhythm bound"
The crew should keep their spirits up and stay focused until they reach their destination
Soon the crew was makin' merry
The crew started to have fun, joke and make light of the situation
Then came a yell, let's drink to Isabella
Someone in the crew suggested a toast to the queen of Spain
Bring on the rum
The crew decided to drink alcohol
A music in that all the rumpus
The noise and chaos of the crew had a musical quality to it
A wise old Christopher Columbus
Columbus was portrayed as wise for his leadership role
Soon the crew was makin' merry and Mary got mad
The crew was having fun and dancing, but one of the crewmates named Mary was not pleased with the situation
Christopher Columbus
The song ends by repeating the name of the explorer
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN MADARA, LEN BARRY, TIMOTHY MOORE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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