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.
Did You Ever See A Dream Walking?
The Ink Spots Lyrics
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Well, I did.
Did you ever hear a dream talking?
Well, I did.
Did you have a dream thrill you
With "Will you be mine?"
Oh, it's so grand,
Did you ever see a dream dancing?
Well, I did.
Did a ever see a dream romancing?
Well, I did!
Did you see heaven right in your arms,
Saying, "I love you, I do!"
Well, the dream that was walking,
And the dream that was talking,
The heaven in my arms was you.
The Ink Spots' "Did You Ever See A Dream Walking?" is a romantic ballad that describes a dream-like experience of being in love. The lyrics ask the listener if they have ever seen a dream walking or heard a dream talking, and the singer responds that they have. The dream that the singer experienced was a thrilling one that asked "Will you be mine?" and brought them immense joy and wonder.
The dream that the singer saw was not just walking, it was also dancing and romancing. The dream was so vivid that it felt like heaven and the singer was able to hold it in their arms, telling them "I love you, I do." The dream that was walking and talking was actually the person the singer loved, making the dream a representation of their true love.
Line by Line Meaning
Did you ever see a dream walking?
Have you ever experienced a subconscious vision that felt like a tangible presence?
Well, I did.
I have personally had such an encounter with a dream.
Did you ever hear a dream talking?
Have you ever had a dream that included auditory elements, such as speech?
Well, I did.
I have personally had a dream that featured such communication.
Did you have a dream thrill you
Have you ever had a dream that was particularly exciting or emotionally stirring?
With "Will you be mine?"
Did this dream include a proposal of some sort?
Oh, it's so grand,
This dream was incredibly positive and enjoyable.
And it's too, too divine!
This dream was remarkable or even miraculous in some way.
Did you ever see a dream dancing?
Have you ever had a dream that included movement or dancing?
Well, I did.
I have personally experienced such a dream.
Did you ever see a dream romancing?
Have you ever had a dream that involved romantic interactions or experiences?
Well, I did!
I have personally had such a dream.
Did you see heaven right in your arms,
Did you ever feel like you were holding something indescribably wonderful or precious?
Saying, "I love you, I do!"
Did this dream figure express their love for you in a clear and direct way?
Well, the dream that was walking,
The dream that I initially saw as a presence, moving independently, was actually significant in some way.
And the dream that was talking,
The dream that included speech was also significant.
The heaven in my arms was you.
The remarkable, divine dream that I experienced involved the person I hold most dear in real life.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MACK GORDON, HARRY REVEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Austin Casey
Awesome!! I always sing what I thought was the tenor part of this... come to find out it's mostly Charlie's part only up an octave. Lol Your study of the group is really inspiring buddy. Can't wait to see what's next!
Wesley Newsam
Thanks for the support! I used to have a similar experience except I would think I was singing the bass part but it was really a mix of Hoppy's part and Deek's part but an octave down.