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.
Do I Worry-
The Ink Spots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Do I worry cause you got me in doubt
Though your kisses aren't right, do I give a bag of beans
Do I stay home every night and read my magazine
Am I frantic, cause we lost that spark
Is there panic when it starts turning dark
And when evening shadows creep, do I loose any sleep over you
Do I worry when the iceman calls
Do I worry if Niagara Falls
Though you treat me just like dirt
You think I give a snap
Are my feelings really hurt
When you're sitting in somebody else's lap
Am I curious when the gossip flies
Am I furious bout your little white lies
And when all our evenings end
'Cause you got a sick friend that needs you
Do I worry, honey, you know dog gone well I do
Am I frantic, 'cause we've lost that spark
Is there panic when it starts turning dark
And when evening shadows creep
Do I lose any sleep over you
Do I worry, you can bet your life, I do
The Ink Spots's song Do I Worry is a song about a jealous lover who is always worried about their partner stepping out on them. The lyrics speak to the singer's constant anxiety and insecurity about their relationship, questioning whether their lover still has feelings for them and whether they are faithful. Despite their partner's actions causing hurt and distress to them, the singer still cares deeply and worries about them.
The lyrics in this song showcase the theme of trust and loyalty in a relationship, and the fear and uncertainty that can come with romantic attachments. It highlights the conflict that can arise in a relationship when one partner loses faith in the other and begins to question their feelings and intentions. The use of rhetorical questions throughout the song reinforces this sense of insecurity and doubt.
Overall, the song portrays the nuanced and complicated emotions that can exist within the context of love and commitment, and the inner turmoil that can come with it.
Line by Line Meaning
Do I worry cause you're stepping out
Am I concerned that you're cheating on me
Do I worry cause you got me in doubt
Am I anxious about our relationship because you have me unsure about your commitment
Though your kisses aren't right, do I give a bag of beans
Do I care about your lack of affection
Do I stay home every night and read my magazine
Do I avoid going out or spending time with you because of my worries
Am I frantic, cause we lost that spark
Am I worried because we've lost the passion in our relationship
Is there panic when it starts turning dark
Do I feel anxious when our relationship takes a turn for the worse
And when evening shadows creep, do I loose any sleep over you
Do I stay up at night worrying about you
Do I worry, you can bet your life I do
I definitely worry about our relationship
Do I worry when the iceman calls
Am I worried about unexpected visitors, such as the iceman
Do I worry if Niagara Falls
Do insignificant things worry me
Though you treat me just like dirt, You think I give a snap
Do I care about how badly you treat me
Are my feelings really hurt, When you're sitting in somebody else's lap
Do I feel hurt when I see you with someone else
Am I curious when the gossip flies
Do I wonder about rumors and gossip about us
Am I furious bout your little white lies
Am I angry about the small lies you tell me
And when all our evenings end, 'Cause you got a sick friend that needs you
When our dates or plans are cancelled due to your friend's needs, do I worry
Do I worry, honey, you know dog gone well I do
You know I definitely worry about our relationship
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: BOBBY WORTH, STANLEY COWAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@veritycollis9333
My lovely dad who died last year loved all this music. It always reminds me of him. I listened to some of it with him but not as much as I should have done and now I sit here the whole time and listen to all this wonderful music and think of him and wish more than anything that he was sitting next to me : (
@juancruzreyes7206
The ink spots are legendary. I wish your dad rest in peace :)
@veritycollis9333
sAnGuche thank you : )
@tildibu9087
❤❤
@andrewhunt7328
No other band does this formula. the lead singer sings. and half way through the other guy with the very deep voice repeats the lyrics with a few changes but in a more conversational term. but it still works as the rest hum in the background,. masterful
@muzafferelbeyli2756
İt's fabulous isn't it?And the detail is that the lead singer is tenor-like and the speech inside is in a bass tone.All the variation just works awesome.
@lespicymaltod537
It always makes me laugh, like the guy wants to sing real bad, but he can't so they let him at least put his spin on the song. It's very wholesome, even though the song is pretty sad, it just fills my heart with joy, a fuzzy feeling deep down inside, so captivating and mesmerizing, nothing quite like it.
@terencemeikle534
Boyz II Men do something similar on End Of The Road.
@kerrypainter9095
So sad that there are only 105,903 views. There should be millions. They deserve it. What incredible music!
@user-iu4bq7pv3w
He did💔💔💔💔💔