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.
Don’t Get Around Much Any More
The Ink Spots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Heard they crowded the floor
Couldn't bear it without you
Don't get around much anymore
Though I'd visit the club
Got as far as the door
They'd have asked me about you
Darling, I guess my mind's more at ease
But nevertheless why stir up memories?
Been invited on dates
Might have gone but what for?
Awf'lly diff'rent without you
Don't get around much anymore
The Ink Spots' "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" is a song about lost love and the ways in which the absence of a former partner can impact one's life. The lyrics illustrate a sense of isolation, as the singer laments missing a dance and the sense of community that goes along with it. However, the deeper meaning of the song goes beyond this surface-level interpretation.
The first verse describes a missed dance, and how the singer "couldn't bear it without you" indicating that their partner is no longer in their lives. The second verse is more introspective, as the singer realizes they won't make it past the door of a club because people will inevitably ask them about their former flame. In the chorus, the singer reveals that they've been invited on dates but don't see the point of going because everything is "awfully different" without their loved one.
The song is ultimately a meditation on the ways in which a past relationship can impact one's present and future. The singer can't move forward because they're constantly reminded of what's been lost. However, they also understand the futility of dwelling on the past: "Darling, I guess my mind's more at ease / But nevertheless why stir up memories?"
Line by Line Meaning
Missed the Saturday dance
I missed the dance that happened on Saturday.
Heard they crowded the floor
I heard that the floor was crowded with people.
Couldn't bear it without you
It was difficult for me to be there without you.
Don't get around much anymore
I don't go out as much as I used to.
Though I'd visit the club
Even though I thought about going to the club.
Got as far as the door
I only made it to the door.
They'd have asked me about you
People there would have asked me about you.
Don't get around much anymore
I don't go out as much as I used to.
Darling, I guess my mind's more at ease
My mind is more relaxed and at ease now, my dear.
But nevertheless why stir up memories?
But why bring up old memories?
Been invited on dates
I have been asked out on dates.
Might have gone but what for?
I might have gone, but what would be the point?
Awf'lly diff'rent without you
It's terribly different without you there with me.
Don't get around much anymore
I don't go out as much as I used to.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CARMEN LOMBARDO, CLARENCE E. TODD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bubsd487
[Intro]
When I'm not playing Solitaire
I take a book down from the shelf
And what with programs on the air
I keep pretty much to myself
[Verse 1]
Missed the Saturday dance
Heard they crowded the floor
Couldn't bear it without you
Don't get around much anymore
[Verse 2]
Thought I'd visit the club
Got as far as the door
They'd have asked me about you
Don't get around much anymore
[Bridge]
Oh darling, I guess my mind's more at ease
But nevertheless, why stir up memories?
[Verse 3]
Been invited on dates
Might have gone but what for
Awfully different without you
Don't get around much anymore
[Piano Solo]
[Bridge]
Oh darling, I guess my mind's more at ease
But nevertheless, why stir up memories?
[Verse 3]
Been invited on dates
Might have gone but what for
Awfully different without you
Don't get around much anymore
[Outro]
Don't get around much anymore
Don't get around much anymore
@brianpatrickofficial
I’m a 13 year old boy. I love this type of music and older than this too. I play the piano and enjoy reading and writing too. The Ink Spots are my all time favorite out of anything or anyone else.
When I hear this song I’m particular...”when I’m not playing solitaire, I take a book down from the shelf”...it makes me think of how I am kinda a social outcast and will probably be lonely the rest of my life. But that’s not exactly bad. This song makes me think of me in at least 25-30 years living in a small cabin in the mountains living a simple and lonely life with only what I need; a kitchen and dining room, living room, bathroom, guest room maybe, a master bedroom, a study, and a large enough basement I can use as a fallout shelter...
I will stick to my studies and pray to God and go out occasionally and keep a small farm...it can be a good and peaceful life, and hopefully I can do all I can to go to Heaven some day.
I also want to be a doctor so I can find somewhere rural where it’s not a far drive from my house to go somewhere small in a small country town. It can happen if I try. Never lose hope that living a lonely and simple life can be a good life. Who needs wealth when you can just be happy with what you have and with your small little rustic country cabin in a mountain?
Being a doctor might make me a lot of money but it’s not all for me. I don’t know, I was really just thinking about how lonely but joyful and peaceful this music makes me feel. I love the Ink Spots...personally, I would like to live in the 1980s because it was such an interesting time period...the Ink Spots being from the late 1930s through 1940s and 1950s wouldn’t have been too long ago from the 1980s and it would be very nice.
@pobrepaco
When I was a kid, this is what my parents listened to on the old Zenith radio their songs have been permanently ingrained in my brain----Thanks Mom for letting me listen with you!!!
@wokap
How you holding up now bruce?
@phex9528
glad some people can smile to this song
@user-zv7yb4yp9g
lovely story sir
@somebodyelse5294
Nice
@barbararichmond2167
@@phex9528Oh, yes.... especially when you have some good memories of this song....... My mother walked around the house singing this old song and now, eons later, I was awaken to this song in my head.
@Kharkovkid
45 years on I can still hear this song and see the Old Mans pipe tobacco smoke rising over the back of the easy chair. DO NOT DISTURB!
@SL-mp7xb
My nana was always humming and shuffling her feet in a quick two step to the Ink Spots. Miss you forever, Nana, and I still know where I get it from.
@SweetsProductions
knockin back some sunset sarsaparilla taking in the radioactive scenery that lies ahead.
@deaner1722
SweetsProductions great comment bro, fellow vault dweller