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 Sweetheart Me
The Ink Spots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't talk sweet words if they're not true
Don't tear my heart like it was paper
Because my heart loves only you
You can't go round sweethearting others
And then pretend that I'm yours exclusively
Love must be true, mean what you're saying
Sweetheart's a word you use too lightly
It's more than just a word to me
And darling I resent it slightly
So hold that kiss, remember this
Don't sweetheart me if you don't mean it
Don't talk sweet words if they're not true
Don't tear my heart like it was paper
Because my heart loves only you
You can't go round sweethearting others
And then pretend that I'm yours exclusively
Love must be true, mean what you're saying
Unless you do, don't sweetheart me
You can't go round sweethearting others
And then pretend that I'm yours exclusively
Love must be true, mean what you're saying
Unless you do, don't you ever sweetheart me
In the Ink Spots' classic song "Don't Sweetheart Me," the singer warns their partner not to use sweet talk or call them "sweetheart" if they don't truly mean it. The lyrics are a declaration of the importance of honesty and sincerity in a loving relationship. The singer warns their partner not to hurt them like tearing paper and insists that love must be true and genuine for it to work.
The song's lyrics carry a timeless message that resonates with listeners even today. The Ink Spots' smooth and melodic harmonies add to the song's appeal, making it a classic that has endured throughout the decades. By avoiding the common sweet nothings and sticking only to genuine and honest promises, the singer embodies the ideal of true love.
The lyrics also reflect the standards of relationships that were held at the time the song was written, in the 1940s. During this era, fidelity and sincerity were essential elements of romance, and people were advised to be cautious about flattery and empty promises. The Ink Spots' song thus portrays a culture that placed a premium on honesty and deep connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't sweetheart me if you don't mean it
Don't use sweet terms of endearment if you don't truly feel that way about me.
Don't talk sweet words if they're not true
Don't tell me things you don't really mean just to please me.
Don't tear my heart like it was paper
Don't be careless with my feelings and hurt me for no reason.
Because my heart loves only you
I care deeply for you and don't want to share those feelings with anyone else.
You can't go round sweethearting others
You shouldn't use endearing words with other people if you're pretending to be exclusive with me.
And then pretend that I'm yours exclusively
Don't act like I'm the only one you care about when you're seeing other people.
Love must be true, mean what you're saying
Love requires honesty and sincerity in what you say and do.
Unless you do, don't sweetheart me
If you can't be honest and genuine, then don't use sweet words or endearments with me.
Sweetheart's a word you use too lightly
You use terms of endearment too often and without much thought behind it.
It's more than just a word to me
Those endearing words mean a lot to me and have deep significance.
And darling I resent it slightly
I feel a little bit upset when you use those words too lightly or insincerely.
So hold that kiss, remember this
Think twice before kissing me if you're not being honest and genuine with your feelings.
Don't you ever sweetheart me
If you can't be real and honest, then don't pretend to be sweet or affectionate toward me.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHARLES TOBIAS, CLIFF FRIEND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
gian paolo Puglisi
Very amazin' Thanks
Michael Glaze
I remember Daffy Duck sang this song. It's so funny.