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 โ 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 โ d. 4 November 1969, Washington, D.C.) (tenor) (Played guitar and trumpet)
Jerry Daniels (b. 14 December 1915 โ d. 7 November 1995, Indianapolis, Indiana) (tenor) (Played guitar and ukulele)
Charlie Fuqua (b. 20 October 1910 โ 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.
I'll Get By
The Ink Spots Lyrics
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Though there be rain and darkness, too
I'll not complain, I'll see it through
Poverty may come to me it's true
But what care I, say, I'll get by
As long as I have you
I'll get by, oh yes, honey child, I'll get by
And remember though there be rain
And of course a little darkness, too
I ain't never gonna complain, um, um
Not me, I'll see it through
Poverty may come to me it's true
But what care I, say, I'll get by
The Ink Spots's song "I'll Get By" is an uplifting song about the power of love and perseverance. The lyrics convey the message that as long as one has someone they love, they can overcome any adversity that may come their way. The singer acknowledges that there will be rain and darkness in life, but they will not complain because they have the love and support of their partner. The line "poverty may come to me it's true, but what care I, say, I'll get by" shows that material possessions are not important as long as they have love. The repetition of the phrase "I'll get by" reinforces the theme of resilience and determination to overcome challenges.
Throughout the song, the lyrics use informal language and slang such as "honey child" and "um, um" to create a relaxed and joyful tone. The inclusion of the word "say" in the line "but what care I, say, I'll get by" adds emphasis to the singer's conviction that they will get by.
Overall, the song's message of hope and love has resonated with listeners for decades. It is a comforting reminder that we can persevere through difficult times as long as we have someone we care about by our side.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll get by as long as I have you
I can survive whatever life throws my way, as long as I have you by my side.
Though there be rain and darkness, too
No matter how bleak the situation may seem, I will always have hope with you beside me.
I'll not complain, I'll see it through
I will face any challenges that come my way with resilience and positivity, knowing that together we can overcome them.
Poverty may come to me it's true
Financial struggles may arise, but with you as my support system, I know we can find a way to make ends meet.
But what care I, say, I'll get by
I am not overly concerned about material possessions or wealth, as long as I have your love and support. Together, we can get through anything
As long as I have you
You are my rock and my constant in life, and as long as I have your love, I can face whatever challenges come my way.
I'll get by, oh yes, honey child, I'll get by
My love for you is strong and unbreakable, and I know that we can overcome anything as long as we have each other.
And remember though there be rain
Even if life gets tough and we face difficulties, we must remember to stay strong and hold on to hope.
And of course a little darkness, too
We may face moments of darkness and despair, but with love and faith, we can always find a way to the light.
I ain't never gonna complain, um, um
I refuse to indulge in negativity or self-pity, and will always strive to maintain a positive attitude, no matter the circumstances.
Lyrics ยฉ BMG Rights Management, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Fred Ahlert, Roy Turk
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mary Hill
Iโm 87 and have a lot of their albums ! Back from the forties and fifties! Wonderful times! I feel like Iโm living on a different world ! And not for the better!
Lee
Very true. This was my late Fathers favourite song.
Dad would be 100 years old today. I just played this for my late Dad.
Stay safe
๐๐ป๐๐ป๐
Brandino James
Mary, I hope you live to see a thousand years โค
Met Axa
If I ever find that Time Machine I would love to make it a bus and pick you up and several others and head right to about 1948. And stay in the normal hood ol days
This world isnโt the world I grew up in either. I miss simpler friendly happy times.
God bless you
MH Morris
@Lee my dad loved The Ink Spots โค๏ธ he would be 96 this yearโฆโค๏ธ
Bob & Dorothy Trimmer
This song came to my mind for some reason tonight. My husband I are in our 90's, so I couldn't sing the words to him, but had to find it. The Ink Spots are fabulous, and memories like this are why we loved those times so much
Toyota.Jzx.100
90. What a wonderful story you and your husband may have after all these years,
Brandino James
The world needs more of you.
proxyy!!!
Unfourtunately, I believed Dorothy psased away. Her obiturary says she was only 78 (not 90), but tells us she married Bob Trimmer. If this is the case, may you rest in peace.
Met Axa
God bless you both