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.
I Wish You the Best of Everything
The Ink Spots Lyrics
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You love somebody else, so what can I do?
I wish the best of everything, though I got the worst of it all.
I'll never hold you to the vows that we made.
I'll just forgive you for the game that you played.
I wish the best of everything, though I got the worst of it all.
My love for you will never die.
If you're happy dear I'll never interfere, except to tell you goodbye.
I tried to hate you but it's hard to pretend,
'Cause in my heart I love you right till the end.
I wish the best of everything, though I got the worst of it all.
I tried to hate you but it's hard to pretend,
'Cause in my heart I love you right till the end
I wish the best of everything, though I got the worse of it all.
END.
The lyrics of "I Wish You the Best of Everything" by The Ink Spots portray a broken-hearted lover who has been left for someone else, but despite the pain and hurt, they wish their former partner the best. The first verse acknowledges that their love has been replaced and the singer is powerless to change the situation. The second verse shows a measure of mercy and a willingness to forgive, even though they have been taken for granted. The chorus repeats the title's message, although the singer has suffered greatly due to their relationship, they still hope for the best for their former partner.
The third verse speaks of acceptance and resignation, with the singer acknowledging that their love will never die for their former partner, even if they are gone. It shows the depth of the love they had for them and the difficulty of letting go. However, the singer still insists on not interfering with their life unless saying their final goodbyes. The fourth verse further portrays the internal conflict that the singer is struggling with, as they tried to hate their former partner, but their love overpowers any negative feelings.
The lyrics of "I Wish You the Best of Everything" show the complexity of emotions felt after a breakup, but it also shows an admirable level of maturity and grace in handling the situation. It is a reminder to put aside bitterness and anger and wish for the best for those who have moved on in life.
Line by Line Meaning
You made me love you, now say that we're through.
You led me into loving you, and now you're telling me it's over.
You love somebody else, so what can I do?
You've moved on to a new love, and I'm powerless to change it.
I wish the best of everything, though I got the worst of it all.
Despite the hurt you caused me, I still hope you have a great life.
I'll never hold you to the vows that we made.
I won't force you to keep the promises we made to each other.
I'll just forgive you for the game that you played.
I won't hold a grudge for the way you treated me as if I was just a game.
Though you go away, and leave me skies of gray,My love for you will never die.
Even if you leave me and everything seems bleak, my love for you will never fade.
If you're happy dear I'll never interfere, except to tell you goodbye.
If you've found happiness, I won't interfere, but I will say goodbye.
I tried to hate you but it's hard to pretend,'Cause in my heart I love you right till the end.
Even though you hurt me, I can't force myself to hate you because I still love you deep down.
I wish the best of everything, though I got the worst of it all.
Despite the pain you've caused me, I still wish you a happy and fulfilling life.
I tried to hate you but it's hard to pretend,'Cause in my heart I love you right till the end
Even though I may try to deny it, my heart will always love you until the very end.
I wish the best of everything, though I got the worse of it all.
Despite the heartache you've brought me, I still wish you well in all your endeavors.
Writer(s): Art Terker, Bill Livingston, Sammy Mysels
Contributed by Mason D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.