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.
Information Please
The Ink Spots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Information please, tell me am I the guy who won?
I want to walk right down that middle aisle, I do.
So while I'm dreaming, tell me will my dreams come true?
Information please, tell me just what I want to know.
Information please, tell me to stay or should I go?
I love her, 'deed I do. But does she love me, too?
Information please, tell me what I want to know.
Information, information; please tell me: am I the guy who won?
You see, I want to walk right down, straight down that middle aisle, I really do.
So while I'm dreaming kindly tell me: will all my dreams come true?
Information plese, tell me just what I want to know.
Information please, tell me to stay or should I go?
I love her, 'deed I do, but does she love me, too?
Information please, tell me what I want to know.
The Ink Spots' song "Information Please" is a plea for answers to questions that weigh heavily on the singer's mind. The song is filled with uncertainty and longing, and the singer is clearly seeking reassurance and guidance. The question of whether or not he is the lucky one, the guy who won, is likely in reference to a romantic relationship. The singer wants to know if his dreams will come true, if he will find love and happiness with the person he cares for. The phrase "walk right down that middle aisle" suggests a wedding, which would further support the idea that the singer is hoping to find love and commitment.
The repetition of the phrase "information please" throughout the song adds to the feeling of desperation and urgency. The singer is not just casually asking for information - he needs to know, and he needs to know now. The song captures the feeling of being unsure and insecure in a relationship, and the fear of not knowing whether or not your feelings are reciprocated.
Overall, "Information Please" is a heartfelt and relatable song about seeking answers and reassurance in a world full of uncertainty.
Line by Line Meaning
Information please, tell me am I the lucky one?
I'm hoping to hear that I'm fortunate in love, can you confirm?
Information please, tell me am I the guy who won?
Is it me she's chosen? Please give me a sign.
I want to walk right down that middle aisle, I do.
I long to marry her and make a commitment.
So while I'm dreaming, tell me will my dreams come true?
As I dream of a future with her, can you assure me it will come to fruition?
Information please, tell me just what I want to know.
I'm seeking direct and honest answers to my questions.
Information please, tell me to stay or should I go?
Should I hold onto hope or let go of this love?
I love her, 'deed I do. But does she love me, too?
My feelings are genuine, but I need to know if they are reciprocated.
Information please, tell me what I want to know.
Can you reveal the truth that I'm seeking?
Information please, tell me: am I the lucky one?
I remain curious about my fate in love, is there any indication of my fortune?
Information, information; please tell me: am I the guy who won?
My heart is on the line, I need to hear the truth about her feelings for me.
You see, I want to walk right down, straight down that middle aisle, I really do.
My desire for commitment and marriage is strong and unwavering.
So while I'm dreaming kindly tell me: will all my dreams come true?
Even in my dreams, I am seeking reassurance that my hopes for love and commitment will be realized.
Information plese, tell me just what I want to know.
I'm still seeking the answers that will calm my heart and mind.
I love her, 'deed I do, but does she love me, too?
My feelings are genuine and deep, but I need to know if they will ever be reciprocated.
Information please, tell me what I want to know.
I need the truth to truly know where I stand in this relationship.
Contributed by Chase A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Oldies channel
Another great Ink Spots song I hadn't heard prior to finding this channel!
Blagden Le Corbeau
This song became a private joke with a friend, because I discovered it around when I was asking a lot of Information to him.
EV Shioji
Information plz!!
witherblaze
Is this about the radio show?
Austin Casey
No. Back then you'd say "information please" on the phone which was the equivalent of our modern day 4-1-1. This song is written as if the artist is speaking with the operator.