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.
Just for Me
The Ink Spots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You changed the sunshine to rain
Just for a thrill
You filled my heart with pain
To me you were my pride and joy
But to you, I was merely a toy
A plaything, that you could toss around at will
Just for a thrill
You made my life one sad song
Just for a thrill
You just led me along
Although you're free and havin' your fun
To me you're still the only one
Cause you made my heart stand still
Just for a thrill
Although you're free and havin' your fun
To me you're still the only one
Cause you made my heart stand still
Well, it was just for a thrill
And baby you, you, made my heart stand still
Just for a thrill
The Ink Spots's song "Just for Now" is a heart-wrenching ballad about love and betrayal. The singer is describing a relationship that was once filled with sunshine and happiness, but has now turned dark and painful. They are addressing their lover, who they believed was their "pride and joy," but who now just sees them as a toy to be manipulated and discarded. The singer is struggling to come to terms with the fact that their heart is still aching for their partner, despite the pain they have caused.
The song is a powerful reflection on the nature of love and the risks that come with opening oneself up to another person. It communicates a sense of deep vulnerability and the harsh reality that even the strongest of bonds can be broken by human weakness and selfishness. The singer's longing for their partner, even in the face of such betrayal, showcases the often-misunderstood complexity of love and the many emotions that come along with it.
Overall, "Just for Now" is a timeless classic that has resonated with generations of listeners, and will continue to do so for years to come.
Line by Line Meaning
Just for a thrill
You did something just to feel the excitement or pleasure of it, without consideration for the consequences or feelings of others.
You changed the sunshine to rain
Your actions caused me to feel sadness or depression, where before I felt happiness or contentment.
You filled my heart with pain
Your behavior caused me emotional harm or suffering, leaving me feeling hurt or miserable.
To me you were my pride and joy
I loved and valued you deeply, and thought of you as one of the most important things in my life.
But to you, I was merely a toy
You saw me as a disposable object to be used for your own amusement or pleasure, without any real affection or attachment.
A plaything, that you could toss around at will
You had complete control over our relationship, and treated me as if I was powerless to resist or stand up for myself.
You made my life one sad song
Your actions caused my existence to become a never-ending source of misery, heartache, or melancholy.
You just led me along
You kept me believing that our relationship was meaningful or important, when in reality you had no intention of ever truly committing or caring for me.
Although you're free and havin' your fun
You are able to enjoy your life and do as you please, without being weighed down by any obligations or responsibilities.
To me you're still the only one
Despite all of the pain you've caused me, I still love and care for you deeply, and can't imagine my life without you.
Cause you made my heart stand still
Your presence or absence has a profound effect on me, to the point where I feel like time itself stops when I'm around you.
Well, it was just for a thrill
In retrospect, I realize that your actions were driven entirely by a desire for excitement or pleasure, without any concern for the harm they might cause to others.
And baby you, you, made my heart stand still
You had a powerful impact on my emotions and wellbeing, to the point where I felt like my heart was literally frozen or immobilized.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DON RAYE, LILLIAN HARDIN ARMSTRONG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Austin Casey
Thanks Graeme! I'm glad you dig it and I look forward to hearing you do more Ink Spots tunes! -Austin
Graeme Webb
Hi Austin. I just love The Ink Spots. I'm going to have to learn some, and upload a couple, especially that one. Thank you for posting. Your pal, Graeme.