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.
Say Something Sweet To Your Sweetheart
The Ink Spots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tell her how much you care
Say something sentimental, it won't cost a thing
You'll find what happiness a gentle word can bring
You can't hide those love words inside you
And still keep the one you adore
So, say something sweet to your sweetheart
Say something sweet to your sweetheart
Tell her how much you care
Say something sentimental, it won't cost a thing
You'll find what happiness a gentle word can bring
The Ink Spots's song "Say Something To Your Sweetheart" is a beautiful reminder of the importance of expressing love through words. The lyrics encourage listeners to open up and vocalize their feelings to their significant other. The song suggests that expressing love doesn't have to be complicated or extravagant. Instead, it can be as simple as saying something sweet, sentimental, or gentle. The lyrics emphasize that these small gestures can go a long way in strengthening relationships and creating lasting connections.
The first verse urges listeners to "Say something sweet to your sweetheart" and to "tell her how much you care." The second verse emphasizes the importance of not holding back when it comes to expressing love. The lyrics read, "You can't hide those love words inside you / And still keep the one you adore." The song ends with a reminder that these small expressions of love can lead to everlasting relationships.
Overall, The Ink Spots's song "Say Something To Your Sweetheart" is a beautiful reminder of how important it is to express love through words. The song's lyrics are a perfect representation of how something as simple as a kind word can have a significant impact on relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Say something sweet to your sweetheart
Express your affection and fondness for your beloved partner by uttering endearing and kind words to them.
Tell her how much you care
Let your significant other know the intensity of your love and emotions by confessing your feelings and emotions.
Say something sentimental, it won't cost a thing
Speak lovingly and emotionally to your sweetheart without any monetary expense as loving words and sentiments have no price tag.
You'll find what happiness a gentle word can bring
You will realize the joy and contentment that a kind and gentle word can impart to your sweetheart and your relationship.
You can't hide those love words inside you
You cannot conceal the words and messages of love and affection that are buried deep within your heart and soul.
And still keep the one you adore
You cannot expect to keep the love and loyalty of your beloved whilst withholding your love and affection from them.
So, say something sweet to your sweetheart
Therefore, convey sweet and endearing words to your significant other without any hesitation or reservation.
And you'll be sweethearts forever more
By vocalizing your love and fondness to your partner, you can ensure to remain lovers for eternity.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: ROY C BENNET, SID TEPPER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Elsa Bernard
I can't believe this doesn't have more views. This song is so simple and happy, the world needs more of this stuff going mainstream. What a different world we'd live in if it was popular to listen to this type of music...
Γιώργος .Κούκας
Because of the musicians' strike in 1948, the Ink Spots couldn't use any instruments to their recordings. That's why Fuqua didn't play his guitar and the whole thing is a capella. The choir is the Song Spinners and besides Bill Kenny that sings, the rest of the Ink Spots are bopping to keep the rhythm
Matty Lamour
@Austin Casey Also worth noting that this was recorded the same day as "You Were Only Fooling" so chances are the other two Spots were still at least present.
Austin Casey
Yes, thank you for the added information. I'm quite certain the other Ink Spots don't sing at all here. For one, they weren't anywhere near as good as The Song Spinners... and the song Spinners didn't need additional voices to begin with. It should be noted that someone does play the Ukulele here... whether its Fuqua or someone else we may never know. But apparently Uke was not considered a "real instrument" by the musicians union. One thing is for certain... the others Ink Spots were paid for this session. Later on, Kenny would omit them from sessions but still pay them for them, sometimes hiring the Ray Charles Singers (or Song Spinners) to provide the harmony accompaniment instead.
NightsoN
That last note ...so pefect o_O
Daniella Pawl
Wonderful! Thank you so much!!
ZEUS BQ
I wish we back to past , before was real love not like today , I’m so sad I can’t find someone to love me for my heart , big love from Iraq 🇮🇶 & I live in germany 🇩🇪 I wish I could live in peace with a girl simple life so clear and open book ,
❤️ god bless you
ST4RRYDREAM
pretty and sweet 😊❤️
Rube Waddell
Australia's 66th Number one along with a version by Joe Loss.
Kerry Painter
Nice.