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.
Stompin
The Ink Spots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Savoy, it wins you at a glance
Savoy, gives happy feet a chance to dance.
Your form, just like a clingin' vine
Your lips, as warm and sweet as wine
Your cheek, so soft and close to mine, divine.
While the band is swingin'
Never tired of rompin'
An' Stompin' with you at the Savoy
What joy, a perfect holiday
Savoy, where we can glide and sway
There let me stomp away with you
Savoy,
Savoy,
Savoy.
Your form just like a clingin' vine
Your lips, as warm and sweet as wine
Your cheek, so soft and close to mine, divine.
Oh, how my heart is singin'
While the band is swingin'
Never tired of rompin'
An' Stompin' with you at the Savoy
What joy,
Savoy,
Savoy, there let me stomp away
With you.
The Ink Spots' song "Stompin' at the Savoy" is a love song that describes the experience of a perfect date at the Savoy Ballroom. The first three lines of the song, "Savoy, the home of sweet romance / Savoy, it wins you at a glance / Savoy, gives happy feet a chance to dance," clearly establish the ballroom as the perfect romantic setting for a couple. The strong 'S' sound that is repeated three times in the beginning adds to the rhythm of the song, and helps to emphasize the significance of the venue.
The following two lines, "Your form, just like a clingin' vine / Your lips, as warm and sweet as wine," describe the partner's physical attributes. The lyrics continue to describe the intimacy between the couple: "Your cheek, so soft and close to mine, divine." It is clear that the singer is enraptured by both the environment of the Savoy ballroom and his partner's physical presence.
The chorus states, "Oh, how my heart is singin' / While the band is swingin' / Never tired of rompin' / An' Stompin' with you at the Savoy." This signifies the overflowing joy that the singer is feeling, while also highlighting the importance of the music and the partner in their life. The repetition of "Savoy" at the end of the chorus and the song emphasizes the importance of this location in the singer's life.
Overall, "Stompin' at the Savoy" is a timeless song that portrays the experience of a perfect romantic date in a ballroom. The music and setting are essential components in creating the romantic and joyous atmosphere that is central to the song. It is no surprise that it has become a classic and frequently covered by various artists.
Line by Line Meaning
Savoy, the home of sweet romance
Savoy is a place known for its romantic atmosphere.
Savoy, it wins you at a glance
Savoy captures your heart immediately with its charm and beauty.
Savoy, gives happy feet a chance to dance.
Savoy provides the perfect opportunity for dancing and enjoyment.
Your form, just like a clingin' vine
Your body is as graceful and delicate as a vine clinging to a trellis.
Your lips, as warm and sweet as wine
Your lips are soft, warm, and taste as sweet as a fine wine.
Your cheek, so soft and close to mine, divine.
Your cheek is soft and tender, pressed gently against mine and causing a sensation of bliss.
How my heart is singin'
I feel overjoyed and my heart is filled with happiness.
While the band is swingin'
The music is lively and upbeat, the perfect accompaniment to our dancing.
Never tired of rompin'
I never tire of spending time with you and dancing the night away.
An' Stompin' with you at the Savoy
Dancing and having fun with you at Savoy is an experience I treasure.
What joy, a perfect holiday
This is a perfect moment of happiness and relaxation.
Savoy, where we can glide and sway
Savoy is a place where we can dance gracefully and move to the music with ease.
There let me stomp away with you
Let us enjoy ourselves and dance together with abandon.
Savoy,
Savoy represents a joyful and carefree environment.
Savoy,
Savoy is a place of beauty and romance.
Savoy.
Savoy is a special place we will always remember fondly.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC , Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: IRVING CAESAR, VINCENT YOUMANS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Cintra
Tão linda ♥
Sundown Jim
I love the guitar work.
Beselot Birhanu
this actually has a different intro great song
Milton Bullock
This rare sound came along when the Mills brothers were in their heyday! But it would be the Ink Spots that would stay the course the longest. Theywould touch more Doo-wopn groups of the 50's than any other. Listen to Rudy and your's truly on youtude at the similar style of prounciation and dictional phrase. The great contributed much to our success!
deanslist101
They sound like the Mills Brothers in this song. I guess this was before they developed their own unique style.
b
nothing's real
Vercing
What
Zhivix
Oh God what have I done. I've killed my wife and children. I did what they told me to do. They said they would leave. They said they would leave. They said they would leave. They said they would leave. They said they would leave. They said they would leave.
Vercing
Stomping with you, at the savoy...
b
happend to my buddy eric