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.
Swing High Swing Low
The Ink Spots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Swing to and fro
Not fast, not slow
A little swing can do more than anything else for you
Swing out, swing in
It's not a sin
So let's begin
When your one and only
Complains that he's lonely and blue
A rhythmical campaign can do more than champagne
To see him through
Swing high, swing low
Swing to and fro
Not fast, not slow
And if you think you can't swing high, swing low
When your one and only
Complains that he's lonely and blue
A rhythmical campaign can do more than champagne
To see him through
Swing high, swing low
Swing to and fro
Not fast, not slow
And if you think you can't swing high, swing low
The Ink Spots' song "Swing High Swing Low" is a lively and upbeat tune that encourages its listeners to swing and move in rhythm to the music. The song suggests that swinging can help a person feel better and can even help lift someone out of a bad mood. The lyrics highlight how it doesn't matter how fast or slow a person swings, as long as they do it with conviction and enthusiasm.
The song begins by inviting people to swing high and low, and not too fast or too slow. It emphasizes that swinging can do more for a person's wellbeing than anything else. The lyrics mention that it is not a sin to swing in and out, and if you keep up with your swinging, you will never be left behind. The song seems to suggest that swinging is more than just a fun activity, and it is a state of mind that one can use to overcome any situation.
In the latter half of the song, the lyrics suggest that when someone is feeling lonely and blue, a "rhythmical campaign" of swinging can help them. The lyrics accentuate that swinging in rhythm with the music can do more for a person than champagne or alcohol can. The song concludes by reiterating the chorus that encourages people to swing high and low, fast and slow.
Line by Line Meaning
Swing high, swing low
Let your spirits soar and dip as you move along with the rhythm of life.
Swing to and fro
Move back and forth, finding balance in the routine of the swing.
Not fast, not slow
Don't rush through life, take your time to enjoy the path that you are on.
A little swing can do more than anything else for you
Take a break from the stress and chaos of life, and indulge in the simple pleasure of swinging.
Swing out, swing in
Let your heart lead you, and move to the beat of your own drum.
It's not a sin
Don't be afraid to let loose, and experience the joys of life.
So let's begin
Start now, and enjoy the journey that lies ahead.
You'll never get the gate if your swinging is up to date
Stay current, and keep up with the changing times in order to achieve ultimate success.
When your one and only complains that he's lonely and blue
Comfort your loved ones when they are down, and show them love and care when they need it most.
A rhythmical campaign can do more than champagne to see him through
The power of love and support can do wonders, even more so than extravagant gifts or lavish parties.
And if you think you can't swing high, swing low
Don't limit yourself by setting boundaries, explore the limitless possibilities that life has to offer.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: FREED, LANE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Russell Froggatt
I am obsessed with the Ink Spots. No lie!
Dio
Same here
Kerry Painter
A cheerful Ink Spots song. I like it.
Russell Froggatt
Physically impossible to listen to this only once :D
Tmanaz480
I dare you to sit perfectly still listening to this. Can't do it.
Alessia Luise
Master piece
BeatlesBootlegs
Brilliant!
Silver Tora
yeah watching a gaming mod and this song came along in the background - it is so great that I'm trying to find it for myself - it is so darn hard to get good quality music
Aj T's Music Archive Channel
Silver Tora i know tight. i love collecting vinyl and there music is nearly impossible to find.
Ohm Santi
I love the mellow bass dude in the pauses!