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.
That Cat Is High
The Ink Spots Lyrics
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That cat is high
Look at that look in his eye
Oh man, he's high
Yes, higher than a kite
That cat is high
Man, I wouldn't lie
The cat's higher than a kite
Now when you see him stumblin'
Bubbed in and down the street
You know that cat's been drinkin'
Got no shoes upon his feet
Man he's high
I said that cat is high
Yes, he's high
Man, he's higher than a kite
That cat is high
Look at that look in his eye
Man, I wouldn't lie
That cat's higher than a kite
Boys, he's high
Just look at them two black eyes
You know I wouldn't lie
He's higher than the sky
When you see him tippin'
Round and round the block
Know that cat he's very beat
Hip clean down to his socks
That cat is high
Boys, I wouldn't lie
Oh my, oh my
He's higher than a kite, yeah
Shoot the liquor to me, John Boy
When you see him stumblin'
Up and down the street
You know that cat's been drinkin'
Got no shoes upon his feet
Man, he's high
Yes, he's high, my, oh my
I want the home cookin' mama with the fryin' pan
I know that cat's high, yeah
The Ink Spots's song "That Cat Is High" is a classic jazz tune about a cat who is high on either drugs or alcohol, and the lyrics describe his behaviors and the look in his eyes. The song has a relaxed and mellow tone, and the singer compares the cat's highness to that of a kite. The opening line, "Boys, I'm mellow as a honeydew," sets the tone for the whole song, with the singer taking on a laid-back, almost nonchalant attitude toward the high cat.
The lyrics go on to describe how the cat is stumbling down the street and has no shoes on his feet, suggesting that he is in a state of disarray. The singer emphasizes that he is not lying about the cat's high state, which seems to be the topic of discussion among the people in the neighborhood. The song has a playful tone and uses a lot of repetition to reinforce the idea of the cat's highness, with the chorus repeating the phrase "That cat is high" several times.
Line by Line Meaning
Boys, I'm mellow as a honeydew, yeah
I'm feeling relaxed and carefree, just like a ripe honeydew.
That cat is high
That person is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Look at that look in his eye
Observe the expression in the person's eyes, which may reveal their state of intoxication.
Oh man, he's high
Expressing surprise and certainty that the person is indeed intoxicated.
Yes, higher than a kite
The person is extremely intoxicated, even more than expected.
Man, I wouldn't lie
Assuring the listener that the statement is true and not an exaggeration.
The cat's higher than a kite
Reasserting the person's extreme level of intoxication with a sense of amazement.
Now when you see him stumblin'
When observing the person walking unsteadily.
Bubbed in and down the street
Walking in a clumsy, uncoordinated manner.
You know that cat's been drinkin'
It is evident that the person has consumed alcohol.
Got no shoes upon his feet
The person is in a disheveled state, and may be lacking basic items like shoes.
Man he's high
Repeating that the person is heavily intoxicated.
Yes, he's high
Affirming the person's state of intoxication once again.
Man, he's higher than a kite
Reemphasizing the person's extreme level of intoxication.
Boys, he's high
Reiterating the person's state of intoxication.
Just look at them two black eyes
Observing the person's physical appearance, which may reveal signs of intoxication.
You know I wouldn't lie
Asserting that the statement about the person's intoxication is completely true.
He's higher than the sky
The person's level of intoxication is so extreme that they may feel as if they are soaring above the ground.
When you see him tippin'
Observing the person tipping or stumbling around.
Round and round the block
The person is wandering aimlessly around the block.
Know that cat he's very beat
The person is exhausted, possibly from a combination of intoxication and physical exertion.
Hip clean down to his socks
The person is dressed or undressed inappropriately, possibly due to their level of intoxication.
Oh my, oh my
Expressing disbelief or amazement at the person's level of intoxication.
Shoot the liquor to me, John Boy
Asking for more alcohol to be poured or served.
I want the home cookin' mama with the fryin' pan
Expressing a desire for comforting, home-cooked food rather than the unhealthy lifestyle associated with intoxication.
I know that cat's high, yeah
Restating the person's state of intoxication with certainty.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: J. MAYO WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
im the real fish !
I consider this a classic inkspots song. Very underrated but so good and fits the time so perfect
Oscar Milch
I played this while I gave my pet cats catnip............it was glorious
Chris Lucero
Hahahaha!!!
I.M. Shirley Rongh
glorious
got any video footage?
Mr. Red
XD
Hunter Harvey
Was literally doing this and saw your comment
Mailey McAslan
😂
sarysa
While I love Reefer Man, I think I love this one even more. It's just so chill -- it better fits the mood.
Nakednsavage
One of the true great vocal groups, way ahead of their time, nostalgic and yet still cool as fk
Geraldo Machado
OBRIGADO PELAS BELAS MELODIAS!