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.
Tiger Rag
The Ink Spots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger ! Hold that tiger!
Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!
Where's that tiger? Where's that tiger?
Where oh where can he be?
Low or highbrow, they all cry now
"Please play that Tiger Rag for me"
Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger ! Hold that tiger!
Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!
Where's that tiger? Where's that tiger?
Where oh where can he be?
Low or highbrow, they all cry now
"Please play that Tiger Rag for me"
The lyrics of The Ink Spots' song "Tiger Rag" are a call for the famous jazz instrumental piece "Tiger Rag" to be played. The lyrics are repetitive, with the singers asking "where's that tiger" and urging someone to "hold that tiger," while also suggesting violent actions towards the tiger such as choking, poking, kicking, and soaking him. Despite the violence suggested, the overall tone of the song is playful and upbeat, with a sense of excitement and anticipation for the arrival of the tiger.
The chorus of the song, which repeats several times, suggests that people of any social status or background can enjoy the music of the tiger, as they all "cry now, 'please play that Tiger Rag for me'." The song showcases the universality of music, particularly jazz, which was a popular genre at the time of the song's release in 1935.
Overall, "Tiger Rag" is a fun and lively song that celebrates the enjoyment and excitement of jazz music, particularly the beloved instrumental piece it references.
Line by Line Meaning
Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Where is the wild and untamed spirit we seek? Where is our adventurer, our thrill-seeking partner?
Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger ! Hold that tiger!
Capture the essence of the tiger's wild spirit, keep it close and never let it go.
Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!
Use any means necessary to keep the tiger under control and prevent it from escaping.
Where's that tiger? Where's that tiger?
We are still searching for that untamed, unbridled spirit within ourselves and those around us.
Where oh where can he be?
We are in pursuit of the elusive tiger and its wild, adventurous spirit.
Low or highbrow, they all cry now
Despite our differences in social status or cultural upbringing, we all yearn for the excitement and thrill that the tiger represents.
"Please play that Tiger Rag for me"
We beg for the lively and energetic tune of the Tiger Rag, which embodies the spirit and essence of the tiger we seek to embody and embrace.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Antonio Sbarro, Edwin Edwards, Henry Ragas, Larry Shields, Sidney Bechet
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind