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.
We'll Meet Again
The Ink Spots Lyrics
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We'll meet again, don't know where, don't know when,
But I know we'll meet again, some sunny day.
Keep smiling through, just like you always do,
'Til the blue skies drive the dark clouds far away.
So will you please say hello to the folks that I know,
Tell them I won't be long.
I was singing this song.
We'll meet again, don't know where, don't know when,
But I know we'll meet again, some sunny day.
So will you please say hello to the folks that I know,
Tell them I won't be long.
They'll be happy to know that as you saw me go,
I was singing this song.
Keep smiling through, just like you always do,
'Til the blue skies drive the dark clouds far away.
The Ink Spots' "We'll Meet Again" is a song about the promise of a future reunion with a loved one. The lyrics describe the uncertainty of when and where that meeting will happen but the certainty that it will take place someday. This theme of longing for a reunion is reflected in the opening line "We'll meet again, don't know where, don't know when" which is repeated throughout the song.
The song also urges the listener to remain hopeful and optimistic in the face of adversity. The line "Keep smiling through, just like you always do, 'til the blue skies drive the dark clouds far away" encourages the listener to stay positive and to not let the challenges of life bring them down. The Ink Spots use this line to offer comfort to the listener, even in the darkest of moments.
Overall, "We'll Meet Again" is a song about hope, reunion and optimism in the face of adversity. The Ink Spots build a sense of reassurance for the listener through their use of repetition and by emphasizing the importance of staying positive.
Line by Line Meaning
We'll meet again
We will cross paths again.
We'll meet again, don't know where, don't know when,
I do not know the time or place of our next encounter.
But I know we'll meet again, some sunny day.
However, I am certain that we will reunite on a bright and pleasant day.
Keep smiling through, just like you always do,
Maintain your positive outlook, as you have done before.
'Til the blue skies drive the dark clouds far away.
Eventually, the pleasant atmosphere will overshadow the gloominess.
So will you please say hello to the folks that I know,
If you get the chance, please extend my greetings to the people I know.
Tell them I won't be long.
Inform them that my absence will be brief.
They'll be happy to know that as you saw me go,
They will enjoy hearing that as you watched me depart,
I was singing this song.
I was performing this tune.
We'll meet again, don't know where, don't know when,
Once more, I am unsure of the timing and location of our reunion.
But I know we'll meet again, some sunny day.
Nonetheless, I am certain that our next meeting will be on a cheerful day.
So will you please say hello to the folks that I know,
Once more, if you are able, please greet my acquaintances.
Tell them I won't be long.
Advise them that I will not be gone for long.
They'll be happy to know that as you saw me go,
They will be pleased to learn that as you witnessed me leave,
I was singing this song.
I was singing this melody.
Keep smiling through, just like you always do,
Maintain your optimistic demeanor, as you customarily do.
'Til the blue skies drive the dark clouds far away.
Persist in your positive outlook until the joyous atmosphere takes hold.
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Hughie Charles, Ross Parker
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind