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.
When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano
The Ink Spots Lyrics
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That's the day you promised to come back to me
When you whispered, "Farewell", in Capistrano
Twas the day the swallow flew out to sea
All the mission bells will ring
The chapel choir will sing
The happiness you'll bring
When the swallows come back to Capistrano
That's the day I pray that you'll come back to me
All the mission bells will ring
The chapel choir will sing
The happiness you'll bring
Will live in my memory
When the swallows come back to Capistrano
That's the day I pray that you'll come back to me
The song “When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano” by The Ink Spots describes the hope and anticipation for a love to return. The lyrics make reference to the return of the swallows to the city of San Juan Capistrano in California, symbolizing the return of someone special to the singer. The lyrics state “When the swallows come back to Capistrano, that’s the day you promised to come back to me,” suggesting the promise for the return of a loved one.
The song’s lyrics are full of romantic imagery in which the singer describes the emotions they will feel when their loved one comes back to them. They express how the return of their loved one will bring happiness, and they will cherish the moment forever. The lyrics “All the mission bells will ring, the chapel choir will sing, the happiness you'll bring will live in my memory” convey the joy and hope for the return of their partner, with the emphasis on the beautiful surroundings when they finally reunite.
Overall, the song “When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano” is a romantic tune about the hope and expectation for a loved one to return. The lyrics paint a beautiful picture of the surrounding environment when two people will be reunited after some time apart.
Line by Line Meaning
When the swallows come back to Capistrano
The day you promised to come back to me
When you whispered, "Farewell", in Capistrano
Twas the day the swallow flew out to sea
All the mission bells will ring
A sign of hope that you'll come back to me
The chapel choir will sing
Celebrating the love that we used to share
The happiness you'll bring
The joy I felt with you beside me
Will live in my memory
A cherished memory that will never fade away
When the swallows come back to Capistrano
A reminder of the promise you made to me
That's the day I pray that you'll come back to me
Hoping that you'll return to fill the void in my heart
Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: LEON T. RENE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Frederick W.
When the swallows come back to Capistrano
That's the day you promised to come back to me
When you whispered, "Farewell", in Capistrano
Twas the day the swallow flew out to sea
All the mission bells will ring
The chapel choir will sing
The happiness you'll bring
Will live in my memory
When the swallows come back to Capistrano
That's the day I pray that you'll come back to me
All the mission bells will ring
The chapel choir will sing
The happiness you'll bring
Will live in my memory
When the swallows come back to Capistrano
That's the day I pray that you'll come back to me
<3
Brenda Lynn
I dedicate this song to my great grandpa Paul Anacleto Arbiso. He rang the old historical mission bells for 70 years welcoming the Swallows back to San Juan Capistrano every March 19th, St. Joseph's Day.
The good old days of San Juan...
I miss you & love you grandpa ❤🔔🔔❤
Orlin and Kathy Brommer
Cool.. This story is from my childhood in the 1950's. Now I have your grandfather's name to add to my story. Thank you, Orlin
Shaun Veysey
Played this at my parents' funeral last Wednesday. Was my Mother's favourite song. Will cherish it until my time comes. RIP Mum and Dad
v-town1980
Jesus, you lost both at once?
TRAX MUSIC VIDEOS
My dad used to sing these at the weekend....I loved 'em and still do at 62!
Luke Franklin
as a 13 year old boy in 2021, no music can compare to this, I wish we had more music like this.
garthl
You have a fabulous wonderland of music ahead of you, young man!! How privileged you are you will only fully realise over time!! The pendulum must inevitable swing as what poses for "music" these days, banging trashcan lids and crotch groping, inane grunts and cussing will, hopefully, finally fizzle out but while you have the vast treasure chest of choices, keep enjoying what resonates with your soul, not fashion! 🥰
sjhssjjsjs
@garthl what
v-town1980
@sjhssjjsjs Did they hurt your feelings by trashing today's trash?
Malc Hurrell
Sends shivers up my spine.