The Ink Spots

Induction Year: 1989

Induction Category: Early Influence

"In the words of soul singer Jerry Butler, a solo artist and founding member of , “The Ink Spots were the heavyweight champions of quartet singing.” , one-time singer with both the Dominoes and , once admitted, “We patterned ourselves after the Ink Spots.” One of the first popular black groups, the Ink Spots can be regarded as forerunners of the doo-wop and rhythm & blues movements that followed. In the wake of their innovative harmonies came a slew of black vocal groups, including the Ravens, , the Dominoes and .

Inspired by big-name jazz bands and old-time vaudeville acts, the Ink Spots got their start in Indianapolis in the 1920s. The members would improvise harmony vocals, often simulating wind instruments with their voices. In 1939, the group switched styles from jazzy swing to intimate balladry. “If I Didn’t Care,” a million seller, inaugurated a stream of hit ballads in a similar vein, including “My Prayer, “ “We Three,” “Maybe” and “When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano.” Most of their big hits were sweet ballads with lead vocals by Bill Kenny (who joined in 1936, the year the Ink Spots signed to Decca).

The group maintained its popularity with both black and white audiences into the early 1950s, becoming one of the first acts to break down racial barriers by performing at previously all-white Southern venues. The Ink Spots’ tradition of romantic ballads sung in perfect harmony retains its timeless, old-fashioned appeal to this day.”

TIMELINE

February 17, 1905: Orville “Hoppy” Jones was born.

Essential Songs

If I Didn’t Care
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore
Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall
I Can’t Stand Losing You
My Prayer
We Three (My Echo, My Shadow and Me)
Maybe
The Gypsy
You Were Only Fooling (While I Was Falling in Love)
Java Jive