THE INK SPOTS (ORIGINAL GROUP)

WHAT'S NEW?

A poster offered for sale on Ebay in August, 2010 provides proof of an Ink Spots performance in Northfield, Vermont on 3May/40 at the Armory, Norwich University as part of their Junior Week festivities. This is the 39th state where we have proof that the Ink Spots performed. They also performed in Washington, DC many times. (We also have a note from the Pittsburgh Courier of 15Apr/50 that they performed in Idaho as part of a tour but we have never found proof of a performance anywhere in that state. Any help in tracking down this performance, if it took place, would be appreciated.)

•    Over ten years ago, we found a Decca/Fonit 1948 catalogue that listed two Ink Spots records that were manufactured in Italy and issued with the Fonit label. Now, in Feb/2010, a Fonit record with two different songs has finally been found-Fonit 1181A&B, Prisoner of Love and I Cover the Waterfront. 78 rpm page
•    Huey Long, the last original Ink spot, died on June 10, 2009 at the age of 105! His daughter, Anita, who looked after Huey, runs an Ink Spots Museum in Houston ( www.inkspotsmuseum.com ) at 117 East 20th Street, Houston TX 77008, 713-677-9736.
  
•    Indstrias Eletricas E Musicais Fabrica Odeon S.A. in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil pressed Ink Spots records using the Odeon label-see 78 rpm page
•    Nippon Phonograph Company of Japan pressed Ink Spots records using the Columbia label-see 78 rpm page
•    Industrias Electricas y Musicales Odeon, Buenos Aires pressed Ink Spots records using both Decca and Odeon labels in Argentina-see 78 rpm page
•    The late Bill Proctor produced an incredible Bill Kenny anthology that spans 12 CDs in 3 four cd packs. It includes everything known of Bill's solo work including radio/TV songs and interviews, recorded singles, night club remotes, all known war time recording by Bill and by Ink Spots groups that featured Bill and much, much more. This is obviously a labor of love with many hours spent cleaning up old broadcasts and private remotes. Bill’s other Ink Spots-related cds are:
•       Ink-Spotlight On Lord Essex Scott
        Ink-Spotlight On Herb Kenny
        Ink-Spotlight On Lloyd Washington
        Ink-Spotlight On Bernie Mackey
        The Legendary Huey Long
        Orlando Roberson - The Forgotten Ink Spot
  
•    A 19JUL/06 interview with Henry Braswell, a member of the last original Ink Spots group provided interesting, new information about this last group that included Bill Kenny. He first performed as an Ink Spot at the Cave Supper Club in Vancouver, BC, 2-17Apr/54 when the members were Bill Kenny, Adriel McDonald (bass voice), Jimmy Cannady (baritone & guitar), Henry Braswell (second tenor) and Fletcher Smith (pianist). Other appearances on this tour included Springfield IL, Ottawa ON, Halifax NS and a State Fair in Connecticut. His final appearance (Bill Kenny told the other members he was stopping the Ink Spots and sent them home after this appearance) was at the Bolero Bar, Wildwood, NJ for the week 8-14July/54. Bill Kenny began solo appearances at the Copa in NYC in early November of 1954.
•    "Ink Spots quartet origins in Indiana," Black History News & Notes, Indiana Historical Society, Number 95, February 2004, pp 5-7 by Jack Hanna. Discusses what is known and unknown about the pre-Ink Spots groups that included original Ink Spots members.

Also issued some time ago, a wonderful CD of Ink Spots songs that, in the main, have never been available to any but the most serious collectors of Ink Spots music. It's called RARE AIR: The INK SPOTS along with special guests. Great liner notes by the late Bill "Porkchop" Proctor. This is a CD that all true Ink Spots fans must have. It includes 25 songs including many you've never heard before from radio and movies. Songs you have probably never heard the Ink Spots sing include: Swing, Mr. Charlie included as part of a "Chick Webb's Society for the Preservation of Good Times" radio program, Lamplighter Serenade, I've Got A Bone to Pick With You, Shoo Shoo Baby, Do Nothing 'Till You Hear From Me, Don't Sweetheart Me, Put Your Arms Around Me Honey, How Many Hearts Have You Broken and Time Waits For No One. For those who must have the old standards, there are slightly different versions of If I Didn't Care, Maybe, Do I Worry, Java Jive and Someone's Rocking My Dreamboat. Other great songs as well for a total of 25!! Get this one. It is available from Flyright, #FLY CD 67, Interstate Music Ltd., England. Order from your local store or go to Amazon.com

• Although Marv Goldberg's book, More Than Words Can Say: The Ink Spots and Their Music has been out for some time, this book is a must. More insights and information than previously available in book format. The initial production run was likely small and the publisher distributes to libraries and schools so you won't find it at your bookstore. To ensure getting a copy contact amazon.com on the web or the publisher at: Scarecrow Press, Inc., 4720 Boston Way, Lanham, Maryland 20706, phone: (800) 462-6420. There are also some additions and corrections here: here.

Revised 28Aug/10/10