Fascinating stuff as always Kathy. My grandparents had Ink Spots 78s. They were baffling to a five year old. I couldn’t understand that high tenor voice. I thought it was a joke but why were the lyrics serious on some of their songs?
Gotta love the Ink Spots and their unmistakable sound. As for the lyrics, I’m as baffled as ever! I’d note, too, that “pot” became slang for marijuana in the late 30s/early 40s (from a cannabis tea called “potaguaya”). Could this be yet another hidden layer of meaning?
Yes you are correct Peter. But by the time this video was shot, the group had split with Kenny going one way and Fuqua the other. I chose the video because of the song, but couldn’t find a good one of Kenny doing this particular tune. They had to go to court finally to work things out as there couldn’t be two groups with the same name! It’s a bit of a maze trying to decipher all their many variations
Fascinating stuff as always Kathy. My grandparents had Ink Spots 78s. They were baffling to a five year old. I couldn’t understand that high tenor voice. I thought it was a joke but why were the lyrics serious on some of their songs?
I grew up to appreciate falsettos like Dee Clark.
See you later, percolator!
Thx for the restack !
Fun song, nice to visit the roots. My first listen to Java Jive was through the unique vocal stylings of Manhattan Transfer.
True for many folks, I think.
Great one!
Harvey of the Moonglows was Charlie’s nephew.
Gotta love the Ink Spots and their unmistakable sound. As for the lyrics, I’m as baffled as ever! I’d note, too, that “pot” became slang for marijuana in the late 30s/early 40s (from a cannabis tea called “potaguaya”). Could this be yet another hidden layer of meaning?
I thought the same, but couldn’t confirm. Like all good poetry, it’s up for interpretation!
Always thought Bill Kenny was their lead - interesting article Kathy.
Yes you are correct Peter. But by the time this video was shot, the group had split with Kenny going one way and Fuqua the other. I chose the video because of the song, but couldn’t find a good one of Kenny doing this particular tune. They had to go to court finally to work things out as there couldn’t be two groups with the same name! It’s a bit of a maze trying to decipher all their many variations
Thanks Kathy - a good read.