The Ink Spots

Popular in the 1930’s and 40’s, the Ink Spots helped define the stylings that led to R&B and Rock and Roll. Formed in the early 1930’s in Indianapolis, the group consisted of original members Orville “Hoppy” Jones, Ivory “Deek” Watson, Jerry Daniels and Charlie Fuqua, and was originally called ‘The Four Ink Spots’. Some of their hits include “When The Swallows Come Back To Capistrano”, “Do I Worry”, “Whispering Grass”, “Java Jive”, “Shout, Brother, Shout”, “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore”, “I Can’t Stand Losing You”, “Cow-Cow Boogie” (with Ella Fitzgerald), and “Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall”. I ran across this tune the other day and thought I’d share it here, but I haven’t been able to place which recording it’s from.

Get some ‘Alabama Barbeque’ with the Ink Spots…

The Delta Rhythm Boys

The Delta Rhythm Boys were an American vocal group founded in 1934. The group appeared often in vintage radio programs such as Amos and Andy, and The Joan Davis Show. They appeared in several films, including You’ll Never Get Rich with Bing Crosby. Aside from their own recordings, they served as background vocalists for Charlie Barnet and Ella Fitzgerald, among others. Here’s a little sample from 1945, Sittin’ and Rockin’…

Today… their rendition of ‘Alouette’ is being used as the backing track in the Target ‘Color Change’ commercials…

Les Paul and Mary Ford

Ran across this tidbit today, thought you might like to check it out. In 1950, Les Paul and his wife Mary Ford did a weekly radio show for NBC. They recorded it in their home and it ran about 15 minutes each week. Les and Mary would perform 3 or 4 of their songs that showcased Les’ guitar style and recording technique. In addition to the music, Les and Mary would engage in some 1950’s married couple humor. They start this episode out with ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’. This is a great example of the type of show that one might have listened to in 1950. ( A few years later, Les commissioned Ampex to build the first 8-track ‘multitrack’ tape recorder.)