The Ink Spots

N.p. N.p., Circa 1938-1965. Three vintage promotional photographs of the African American harmony quartet, The Ink Spots.

A look at a musical group that was not only internationally famous in its time, but greatly influenced multiple musical genres. The first sepia photograph dates to circa late 1930s, during the group's first decade, a promotional shot of the group singing for National Broadcasting Company (NBC) radio.

The second photo, a master print for a flyer, advertises the group circa 1952 (when they recorded two LPs for Verve) at the Mapes Casino in Reno, Nevada.

The third photo, circa 1960s, advertises the group in one its many final incarnations, in which only founding member Bernie Mackey was still in the group.

The Ink Spots formed in the early 1930s, in Indianapolis. The group not only incorporated four-part harmony, but each played an instrument (cello-as-bass, tenor guitar, guitar, and ukelele), incorporating the vocals and instrumentation into a seamless whole.

The band's sound was a major influence on doo-wop, rhythm and blues, and rock music. The core group remained essentially intact during their most popular decades (1930s and early 1940s), but due to the war in 1942 and the death of a founding member in 1944, various "sanctioned" substitutions for members of the group began to take place, and the identity of the group dispersed into public domain.

The Ink Spots were awarded a plaque from the Negro Actors Guild for their efforts in breaking down racial prejudice. The original group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.

All photographs 8 x 10 inches. Very Good to Near Fine.

[Book #136674]