Charlie Fuqua's Ink Spots

New York: Universal Attractions, Circa 1953-1955. Vintage promotional photograph of Charlie Fuqua's Ink Spots, commonly billed as "The Ink Spots" or "The Original Ink Spots," circa 1953-1955. SIGNED by all four band members, with an additional inscription by Fuqua: "Best Wishes / To Bob [and] Kay / It sure was great working with you / The Ink Spots." The members at this juncture of the band's history were Fuqua, Harold Jackson, Essex Scott, and Jimmy Holmes.

The Ink Spots were formed by Fuqua and Jerry Daniels in the early 1930s, in Indianapolis. In 1952, Fuqua left the band, and formed his own group, also called the Ink Spots. A legal battle ensued, since Fuqua co-owned the name with singer Bill Kenny, who had joined the original band in 1936. Eventually, a court ruled that Fuqua's new group would be named "Charlie Fuqua's New Ink Spots," while Kenny's group would retain the original title. As the photograph on offer shows, Fuqua defied the order, instead calling his group "The Ink Spots" or "The Original Ink Spots."

In the 1950s, the name fell into widespread use across the US, with some variations ("The Fabulous Ink Spots," "The Amazing Ink Spots," etc.). Some of these groups contained original members, but most held no actual ties to the original group. In 1967, a federal judge ruled that the name had become public domain, and was free for anyone to use.

8 x 10 inches. Good or better, moderately toned, with a clip at the top left corner (see image).

[Book #170470]