Here’s a 1954 interview from CKNW’s Jack Cullen (“The Owl Prowl”) with Bill Kenny of the Ink Spots.
Bill Kenny (full name William Francis Kenny Jr.), often called “Mr. Ink Spot,” was the iconic lead tenor and primary vocalist of The Ink Spots, one of the most influential vocal groups in music history.
Born on June 12, 1914, in Philadelphia, (though he spent much of his youth in Baltimore), Kenny joined The Ink Spots in early 1936 at age 21. He replaced Jerry Daniels as lead tenor after winning first place in an amateur contest at Harlem’s famous Savoy Ballroom, where he sang “Trees.” This opportunity came right after the group had signed with Decca Records, and Kenny’s arrival marked a turning point.
Kenny introduced a distinctive high tenor ballad style to the group, featuring his clear, “bell-like” voice with impeccable diction and a wide four-octave range. This shift—often called the “Top & Bottom” format (sweet high tenor lead over spoken bass interludes)—helped propel The Ink Spots to massive success in the late 1930s and 1940s.
They became hugely popular during the swing era and beyond. Hits like “If I Didn’t Care” (1939, their breakthrough million-seller), “The Gypsy,” “To Each His Own,” “My Prayer,” and many others showcased Kenny’s emotive, angelic tenor. The group was groundbreaking as one of the first African American acts to appear on television (in 1936) and achieved global fame.
Kenny was with The Ink Spots for about 18 years (1936–1954), during which the group recorded prolifically for Decca and influenced later genres like R&B, doo-wop, and even rock ‘n’ roll—some call him the “godfather” of R&B tenor vocalists, with admirers including Elvis Presley.
By the early 1950s, lineup changes and legal disputes over the name led to splits (e.g., original member Charlie Fuqua formed a rival group). Kenny continued as “Bill Kenny & His Ink Spots” before leaving in 1954, after which the original lineup effectively disbanded. He then pursued a successful solo career, recording albums (such as Mr. Ink Spot in 1960), touring internationally, appearing on TV variety shows, and even hosting his own musical variety program, The Bill Kenny Show, on CBC Television in Canada in 1966. He also wrote or co-wrote songs (some dating back to his high school days) and performed on charity telethons.
Kenny lived quietly in later years in British Columbia, Canada. He passed away on March 23, 1978, in New Westminster, B.C., at age 63 from a respiratory illness.
This video was posted by Austin Casey. (check his other videos with many Ink Spots and other 50s music videos)
