More Than Words Can Say: The Ink Spots and Their Music

Goldberg, Marv

ISBN 10: 0810835681 / ISBN 13: 9780810835689

Published by Scarecrow Press, 1998

About this Item

Gently used with light wear to the cover, corners, or spine. Pages are clean and free of writing or highlighting. Binding is tight and fully intact. Dust jacket included with hardcover books. Ships fast in a protective poly mailerâ Monday through Friday, excluding weekends and holidays.

Seller Inventory # UBV.0810835681.G

Bibliographic Details

• Title: More Than Words Can Say: The Ink Spots and Their Music
• Publisher: Scarecrow Press
• Publication Date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0810835681
• ISBN 13: 9780810835689
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: good

About this title

Synopsis

The story of the Ink Spots is a rags-to-riches story beloved in American mythology. The success of the Ink Spots inspired many others to attempt (some merely mimicking) their popular and musical success. They were, without question, the most influential black vocal group of the 1940s, and one of the earliest to sing "sweet ballads," which they elevated to an art form (although an increasingly formulaic one). Goldberg gets behind the streamers and glitter of the Ink Spots and the publicity machines of record labels, and provides the story of the group's creation, its music, and its monumental impact on the course of American music.

More Than Words Can Say uncovers the mythos and origins of the Ink Spots, from the dramatic stories of finding the band name, to the dozens of individuals who still claim to be original members of the group. Goldberg interviews some of the singers, musicians, and arrangers associated with the original Ink Spots who provide invaluable first-hand accounts of the group.

The book discusses the musical environment of the Ink Spots, including the ASCAP/BMI War, gas rationing, War of the Record Speeds, vinyl shortages, and all the lawsuits. Additionally, Goldberg has searched tirelessly through Billboard magazine and theater reviews to get a sense of the Ink Spots' contemporary reception. Also included is a bibliography of sources and a complete alphabetical listing of Ink Spots recordings released on Decca or Victor labels.

A fascinating story filled with excellently researched information and exciting anecdotes, Goldberg's text brings out the "authentic" story of the Ink Spots, from their origins in the early 1930s through the tumultuous recording world of 1940s and 1950s America.

About the Author

Marv Goldberg is a music historian who writes a monthly column in DISCoveries magazine, and has written the liner notes for two dozen record albums. A frequent guest on area oldies radio shows, he also hosts a weekly show of his own.