More Than Words Can Say [Hardcover]

Marv Goldberg (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 5, 1998

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

With record reviews, critiques of in-person performances, contemporary ads and photos, this is an enjoyable package for those ardent fans of old. Goldberg is a shrewd and artful detective and an astute music analyst. (Rapport )

...a very entertaining, remarkably balanced, and extremely well-researched history of one of pop music's most beloved groups. (Past Times )

Explores the history of the influential black vocal group of the 1940s, discussing the musical environment in which the group formed and worked, the War of the Record Speeds, vinyl shortages, the lawsuits that the group was involved in, and the group's changing personnel. The work is based on research of record and theater reviews, and interviews with eight of the group's members. (Reference & Research Book News )

Goldberg wraps up his part of the story around 1953, having taken time along the way for lovely little side trips into matters like the shellac shortage of World War II and the various headaches caused to the music business by union boss James Petrillo. (Pantagraph )

So it is happy news that the Ink Spots now have a brand-new book all their own, one that cuts through the jungle of mythology that has grown up around them over the years. (Billings Gazette )

The chapters give a remarkably thorough perspective of the conditions surrounding the music business without losing sight of the development and career of the Ink Spots. As far as musical biographies go, the 'real thing' has come along. This book belongs on the shelf of every R&B enthusiast. (Disc Reviews )

With record reviews, critiques of in-perons performances, contemporary ads and photos, this is an enjoyable package...Goldberg is a shrewd and artful detective and an astute music analyst.

So it is happy news that -- this being Black History Month -- the Ink Spots now have a brand-new book all their own, one that cuts through the jungle of mythology that has grown up around them over the years. (Daily News )

...a fascinating look at one of the most influential singing groups of all time...Get this book! (Echoes Of The Past )

He treats his subject as a journalist should. He tells the story and lets it speak for itself. (Blues & Rhythm )

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.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: Scarecrow Press (November 5, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810835681
• ISBN-13: 978-0810835689
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,146,639 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A detailed history, not only of a group, but of an era., April 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: More Than Words Can Say (Hardcover)

More Than Words Can Say is exactly that--more than the Inkspots, more than the music. Marv Goldberg, a musicologist without parallel, has written not only a complete biography of the Inkspots, from the various embryonic stages of the individual members to the demises of both the career and the members themselves, but also a history of the music business--union control, imitator groups, even the incipience of group harmony acappella recordings (read to find out how union control caused that to happen!.) The format of the book is unique; the Inkspots' music is a backdrop for events which were happening in the world at the time. Indeed, Mr. Goldberg's concept of the book's format followed one that one of the Inkspots had himself suggested--of taking newsreels of historical events, the while playing the Inkspots' recordings from that particular year in the background.

This book is definitely a five-star--and you can dance to it, too!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The definitive book about The Ink Spots and their music., December 2, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: More Than Words Can Say (Hardcover)

The only book (that I am aware of) about The Ink Spots that is currently available. It covers the original members of The Ink Spots from prior to the formation of this vocal group through the early 1950s when Bill Kenny left them. The book is crammed with facts, anecdotes, dozens of rare photos and a complete discography. It is in a well organized format which makes reading it a pleasure.

I highly recommend this book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More Than Words Can Say..., February 24, 2010

By 

RE (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: More Than Words Can Say (Hardcover)

Book is excellent. Marv has done his homework. I've been an Ink Spots fan for perhaps 50 years and their complex history needed to be given some attention considering their fame and continued popularity. The pics and discographies make this a must have for other collectors.