=Audio  = Video  = Image

Johnny Smith and the New Ink Spots (Deceased) 

 Johnny Smith actually was a utility singer with the Ink Spots in the late 30's/early 40's. He was originally known from the Alphabetical Four doing the vocals along with Mamie Smith to Harlem Blues in the film. He worked in the Golden Arrows purportedly with Herb Kenny, the Rivals later, and in the 50's somewhere with the Four Knights. He formed his Alphabetical Ink Spots before his "new" Ink Spots endorsed by Audrey Kenny. The tenor James Taylor still performs around Las Vegas with Lou Ragland on occasion.

   Jim Nabbie was a member of Deek Watson's group.

 Jim Nabbie with Deek Watson's Ink Spots - 1946 - Deek Watson, Jim Gordon, Jim Nabbie & Pat Best

 L to R: Joe Boatner, Freddy Houston, Jimmy Smith, Billy Byrd

 Joe Boatner playing piano.

 Joe Boatner's group (L to R: Ralph, Bob, Buster & Bill)

  Lou Ragland was originally a member of Billy Ward's Dominoes. In 1986 he joined George Holmes' Ink Spots. When George Holmes died, Mr. Ragland created his own Ink Spots group. He has also created many solo records. He currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. More info on Lou Ragland is available at: http://www.soulwalking.co.uk/Lou%20Ragland.html

 Lou Ragland (left) with George Holmes' Ink Spots

 George Homes' was originally a member of Deek Watson's Ink Spots. In the 70's he was in a group with Johnny Smith, he then created his own group. (1977) George Holmes, George Grant, Larry Reed, Ann Lawson & Sonny Til.

 This George Holmes group includes Charles Pennywell (Left) of the Fairlanes.

 George Holmes (Back, Left) with Deek Watson's Ink Spots

 James Taylor was originally with Johnny Smith's Ink Spots. When Mr. Smith died, Taylor made his own group. James Taylor is found performing with Lou Ragland in Las Vegas on occasion.

 James Taylor with Gale "Terry" Gavenport (bass), Lou Johnson (baritone) & Robbie Robinson (second tenor).

Charlie Owens was a member of Charlie Fuqua's group. He was with Charlie Fuqua from mid-1956 until 1963.

 Charlie Owens with Charlie Fuqua's Ink Spots. (L-R) Jimmy Holmes, Charlie Owens, Harold Jackson and Charlie Fuqua.

 Earl Gibson of Charlie Owen's Ink Spots can regularly be found performing in St. Louis, MO

Harold Jackson's Ink Spots 

 Harold Jackson was a member of Charlie Fuqua's group. He is still currently perfroming at the age of 94.

 Early photo of Harold Jackson's Ink Spots

 Harold Jackson with Charlie Fuqua's Ink Spots. L to R: Jimmy Holmes, Harold Jackson, and Charlie Fuqua.

Charles Gray's Modern Ink Spots (Deceased) 

The Modern Ink Spots

 No connection to the "Ink Spots" at all!

 Adriel McDonald with the original Ink Spots - 1951/2 Bill Kenny, Charlie Fuqua, Billy Bowen and Adriel McDonald.

   His current group includes: Arthur Rand, Larry Walters, Lou Johnson & Bob Horton. Arthur Rand resides in Loma Linda, California.

Click the link to read a biography on Arthur_Rand.pdf

 Bill Godwin was originally Charlie Fuqua's Ink Spots from early 1953 to late 1953. He was then drafted into the U.S. army. In 1958 he joined Adriel Mcdonald's Ink Spots. After Mcdonald became ill, he recommended Mr. Godwin to Bernie Mackey, and in 1973 he became a member of Bernie Mackey's Ink Spots group. In 1983 he created his own Ink Spots group.

 Bill Godwin with Bernie Mackey's Ink Spots. This group consisted of Bernie Mackey, Able De Costa, Tommy Bryent & Bill Godwin.

  Ray Richardson began working with Charlie Fuqua's Ink Spots in 1961, a decade later Mr. Richardson "became" leader of this group. Lorenzo Conyers sang with Ray Richardson until his death in 1999. Ray Richardson's Ink Spots continue to perform in Canada.

 Ray Richardson's Ink Spots of 1977

Gene Miller's Ink Spots (Deceased) 

   Gene Milller began his Ink Spot career with Deek Watson in 1949. He then carried on the "tradition" by creating his own "Ink Spots" group. L to R: Ollie Crawford, Abel De Costa, Gene Miller & Henry Baxter. This group was managed by Paul Kalet.

 This group includes Gene Miller, Ollie Crawford, Jimmy Gilmore and Russell Williams.

 Gene Miller with Deek Waston's group. (L-R) George Steinback, Gene Miller, Deek Watson & Benny White

 Artie Dicks was a member of Paul Kalet's Ink Spots, then made his own group. His group never recorded.

 Billy Byrd has been with Joe Boatner's Ink Spots and Jim Nabbie's Ink Spots.

 Billy Byrd with Jim Nabbie's Ink Spots

 Bill Bowen was with the original Ink Spots from 1944 until early 1952.

 Billy Bowen with the original Ink Spots - 1951/2 Bill Kenny, Charlie Fuqua, Billy Bowen and Adriel McDonald.