Vocalist born in Philadelphia and grew up in Baltimore. He joined the Ink Spots in 1945 and remained with the group until 1951. Herb’s voice can be heard on many recordings during his tenure with the group. Over a sixty year span the pioneering R&B vocal group scored over 80 hit records and numerous million sellers.
After leaving the Ink Spots, Herb embarked on a successful radio career. He started as an announcer at WEBB radio in Baltimore, later moving on to Washington D.C. and becoming a program director.
Kenny continued to perform as a solo artist including appearances at clubs throughout the Baltimore and D.C. area, including a special appearance at Vaccarino’s Restaurant in Ellicott City. He passed away in 1992 at the age of 78.
Although the original Ink Spots group split up in 1953, many other groups sprang up to cash in on the name. Some of the new groups featured former members and other groups were complete imposters.
Jim Nabbie, who had replaced Bill Kenny (Herb’s brother) in 1945, acquired the rights to the name Ink Spots in the mid-‘50s. With various membership changes the group continued to perform. The rock and roll era tolled heavily on their musical style although their popularity increased in later years. Baltimore born vocalist Sonny Hatchett (lead tenor –see Sonny & the Dukes) joined in 1980 and continued to perform with the group into the ‘00s.
In 1989 the Ink Spots were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Philadelphia born vocalist Morris Dow, one of the latest members of the Ink Spots, now makes his home in Baltimore. Dow also released recordings with his group Eastern Sound including the single “Black Child” / “Night Rider” (Dee Dee 207).
