Song of the Day 3/16: The Ink Spots, “We Three (My Echo, My Shadow and Me)”

A theme song for the gubernatorial race. No editorial comment intended.

The Ink Spots, among the country’s most popular vocal groups in the 1930s and ’40s, had tremendous influence on the generation of musicians who started doo-wop and rock ‘n’ roll. They formed in the early ’30s, but soared in popularity after high tenor Bill Kenny joined in 1936. Their distinctive “top and bottom” arrangements, with Kenny taking the lead on the first and last verses and bass Orville “Hoppy” Jones reciting the verse between, became the group’s trademark ballad style.

“We Three” was a No. 3 Billboard hit in 1940, but not just for the Ink Spots. Frank Sinatra, singing with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, also reached No. 3 with the song the same year.