Las Vegas, Nevada Feb 16, 2026 (Issuewire.com) - As the United States observes Black History Month, The World Famous Ink Spots are honoring the groundbreaking civil rights legacy of The Ink Spots, the pioneering vocal quartet whose success in the 1930s and 1940s helped reshape American entertainment and expand opportunities for Black artists.
Formed in 1934, The Ink Spots became one of the first Black musical groups to achieve sustained mainstream success with white audiences. Their 1939 hit “If I Didn’t Care” became one of the best-selling singles of its era, and the group went on to score dozens of charting records. At a time when segregation limited access to radio, touring circuits, and major venues, The Ink Spots crossed racial boundaries in popular music, helping lay cultural groundwork for the modern Civil Rights Movement.
They were also pioneers in broadcast media. In 1936, The Ink Spots appeared in an NBC/RCA television demonstration widely believed to be the first live television appearance by Black performers. In 1948, they performed on “Toast of the Town,” hosted by Ed Sullivan, bringing their harmonies into millions of American homes.
Despite their popularity, the group faced the realities of discrimination. They toured extensively in the segregated South and often navigated racially restrictive lodging and performance conditions. In 1964, member Stanley Morgan, who was performing on the Las Vegas Strip, had his home bombed in an all-white neighborhood — a reminder of the racial tensions Black entertainers endured even at the height of their fame.
The Ink Spots were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 in recognition of their influence on rhythm and blues, doo-wop, and early rock ‘n’ roll.
Today, Las Vegas–based third-generation heirs The World Famous Ink Spots continue that musical and cultural legacy, introducing the group’s signature sound to new audiences.
The timeless appeal of The Ink Spots has recently surged among younger fans thanks to the inclusion of their classic recordings in the soundtrack of the Amazon hit television series “Fallout.” The renewed exposure has contributed to more than 1.8 million monthly listeners on Spotify, demonstrating the group’s enduring cross-generational resonance.
Building on that momentum, The World Famous Ink Spots have released a new recording, “That’s the Way It Is,” featuring ventriloquist April Brucker, which is a reprise of the classic 1945 recording famously performed as a duet with Ella Fitzgerald and Ink Spots lead singer Bill Kenny. The single is streaming on major music platforms, and its official music video is available on YouTube.
Through live performances and new recordings, The World Famous Ink Spots continue to celebrate not only the harmonies that made history, but the broader story of perseverance, artistic excellence, and cultural progress that defines The Ink Spots’ place in Black history.
About the World Famous Ink Spots
The World Famous Ink Spots are the third-generation successors to the legendary vocal group that helped shape American popular music. With their smooth harmonies and signature spoken-word style, the Ink Spots influenced artists from Elvis Presley to The Beatles. Today’s group, led by Eddie “Coco” Stancil, continues the tradition of performing the classics that made the Ink Spots a household name, while introducing fresh collaborations that bring their timeless sound to new audiences. Learn more.
About April Brucker
April Brucker is America’s foremost female ventriloquist, actress, comedienne, and television personality. Known for her quick wit and unforgettable cast of puppet characters, April has entertained audiences worldwide and appeared on numerous television shows. Her most famous sidekick, May Wilson, is a gold-digging Valley girl puppet who brings laughter wherever she goes. April’s blend of comedy, ventriloquism, and theatrical flair has made her a fan favorite onstage, on screen, and on social media. Learn more.
Media Contact
CFB Productions LLC *****@personalmanager.vegas https://personalmanager.vegas
