This 1995 King Records release is a CD reissue of a 1970s era King LP. It features one of the post-Decca Ink Spots aggregations, the group led by original Ink Spots baritone Charlie Fuqua. While the information on Jack Hanna's Ink Spots Web site tracks, to a limited degree, the post-Decca activity of the group led by Bill Kenny, he ignores this group, which could claim just as much legitimacy due to Fuqua's presence.
The "18 Hits" title is really wishful thinking, as none of the King label releases ever charted nationally on either the pop or R&B Billboard charts. These 18 tracks are the entire output of the "King" Ink Spots, recorded between 1953 and 1955. In my opinion, they are, in the main, not up to the standard of the Decca group, but are interesting as curiosties in their own right.
Group members for the 1953 sessions were: Jimmy Holmes, lead tenor; Leon Antoine, tenor, Isaac Royal, tenor; Charlie Fuqua, baritone, and Harold Jackson, bass. Essex Scott replaced Leon Antoine for the 1954 and 1955 sessions.
Not necessarily a "must have," but definitely worth is "budget" price to those interested in tracking the Ink Spots' history.
Track listing (dates shown are recording dates):
1. Melody Of Love (King 1336 & King 1429) 11 Dec 1953
2. Ebb Tide (King 1297) 11 Nov 1953
3. Flowers, Mr. Florist Please (King 4670) 17 Sep 1953
4. Don't Laugh At Me (King 1512) 27 Aug 1955
5. Am I Too Late (King 1336) 17 Sep 1953
6. Someone's Rocking My Dreamboat (King 1425) 17 Sep 1953
7. Keep It Moving (King 1512) 27 Aug 1955
8. I'll Walk A Country Mile (King 4857) 27 Aug 1955
9. Planting Rice (King 1378) 11 Jul 1954
10. Stranger In Paradise (King 1304) 11 Dec 1953
11. Changing Partners (King 1304) 11 Dec 1953
12. Yesterdays (King 1378) 11 Jul 1954
13. If You Should Say Goodbye (King 1297) 11 Nov 1953
14. When You Come To The End Of The Day (King 1425) 11 Jul 1954
15. Here In My Lonely Room (King 4670) 17 Sep 1953
16. Command Me (King 4857) 27 Aug 1955
17. There Is Something Missing (King 1429) 1 Dec 1953
18. Doin' (King unreleased) 11 Jul 1954
