Joseph Boatner (September 27, 1918 – May 8, 1989) was an American singer who performed as a bass vocalist and pianist, best known for his association with the vocal group The Ink Spots.
Life and Career
Boatner was born in Belmont, New Hampshire. He began his musical career as a pianist and singer. In 1952, he joined a later iteration of The Ink Spots, the renowned vocal quartet that had originated in the 1930s and produced classic hits such as If I Didn't Care, The Gypsy, Java Jive, To Each His Own, and I Don't Want to Set the World on Fire.
During the 1950s and 1960s, Boatner formed and led his own vocal group that performed under the name "The Ink Spots." None of the members in his group had previously sung with the original Ink Spots, but the group recorded several records and had a cameo role in the 1965 film All Men Are Apes. Boatner continued to lead various groups using the "Ink Spots" name into the 1980s.
Death
Boatner died on May 8, 1989, at the age of 70, at Lakes Region General Hospital in Laconia, New Hampshire.
