The Ames Brothers were a singing quartet from Malden, Massachusetts, who we… Read Full Bio ↴The Ames Brothers were a singing quartet from Malden, Massachusetts, who were particularly famous in the 1950s for their traditional pop music hits.

The Ames Brothers got their beginning in Malden, where all four were born. The act consisted of Joe (born 3 May 1921), Gene (born 13 February 1923), Vic (born 20 May 1925 - died 23 January 1978) and Ed (born 9 July 1927).

Born into a non-professional but musical family, the boys were brought up on classical and operatic music. Their parents, David and Sarah Urick, were Russian Jewish immigrants from the Ukraine who read Shakespeare and semi-classics to their nine children from the time they were old enough to listen.

The brothers formed a quartet with a cousin Lennie, and had been touring United States Army and Navy bases entertaining the troops and were offered a job at the Foxs and Hounds nightclub, one of the fanciest clubs in Boston. This one week engagement turned into several months when the word got around of their appearance. At the time, they were going by the name of the Amory Brothers, a name taken from Vic's middle name and they were becoming quite popular in the area. It was at this time that Joe decided to rejoin the group. He said they were just having too much fun together for him to miss out. Taking their act to New York they got a job with bandleader Art Mooney. One day while at Leeds Publishing Company in search of a song called "Should I" that their mother had asked them to sing, Milt Gabler of Decca Records heard them singing it and had them cut a few sides for Decca Records just before the ban which started in January, 1948.

A year later when the ban was lifted, the Ames Brothers were the first artists to record for Coral Records. The name Amory was shortened to Ames. They were swept into national top billing with their first hit record, "Rag Mop," in January, 1950. Doing radio shows for free at times just for the experience, they later became regulars on such shows as The Arthur Godfrey Hour. One of the first acts to appear on the original Ed Sullivan Show when it was known as Toast of the Town, they made their debut with him when the show was telecast live from Wanamaker's Department Store.

Soon, they were the top paid group in nightclubs and supperclubs everywhere and their popularity on television was nationwide. In 1956 they starred in their own show, The Ames Brothers Show, which was seen on Friday nights. It was the first syndicated television show to be shown in foreign countries.

Over their fifteen year career the prolific Brothers notched up 50 U.S. chart entries, 21 of them on the Coral label before signing with RCA Victor. The group disbanded in the 1960s but Ed Ames went on with a successful singing and acting career, including playing Daniel Boone's sidekick, Mingo, on the successful Daniel Boone television series (1964-1970).

They were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1998.

Forever Darling
The Ames Brothers Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Forever, darling, while
Other hearts go wandering
You'll find mine
As faithful as can be

I'll be your true love
Forever and forever
I'll care for you eternally

I've known your kiss and
I've been close to Heaven
The thrill of this will
Last me til my life is through

I make this promise and
Willingly, I'll keep it
Forever, forever, darling
You will find me true

I've known your kiss and
I've been close to Heaven
The thrill of this will
Last me til my life is through

I make this promise and
Willingly, I'll keep it

Forever, forever, darling
You will find me true.

Overall Meaning

The song "Forever Darling" by The Ames Brothers is a romantic ballad that expresses the singer's unwavering devotion to their lover. The opening lines suggest that while other people may have wandering hearts, the singer's heart belongs only to their beloved. They promise to be faithful forever and to care for their lover for all eternity. The second verse describes the profound happiness that the singer feels when they are with their lover, comparing it to being close to heaven. The chorus repeats their promise of love and loyalty, as the singer pledges to keep their promise forever.

Overall, the song expresses a deep and abiding love, one that will never waver or fade. The use of the word "forever" throughout the song emphasizes the eternity of the singer's commitment to their lover. The slow, dreamy melody and the smooth harmonies of The Ames Brothers create a romantic atmosphere that perfectly matches the lyrics.

Line by Line Meaning

Forever, darling, while
As long as there is time, my dearest love,

Other hearts go wandering
While others may falter in their commitments,

You'll find mine
You can always count on my heart to be devoted to you.

As faithful as can be
My love and loyalty for you will never falter or fade.

I'll be your true love
I promise to only have eyes for you and to cherish you always.

Forever and forever
My devotion and adoration for you will last for all eternity.

I'll care for you eternally
I will always be there to support and love you, no matter what happens.

The thrill of this will
The excitement and joy of being with you

Last me til my life is through
Will stay with me until the very end of my days.

I make this promise and
I swear without hesitation,

Willingly, I'll keep it
I will do everything in my power to honor this promise.