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.

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
The Ames Brothers Lyrics

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Hark, the herald Angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"

Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the Angelic host proclaim

"Christ is born in Bethlehem"

Hark, the herald Angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King"

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace
Hail the Son of Righteousness
Light and life to all He brings
Risin' with healing in His wings

Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man, no more may die
Born to raise the sons of Earth
Born to give them second birth

Hark, the herald Angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King"

Overall Meaning

The song "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" is a Christmas carol that has been sung for generations. The first verse celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and the reconciliation between God and sinners, which is meant to bring peace on earth. The second verse invites nations to rise and join the celebration of Jesus' birth, which is announced by the angelic chorus. The chorus repeats the message that the newborn King is worthy of glory and praise.

The third verse shifts the focus to Jesus as the Prince of Peace and the Son of Righteousness who brings light and life to all. He comes with healing, laying aside His glory to be born as a man, so that no one else has to die. Jesus was born to raise up the sons of Earth and to give them a second birth. The final chorus repeats the message of the first one, calling everyone to sing out "Glory to the newborn King."

Hark! The Herald Angels SingThe Ames Brothers Lyrics

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
The Ames Brothers Lyrics