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.
Man With the Banjo
The Ames Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who's that strummin'
That's the man with the banjo
For a penny he'll play any song
That's happy and gay
Folks all smile and stop awhile
Because the man with the banjo
See the children running after
While he plays his merry song
All their hearts are filled with laughter
As they tag along
Shadows fallin', sandman's callin'
Here goes the man with the banjo
Gaily strummin' softly strummin'
On his merry old way
"The Man with the Banjo" is a cheerful and uplifting song that depicts a man playing his banjo for anyone who will listen. The song begins by asking who the man with the banjo is, and it becomes immediately apparent that he is a beloved figure in the community who spreads joy and happiness wherever he goes. For just a penny, he will play any song that is happy and gay, and as a result, people naturally smile when they hear him play.
The chorus is particularly catchy and highlights the power of the man with the banjo's music: "Folks all smile and stop awhile because the man with the banjo makes their troubles burst like bubbles chasing worries away." This line is a beautiful reminder of how music can lift our spirits and help us forget our troubles, even if only for a little while. The song also touches on the universal joy that music brings, as the children in the community run after the man with the banjo with hearts filled with laughter.
The song's final verse mentions the end of the day and the sandman calling, but the man with the banjo keeps playing his merry tune. This image leaves the listener with a sense of hope and optimism, suggesting that even in tough times, we can always turn to music to brighten our spirits.
Line by Line Meaning
Who's that comin'
Who is that approaching?
Who's that strummin'
Who is playing the instrument?
That's the man with the banjo
The person playing the instrument is using a banjo to create a musical tune.
For a penny he'll play any song
He will play any tune if you provide him a penny.
That's happy and gay
The music played is uplifting and joyful.
Folks all smile and stop awhile
People pause and smile upon hearing the music.
Because the man with the banjo
The reason for the pause and smile is the musician with the banjo.
Makes their troubles burst like bubbles chasing worries away
The music has a soothing and therapeutic effect on listeners and helps to relieve their stress and anxiety.
See the children running after
Children are chasing the musician.
While he plays his merry song
The musician is playing a cheerful tune.
All their hearts are filled with laughter
The children feel happy and amused while listening to the music.
As they tag along
They follow along with the musician.
Shadows fallin', sandman's callin'
Nighttime is approaching, signaling bedtime.
Here goes the man with the banjo
The musician is moving down the street once again.
Gaily strummin' softly strummin'
The musician is playing the instrument merrily but softly.
On his merry old way
The musician is continuing on his journey down the street.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: FRITZ SCHULZ REICHEL, ROBERT MELLIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@nicholasroby8936
I loved this song when I was 6 in 1955, and still love at age of 72! In 2021 I can again listen over and over again.
@susanrowe9063
Wonderful memories! Aged 7 in 1955, I sang this song solo in a local concert and have only just got around to finding it here - thank you!
@njva17420
The Ames Brothers were among my Dad's favorite pop singers back in the 50s. It is wonderful to hear this again and "You, You, You."
@SEPTEMBERANCH
Such wonderful memories.
@Cynthia-ht8ld
Now, the Ames Brothers are together for all eternity. Rest in peace, Ed. July 9,1927-May 21,2023.
@patrickfleming3658
Such great memories
@johnrussell8749
Beautiful harmony, back up and banjo pickin'.
@originalsbyterry256
SMOOTH is not enough to describe this!
@the45shootist
I like it so much that I BECAME the man with the banjo!
@browndog461
When times were much more carefree and innocent, the real 50's.