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.
O Little Town of Bethlehem
The Ames Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above
While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love
Oh morning stars together, proclaim thy holy birth.
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
The lyrics of "O Little Town of Bethlehem" beautifully portray the peaceful and serene atmosphere of the birthplace of Jesus Christ. The song starts by describing Bethlehem as a quiet town, where the silent stars pass over the deep and undisturbed sleep of its residents. However, amidst the darkness of its streets, there is a shining everlasting light that represents the birth of Jesus, which brings together the hopes and fears of all generations on this holy night.
The second verse emphasizes the significance of Christ's birth, as angels watch over and marvel at this momentous occasion while humanity sleeps. The imagery of the morning stars joining together to announce the birth of Jesus, coupled with the angels' love and wonder, adds a celestial touch to the scene. The verse concludes with a call to sing praises to God, who is the King, and to pray for peace on earth among mankind.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
Oh small town of Bethlehem, how peaceful and motionless we perceive you
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
As the silent stars pass above, while you rest in a deep and undisturbed slumber
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
However, within your dimly lit streets, the eternal light illuminates
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight
The desires and anxieties of all the years find their culmination in you tonight
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above
Because Jesus is born to Mary, and all are gathered in celebration above
While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love
While humans sleep, the angels maintain their watch filled with awe and love
Oh morning stars together, proclaim thy holy birth
Oh stars of the morning, unitedly declare the sacredness of your birth
And praises sing to God the king, and peace to men on earth
And sing praises to God the king, and spread peace among all people on earth
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
Oh small town of Bethlehem, how peaceful and motionless we perceive you
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
As the silent stars pass above, while you rest in a deep and undisturbed slumber
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
However, within your dimly lit streets, the eternal light illuminates
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight
The desires and anxieties of all the years find their culmination in you tonight
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Lewis H Redner, Phillip Brooks
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Scott Hogan
Thanks for uploading this! It's my all time favorite Christmas album. It's very hard to find and it was just removed from Google play and Spotify!
Andrew Walsh
Thanks I love the Ames Brothers.
John Benn
WOW WOW WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
From a mad keen 75yo Aussie fan.