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.
Oh 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 to The Ames Brothers' rendition of "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem" detail the quiet serenity of the town in which Jesus Christ was said to be born. The opening lines are a picturesque portrayal of the stillness of the town as it lies in deep and dreamless sleep under the silent stars. The second line of the first stanza, "Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light," is a metaphor for the hope and eternal promise that the birth of Christ brought. The third and final line of the first stanza, "The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight," is an acknowledgement of the significance of this event, not just for those present at the time, but for all generations.
The second stanza elaborates on the celebrations in Heaven and on Earth at the birth of Christ. It mentions the angels watching over and marveling at the event, as well as the morning stars proclaiming the holy birth. The angels keep watch not just out of duty, but also out of wonder at the miracle that was taking place. The stanza ends with the exhortation to "sing praises to God the king, and peace to men on Earth," a call to celebrate and spread the joy and hope brought by the birth of Christ.
Overall, the lyrics to "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem" serve as a reverent and celebratory tribute to the birth of Jesus Christ, recognizing its significance not just for those present at the time, but for all believers throughout time.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
The small city of Bethlehem appears tranquil and restful to us.
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
The quiet stars pass over the sleeping town in the deep of the night.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
Despite the darkness of the town's streets, there shines an eternal light.
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
All the desires and anxieties of generations past are present tonight in this town.
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above
Jesus Christ was born to Mary and has gathered all in heaven above.
While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love
As humans sleep, angels watch over them with a love that inspires awe.
Oh morning stars together, proclaim thy holy birth.
All the stars of the morning together announce the holy birth of Jesus.
And praises sing to God the king, and peace to men on earth.
They sing praises to God the king and wish peace to all people on earth.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LEROY ANDERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind