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.
Silent Night
The Ames Brothers Lyrics
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Round yon virgin mother and child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in Heavenly peace, sleep in Heavenly peace
Silent night, holy night all is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Amen
The lyrics to "Silent Night" by The Ames Brothers depict the serene and peaceful ambiance of Christmas night, emphasizing the tranquility and brightness that fills the scene. The song starts by describing the stillness and serenity of the holiest night, where everything is calm and illuminated. The focus shifts to the sight of a young virgin mother and her child, emphasizing their bond and the tender nature of the infant. This child is described as holy, representing the divine presence in this sacred moment. The lyrics invite the child to sleep in Heavenly peace, symbolizing the pure and harmonious state of rest that awaits.
The repetition of the verses underscores the essence of the silent night, emphasizing the calmness and brightness that surrounds the virgin and her child. It alludes to the peacefulness of the Nativity scene, where the world seems to be at ease, and the miracle of the birth of Jesus takes place. The final word, "Amen," adds a sense of reverence and affirmation to the lyrics, acknowledging the spiritual significance of this extraordinary night.
Line by Line Meaning
Silent night, holy night all is calm, all is bright
The night is peaceful and sacred, everything is calm and filled with light.
Round yon virgin mother and child
The virgin mother and her child are surrounded by love and protection.
Holy infant so tender and mild
The baby is pure and gentle, radiating divinity.
Sleep in Heavenly peace, sleep in Heavenly peace
Rest in the tranquility and serenity of Heaven's embrace.
Amen
Amen, confirming the prayer and expressing agreement.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Franz Xaver Gruber, Joseph Mohr
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind