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.
The Christmas Song
The Ames Brothers Lyrics
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Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos
Everybody knows, a turkey and some mistletoe
Can help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
And every mother's child is gonna spy
To see if reindeer really know how to fly
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety two
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you
They know that Santa's on his way
With toys and goodies on his sleigh
And every mother's child is gonna spy
To see if reindeer really know how to fly
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety two
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you
The Ames Brothers's song "The Christmas Song" is a classic holiday tune that captures the essence of the festive season. The opening lines "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire" paint a vivid picture of a cozy and inviting scene, where the warmth of the fire and the roasted chestnuts set the tone for an idyllic Christmas experience. The second verse continues to depict the holiday experience, with Jack Frost's chill enveloping the air and yuletide carols being sung by a choir. The last two lines of the verse are particularly fun and charming, conjuring sounds of "folks dressed up like Eskimos," an image that is both festive and nostalgic.
The chorus of the song is a reminder of the primary symbols of Christmas: "a turkey and some mistletoe," "tiny tots with their eyes all aglow," and "Santa's sleigh loaded with toys and goodies." It encapsulates the excitement and anticipation that come with the holiday season, especially for children who are anxiously waiting for Santa to arrive. The last verse brings the song to a close, with the singer offering a simple yet heartfelt wish for a Merry Christmas to everyone, from kids to seniors.
Line by Line Meaning
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Picture a cozy fireplace where chestnuts are roasting and crackling in the flames.
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
It's so cold outside that Jack Frost is making your nose feel frosty and tingly.
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
Hear the sweet sounds of a choir singing classic Christmas carols in harmony.
And folks dressed up like Eskimos
People are wearing warm, bundled clothing like Eskimos do to keep themselves from freezing in the cold winter air.
Everybody knows, a turkey and some mistletoe
It's common knowledge that sharing a festive meal with family and hanging mistletoe for kissing can brighten up the holiday season.
Can help to make the season bright
These small traditions will bring joy and warmth into people's homes during the winter season.
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Excited young children have wide-eyes full of wonder and anticipation for Santa's arrival.
Will find it hard to sleep tonight
The excitement and anticipation of Christmas makes it difficult for kids to fall asleep and wait for Santa to arrive.
They know that Santa's on his way
Children believe that Santa is coming to town to bring them toys and presents on Christmas Eve.
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
Santa is bringing a sleigh full of toys, treats, and presents to deliver to children around the world.
And every mother's child is gonna spy
Every child, regardless of their background or beliefs, will be keeping watch for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.
To see if reindeer really know how to fly
Children are curious if Santa's reindeer can really fly, which adds to the magic and wonder of the holiday season.
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
Here's a simple message that I'm sending out to everyone during this joyous time of year.
To kids from one to ninety two
This message is for everyone, young and old, to share in the spirit of the holiday season.
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Even though we've expressed these sentiments in a variety of different ways over the years,
Merry Christmas to you
I hope that you have a very Merry Christmas and a joyous holiday season.
Lyrics © Ceylon Records, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mel Torme, Robert Wells
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind