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
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 conjures up images of a cozy, festive season with loved ones. The opening lines set the tone for the song with imagery of chestnuts roasting on an open fire and Jack Frost nipping at your nose. The second line continues to describe the cold winter setting with carolers singing in the background and people bundled up like Eskimos. These verses create a sense of being huddled indoors while the chilly winter air swirls outside.
The next set of lyrics talk about the traditional items that people associate with Christmas, like turkeys and mistletoe. The mention of children with their eyes all aglow implies the excitement and anticipation that comes with the holiday. The song then shifts back to Santa Claus and the idea that he is on his way with a sleigh full of toys, causing children to eagerly wait for his arrival. The chorus rings out with a simple wish for a merry Christmas for all, regardless of their age.
Overall, the song focuses on feelings of warmth, joy, and family during the holiday season. It speaks to the nostalgia that people tend to feel around this time of year and the importance of spreading love and happiness to all those around.
Line by Line Meaning
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Imagine a fire where chestnuts are roasting and the warm smell fills the room
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
The winter air is so cold that it feels like tiny teeth biting at the tip of your nose
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
The joyful sound of a choir singing holiday songs fills the air
And folks dressed up like Eskimos
People are bundled up in coats, hats, and scarves to keep warm in the cold weather, like Eskimos in the arctic
Everybody knows, a turkey and some mistletoe
It's common knowledge that a festive meal with a roasted turkey and some mistletoe decorations can make everyone feel happy and merry
Can help to make the season bright
These elements of the holiday season help to bring cheer and happiness to people's lives
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Children's faces light up with excitement and wonder during the holidays
Will find it hard to sleep tonight
With so much excitement and anticipation, young children may find it difficult to fall asleep on Christmas Eve
They know that Santa's on his way
Children firmly believe that Santa Claus is coming with presents and treats
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
Santa Claus has filled his sleigh with lots of presents and goodies to bring to children around the world
And every mother's child is gonna spy
Children will sneak around their homes on Christmas Eve to see if they can catch a glimpse of Santa Claus delivering his gifts
To see if reindeer really know how to fly
Children wonder if reindeer can really fly, and hope to see them in action on Christmas Eve
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
The songwriter is offering a simple, heartfelt message
To kids from one to ninety two
This message is for everyone, no matter their age
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Despite the many times this message has been expressed before
Merry Christmas to you
The songwriter wishes everyone a joyful and happy Christmas holiday
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mel Torme, Robert Wells
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@that70sgirl90
Wow... phenomenal voices! Beautiful harmony...
Thank you for sharing! 💖
@thecrippledrummer
Love the Ames Brothers.
@raulraul5776
I had an LP of Ames Brothers there"ll always be Christmas. First time to see them perform. Thank you for posting
@shyman99
Inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1998 and you can understand why. Powerful voices that carried the Christmas spirit with no apologies. As most of you know, Ed Ames would become a successful solo singer in the 60s as well as an actor. He remains the only living member. A virtual hug to him for a lifetime of solid entertainment.
@Cynthia-ht8ld
The Ames Brothers are together for all eternity in Heaven. Never to be separated again. Ed Ames is singing solo and giving concerts in Heaven for all eternity. And he is getting to know everyone in Heaven too.
@TomElvisSmith
Thanks for uploading the Ames Brothers! Please upload them singing their medley of hits from another episode around this time (1959 or 1960 I think), and them performing their other hit songs on other episodes throughout the '50's.
@michaeltuz608
As a kid, I knew Ed Ames as Mingo on the TV series Daniel Boone. It blew my mind when I learned that he was one of the singing Ames Brothers! A talented man from a talented family quartet. These brothers had four distinct voices that blended in perfect harmony.
Thanks for posting!
@armyman905
My parents had they’re Christmas album and we played it every year for years. I got a copy of CD. Great memories. Great songs
@thomtlc2
My word what beautiful voices!
@dwightdowson9259
Uniquely Melodic Opera!