Born Edmund Dantes Urick on July 9, 1927, in Malden, MA; son of David and Sonja Saslaveski Urick; married Sara Cacheiro, 1948; divorced c. 1970; married Jeanne Arnold, 1998; children: (with Cachiero) Sonya, Ronald, Linda. Education: Attended the Boston Public Latin School and the Herbert Berghof Acting School, New York City. Addresses: Home--Ed Ames, 1457 Claridge Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210.
Many vocal singing groups of the 1940s were combinations of either all white male and female vocalists or all African American male singers. The exception was a quartet of brothers from Malden, Massachusetts that had the distinction of having no tenor or soprano voices; the Ames Brothers relied on bass and baritone voices to create a unique and different sound. The brothers were endowed with perfect pitch and a strong ear for music. The group was led by the youngest of the four, Ed, and complemented by brothers Joe, Gene and Vic. Ed was the youngest of 13 children born to David and Sonja Saslaveski Urick on July 9, 1927; each of the brothers was separated by two years.
The immigrant Uricks were married in the Ukraine and came to the United States through Ellis Island with their first child. David was 16 and Sonya was 15 when he quickly began teach himself English by reading newspapers and underlining words he did not understand so he could later determine their meaning. Within two years, he became a copy editor for the New York Times and later relocated to Boston as an advertiser and printer. The Urick family lived in poverty and by the time the last child was born, four children had already died. Their mother insisted her children learn to read. Classic novels and reading Shakespeare's work were a regular part of their intellectual training. "One of my first memories as a four year old was sitting around with the others and my mother making us read Shakespeare and excerpts from Julius Caesar as he was warned of the Ides of March," Ed recalled to Contemporary Musicians. "On Saturdays she would bribe us by making cookies so that we would sit and listen to the Metropolitan Opera and the great singers of the day, including Ezio Pinza and Giovanni Martinelli." This inspired the Ames Brothers to enjoy singing; when they found after-school jobs, they would go to a malt shop and listen to the juke box and try and sing like the Ink Spots or their idols, the Mills Brothers.
Ed described the poverty he experienced in this way: "When I was ten, half the time was spent in hospitals being treated for starvation and malnutrition. I had horrible skin eruptions all over my body and rickets where the bones had not been developed. My mother would buy a loaf of black Russian bread which was very course and tasty. She would take garlic and rub the crust and that would be our dinner. We were constantly being evicted and put out on the streets and left to find another place to live." Being confined with sickness enabled Ames to concentrate on learning to read; the effects of poverty served as a catalyst to educate him. Today his home is filled with hundreds of books because of the love he developed for reading as a child.
When they first began to sing they were known as the Urick Brothers and were noticed while sitting on a stone wall at Franklin Field in Boston. They were encouraged to use their talent by joining others who performed in and around the Boston area. They soon began to sing at charitable events and made their debut at the prestigious The Fox and Hounds supper club in Boston's Beacon Hill. Ed was still in high school at the time but passed for older than 21 and was allowed to sing at the club. Later they performed at the Latin Quarter in Boston, which was owned and operated by Lou Walters, the father of television journalist Barbara Walters.
At the advice of the wife of an entertainment agent, they moved to Woodside in Queens, New York. But their dreams for success were shattered as no one wanted a male singing group, especially because they lacked tenor voices. Ed said, "We were so poor that we walked from our home most every day to New York City because we didn't have the forty cents in round-trip subway fare. Although our clothes were torn and tattered, they were clean as we visited agencies seeking work." They continued to audition and were told no one wanted a sound with "low voices."
After several months they met Jacques Wolfe, a composer of African American music and he helped them find work at the all-African American Apollo Theater at 125th Street in Harlem. They were the only Caucasian group and performed African American spiritual songs they had learned from observing African American singing groups and even provided back-up vocals to the great Mahalia Jackson. "Each weekend the Apollo held an amateur night and on one occasion a young, skinny, little black girl singer stole the show with her performance. It was Sarah Vaughan, and later we worked together at the Strand Theater on Broadway," Ames recalled.
They met Abe Burroughs the author of Guys and Dolls who suggested they change their name because it was too hard to remember. The Uricks came up with the name "Armory Brothers" after a prominent family in Boston. Burroughs felt a shorter name would be better and recommended "Ames."
Decca Records, who was looking for a group that could sing a cappella signed them; however, their first recording, "A Tree in the Meadow," which was released on a 78 rpm in 1948 with vocalist Monica Lewis, had little success. A year later they moved to the Coral label and released two former country songs "Rag Mop" and "Sentimental Me" and it became a double-sided hit. In 1951 their recording of "Undecided" became another big hit. It had been written in the 1930s by then-21-year-old musician Charlie Shavers who played trumpet in Benny Goodman's band. Although at that time the song had no title nor lyrics, Goodman's orchestra regularly played Shaver's composition. One night Goodman left a note for Shavers that read "Have you found a name for the song-undecided?," wishing to imply was he still undecided on a title. Shavers interpreted the note to mean that "Undecided" would be a favorable title and enlisted the aid of lyricist Sid Robin, who added lyrics.
After six years with Coral Records they moved to RCA in 1954 and recorded more than 60 singles and extended-play 45s, many with arranger and conductor Hugo Winterhalter. From 1950 to 1964, the Ames Brothers recorded more than 40 albums on the Coral, RCA, Vocalion, Epic, and MCA labels. Top ten hits included a German tune "You, You, You," the French popular song, "Melodie D'Amour," "The Man With the Banjo," "It Only Hurts For a Little While," "My Bonnie Lassie," and "The Naughty Lady of Shady Lane," a novelty song that also sold more than a million copies and was a top ten hit in the United Kingdom.
In their early career the Ames Brothers went on the tour circuit and performed at the Roxy Theater in New York, Ciro's in Hollywood, the Capitol and Howard Theaters in Washington, the Royale in Baltimore, Chez Paree in Chicago, Leon and Eddie's in Manhattan and the Riviera near the George Washington Bridge in New Jersey, as well as many others.
Their television credits include appearances on CBS's Ed Sullivan Show in 1957, 1958 and 1959, NBC's Steve Allen Show in 1957, the Pat Boone Chevy Showroom on ABC in 1957, ABC's American Bandstand in 1958, and CBS's 1959 New Year's Eve Party to mention a few.
When the group disbanded in 1960, Vic, Gene and Joe continued on the nightclub circuit for two years fulfilling existing contracts and then opened their own nightclub in Houston, Texas. Joe later went to Europe to advance his career as an operatic singer and study classical music while Vic went to Nashville, Tennessee and performed as a stand-up comic, night club host, singer and as a part-time booking agent for country acts. Gene became a painter and visual artist before settling in as an interior designer.
Ed tried to find work as a single performer using his rich baritone voice while also pursuing an acting career but was repeatedly turned down. He turned to making commercials and voice-overs; he provided one for the Walt Disney Studios. Financially struggling, he almost lost his home but won the role of Arthur in Arthur Miller's The Crucible. Another major accomplishment was his role as the stoic Indian with Kirk Douglas and Gene Wilder in the stage version of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest in 1963. He also appeared on the stage in an off-Broadway production of The Fantasticks playing the part of El Gallo in 1964. This led to the release and successful hit "Try to Remember" which became one of his signature songs. He was hired to perform in the road show production of Gower Champion's "Carnival" and when the national touring company production came to an end, he returned to New York City and remained with the show on Broadway until its final performance.
His acting skills caught the eye of Hollywood television casting directors and he was signed to play the part of the Oxford-educated Native American, Mingo, in the ABC television series Daniel Boone opposite Fess Parker. He remained on the series from 1964 until 1968 and remains close friends with Parker today. He also starred in Richard Rodger's musical version of Androcles and the Lion. Ames has appeared at nightclubs, concert halls and many theaters across the United States and has released more than 20 additional albums as a soloist.
Ed made guest appearances on many television shows both as a singer and actor that included Murder She Wrote, The Rifleman, Personality, Kraft Music Hall, It's Gary Shandling's Show, and In The Heat Of The Night, to name just a few. He was a frequent guest on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson; the April 29, 1965 episode of that show became infamous as the night when while demonstrating his tomahawk-throwing prowess, Ames threw it directly into the crotch of the drawn figure of a man.
He was given a new contract with RCA Records with the express purpose of recording music from Broadway plays. Although the song "My Cup Runneth Over" had been performed by Mary Martin and Robert Preston in I Do I Do, Ed's rendition went virtually unnoticed on an LP record until a DJ from Georgia began playing it on the air after an argument with his girlfriend. Demand became so great that RCA released it as a single and it quickly rose in the top 20 charts of March 1967.
After the Daniel Boone series completed its long run, Ed sang in many concerts around the United States and also appeared in the road company version of Man of La Mancha. He was a frequent performer at the major hotels in Las Vegas including the Sahara, the Riviera, the International and most of the finer establishments on the Las Vegas strip.
Ed Ames continues to be a headliner in countless concerts throughout the United States as well as performing as an actor and vocalist in plays, nightclubs and other venues. For more than 15 years he has donated his talent to helping the homeless by performing in the annual charity benefit for the Chabad House in Los Angeles.
by Francis D. McKinley
Ed Ames's Career
Began career in Boston, MA, singing with his brothers Gene, Joe, and Vic in local clubs; the Ames Brothers signed to the Coral record label, had a double-sided hit with country songs "Rag Mop" and "Sentimental Me,;" 1949; performed with Art Mooney and Hugo Winterhalter's orchestras; group disbanded, 1960; Ed began solo career, performing and acting in television, summer stock, and on Broadway.
Ed Ames's Awards
Billboard magazine, Best Vocal Group, 1958; Cash Box, Best Vocal Group, 1960; Vocal Group Hall of Fame, 1998.
Famous Works
- Selected discography
- Solo
- The Ed Ames Album , LSP 2944.
- My Kind Of Songs , RCA LSP 3390.
- Songs Of Bacharach And David , RCA LSP 4453.
- More I Cannot Wish You , RCA LSP 3636, 1966.
- It's a Man's World , RCA, 1966.
- Time, Time , RCA, 1967.
- When the Snow is on the Roses , RCA, 1967.
- My Cup Runneth Over , RCA LSP 3774, 1967.
- Who Will Answer? And Other Songs Of Our Time , RCA, 1968.
- Apologize , RCA, 1968.
- The Hits of Broadway and Hollywood , RCA, 1968.
- A Time for Living, a Time for Hope , RCA, 1969.
- The Windmills of Your Mind , RCA LSP 4172, 1969.
- Songs from Lost Horizon , LSP, 1972.
- The Impossible Dream , ANL, 1978.
- Very Best of Ed Ames , Taragon, 2000.
- Ames Brothers
- Sing A Song Of Christmas , Coral CRL 56014, 1950.
- In the Evening by the Moonlight , Coral, 1951.
- Sentimental Me , Coral CRL 56024, 1951.
- Hoop-De-Doo , Coral, 1951.
- Sweet Leilani , Coral, 1951.
- Favorite Spirituals , Coral, 1952.
- Home on the Range , Coral, 1952.
- Favorite Songs , Coral, 1954.
- It Must Be True , RCA Victor, 1954.
- Four Brothers , RCA Victor, 1955.
- Exactly Like You , RCA Victor LPM 1142, 1955.
- The Ames Brothers , MCA, 1956.
- Ames Brothers Concert (live), Coral, 1956.
- Love's Old Sweet Song , Coral, 1956.
- The Ames Brothers with Hugo Winterhalter , RCA Victor, 1956.
- There'll Always Be a Christmas , RCA Victor, 1957.
- Sweet Seventeen , RCA Victor, 1957.
- The Sounds of Christmas Harmony , Coral, 1957.
- Love Serenade , Coral, 1957.
- Destination Moon , RCA Victor LPM 1680, 1958.
- Smoochin' Time , RCA Victor, 1958.
- Words and Music , RCA Victor, 1959.
- The Blend and the Beat , RCA Victor, 1960.
- Hello, Amigos , RCA Victor, 1960.
- Hello Italy , Epic BN26036, 1963.
- Knees Up, Mother Brown , Epic, 1963.
- For Sentimental Reasons , RCA Victor, 1964.
- Down Memory Lane With The Ames Brothers , RCA Victor 2981, 1964.
- Sweet and Swing , RCA Special, 1986.
- The Best of the Ames Brothers , Varese Vintage, 1995.
- The Very Best of the Ames Brothers , Taragon, 1998.
Further Reading
Sources
- Inman, David, The TV Encyclopedia, Perigee Book, 1991.
- Lax, Roger and Frederick Smith, The Great Song Thesaurus, Oxford Univ. Press 1989.
- McAleer, Dave, The All Music Book of Hit Singles From 1954 to the Present Day, Miller Freeman Books, 1994.
- Osborne, Jerry, Rockin Records, Osborne Publications, 1999.
- Warner, Jay, The Billboard Book of American Singing Groups, A History, 1940-1980, Billboard Books, 1992.
- Goldmine, October 20, 2000.
- All Music Guide, http://www.allmusic.com/cg/x (October 2000).
- "Ed Ames," Icast, http://www.icast.com/artist/1,4003,1026-5636246,00.html (November 27, 2000).
- "Ames Brothers," Icast, http://www.icast.com/artist/1,4003,1010-29367,00.html (November 27, 2000).
- Additional information was obtained through interviews with Ed Ames on October 21, 2000 and October 23, 2000.
Visitor Comments Add a comment…
over 12 years ago
Dear Mr. Ames, Do you remember the Lion Thomas R. Kelly? I am his youngest son. I think I remember you. No matter thank you.
over 12 years ago
Dear Ed Ames, Prayers and thank yous are two things that are never said enough.As a young girl I was put to bed to recover from an illness. To pass the time my parents bought one of your albumbs and I played it many times.I also would sit in front of the TV to see you play Mingo. Even as an adult I will still hurry in from farm chores{we raise horses in the Shenandoah Valley} to see you in those great reruns.You have been my favorite singer,actor for quite some time.You have been a positive role model.Thank you!This past week your name was laid on my heart so I lifted you and your loved ones up to be surrounded with His mercy and grace and that all your needs would be met.Blessings on this your 85th birthday.Thank you also for supporting Israel and many kinds of Chariets.You have produced an era of good.Thanks again! I have spend this your birthday listening to that beautiful God given voice. May the best be yours always.
over 12 years ago
I can remember as a child seeing Ed Ames on The Daniel Boone Show. It was my favorite show. Lately I have revisited some of the videos that continue to impress me, The full wonderful soothng voice of Mr. Ed Ames is very relxing and I LOVE his voice. He is truly a ICON and will forever be to me. Hi is the best of the best and I only wis I had had the honor of meeting him.
about 13 years ago
The Ames Brothers used to perform at Hampton Beach, NH each yr. Between performances played tennis at Mosely Pines. One of the brothers rescued my little sister who had accidently locked herself in to ladies room. I shall NEVER forget!
about 13 years ago
My mother played a lot of the Ames Brothers and Ed Ames music on her stereo when we were children. Is anyone familiar with the Christmas song about the donkey chosen to carry Mary to Bethlehem. I'm not sure of the exact name, but I've never been able to find any other recording or sheet music for it.
about 13 years ago
Dear Ed Ames, I hope this note finds you in good health... I just thought I'd let you know I am a senior lady who is again enjoying the Daniel Boone series as I had back in the day... It is being seen here in Tucson, AZ on a sub-station of Channel 13 called ME-TV aka, 13-2... I find this a great time, 9AM daily, Monday through Friday, to relax a bit in the AM after I run though my chores since I am an early riser. Recently on was the episode that had Walter Pidgeon playing Mingo's British father. You sang a song at Mingo's Mother's grave that was sad but so wonderfully presented... Did you ever record this in any form later on or only sung on the show? Well rising early is a habit I find hard to get away from but comes from waking each day to the pleasing noises made by my horses who now I have placed in a permanent sanctuary 2 years ago called Tierra Madre Horse Sanctuary in Cave Creek, AZ... Since one of my hard hoofed kids was on 10 years old, at the time, I feared not being able to tend to her needs as I, myself, got older since equines can live 20 to 40 years. It was a hard decision to make, but I did it for them & it took 2 years to find a place that would not sell them , part them, or adopt them out to wanna-be cowboys... If you get to ever read this comment, please check out the sanctuary online as they have a website, and the sanctuary is run by Jim Gath, who, like myself, loves animals like kids... So now I occupy my time with my dogs, most of which I have rescued after I found one by one dumped on the roads near my rural home. This is an epidemic not only here but all over the country and should be punished greatly if caught in the act, but, alas, most are never caught or reported as animals are merely personal property. BTW, I do not buy the excuse that a person cannot keep any animal because they have fallen on hard times with the economy because I can do it on Social Security benefits. Just a cop out, heck, I have even noted homeless folks having dogs as their companions & more than likely the only family they have that cares... Funny dogs are not prejudice, all they want to do is give love unconditionally, even the unjustly condemmed for a few staggered cases of "attacks" by their breed, the Pitbull... I have had same in my care & find them easy going, only wanting to please & rather layback, to make these dogs mean takes abusing them viciously... And they get along with the other dogs in their mixed canine family, too... Well, Sir, I have rattled on long enough... I pray you to stay well, and may you live long in good health...
about 13 years ago
First time Ed's new song "Time, Time" was broadcast was on my show on KRAI in Craig, Colorado in 1967. We were doing an album for the US Army called the IN SOUND. We had the SOS Show, the Sounds of the Sixties. Someday soon, I will put the original interview on YouTube for all to enjoy.
over 13 years ago
Missing you !!! Happy belated Bday my dearling...Just did my 65th... Chicago is years ago but still in my heart.....
over 13 years ago
Hello Mr. Ames, I have been a fan of yours since 1964. I am 58 years old and I grew up watching Daniel Boone. I have series 1 and 2 and at least four of your albums. I love your music and your character. I especially love the native americans and jews even though I am a mixed black woman. Wishing you the best of health and another happy Birthday!
over 13 years ago
You are the definition of amazing: Something that is so wonderful, it is hard to find the words to match. Something that makes your heart beat faster or your heart melt. Something that tops everything else, and always crosses your mind.Thank you for being so amazing!
almost 14 years ago
i had a crush on you as Mingo, but i have a bigger one now with your singing. which i could find more cd's
almost 14 years ago
The first time i saw Ed AMes was on the Ed Sullivan Show & I love their music But I totally fell in love with Ed Ames I was 15 then but I still feel the same way now! My mother & I used to watch the Daniel Boone Show just to see you ! You were the best Indian On tv Nobody has been able to top that !!You have been great in every thing you do butthe performance on In The Heat of The Night Was super !!May God Bless you always!!
about 14 years ago
I love listening to the songs of both the Ames Brothers and Ed Ames. They take me back to a gentler time. God bless you and yours, always!
about 14 years ago
Ed, I hope you read your emails b/c they could make you feel so good about yourself and the way you have touched the fans! Just hope you take of your voice and keep yourself in shape as you do! Some people would be grateful to be in good shape as you! Wish you were on some shows and show them what acting is about! I'll always listen to your songs and feel good and relaxed! I feel for you about how you grew up but you made up for it with the singing and your acting! Take care and God Bless you!! Love you!!
about 14 years ago
Ed.......Hi! I'm looking for your daughter Lindy. We met probably 30 years ago at a Spa in Lancaster, Calif where we shared a room there for a month. We got to be good friends and she took me to your home in Beverly Hills and I met your wife. I introduced her to my friends and shortly we lost touch with each other. I'm wondering how she's doing and what's going on in her life. If you would, when you hear from her, please give her my email address. Thank you very much.
about 14 years ago
Ed, I had the biggest crush on u when I was teenager and had most of all ur albums. You have such a great baritone voice and your songs are so beautifully sung by you! I just wish you could tour the country and come to South Carolina! Only one Indian name Mingo could catch our interest in Daniel Boone and helped make it a hit show(that is when shows were shows)! Keep singing and making your fans blessed hearing your voice! Take care and God Bless You! I,even, recall your brothers and they were so good!!
about 14 years ago
Dear Mr. Ames, It made me so sad to read of the pain you went thru growing up, but your luck really changed, thank God! Your music plays every day in my home. It starts my day off beautifully. I grew up listening to you and your brothers. I have purchased all your albums on cd and I play them almost every day. You have been blessed with your magnificent voice and I want to say thank you, for the many hours of sheer pleasure your gift has brought to my life.
about 14 years ago
I'VE ALWAYS LOVED MINGO ON DANIAL BOONE. HE HAS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL VOICE AND I JUST LOVE HIS SONGS. I HAVE THEM DOWNLOADED AND AM LISTENING TO THEM NOW. I KNOW MR. AMES IS IN HIS EIGHTIES NOW. BUT TO ME YOU'LL ALWAYS BE YOUNG. GOD BLESS YOU GERALDINE FROM CHATTANOOGA
over 14 years ago
Dear Mr. Ames; I just wanted to wish you a belated birthday as yours is July 9th and mine is July 10th 1964 I grew up with my family watching you as Mingo on TV and to this day I still watch the Daniel Boone show everyday just to see you. There should be more men as kind and handsome and gifted as you. Best wishes and many, many, more birthdays. with warmest regards, Sandy S. Tennessee
over 14 years ago
Mr. Ames, Please tell me who to contact for purposes of your appearance schedule this year. You have a bevy of folks who love and appreciate your talent here in the Deep South. Best regards, Danny Jackson, Mississippi
over 14 years ago
Ed, Igrew up with your brother Joe, back then it was Joy. You folks lived on Angel St and I lived on american Legion Hway. Joe sang in the Nightingale St Shul, when my father was president there. I sat with the four of you at the diner aqcross from Franklin Field. I was wondering if you could e mail me, and advise who is still around. One time I was in Birmingham, ALA and the four of you were performing at one of the clubs. We did a lot of remenicing that night and really brought back many memories. Hoping to hear from you. Regards Sid
over 14 years ago
Hello mr.Ames, I grew up adoring your music and listen to it in my car to this very day!! I would stop at nothing to meet you in person!! It is a great honor just to be able to send a message. wow technology!! I would be very pleased if I could get a list of the places you will be performing. I am in san antonio texas and would love to have the oppertunity to meet you! Just to get an answer would make me happy!! Blessings to you!! Ron Sorensen
over 14 years ago
This is a great honor to be able to send this short note!! You have been a fan of yours since I was a kid and I am 60 years old! I grew up on your music and listen to it in the car to this day!! I would stop at nothing to have the oppertunity to meet you in person. It would thrill my heart to even get an answer back from you knowing that you read this!!! I love your music and you are are forever my hero of music!! Many Blessings Ron Sorensen.
over 14 years ago
HELLO MR.AMES;;;; I AM A TRUE FAN OF THE DANIEL BOONE SHOW;;; I LOVED YOU AS MINGO, AND WANTED TO MARRY YOU, BUT I WAS ONLY 8YRS OLD AT THAT TIME;;; YOU AND FESS WERE MY FAVORITE ACTOR;; AND WHAT A GOOD CLEAN FAMILY SHOW;;; I HAVE ALL THE SERIES FROM DANIEL BOONE;;; MUCH LOVE TO YOU MINGO,, WISHING YOU ALL THE BEST,,, I LOVE NATIVE AMERICANS,, I KNOW YOU ARE NOT ONE;;; BUT YOU PLAYED THE PART WELL AND YOU DO LOOK LIKE NATIVE AMERICAN;; WHATEVER I STILL LOVE YOU;;
over 14 years ago
Dear Mr. Ames, We grew up on watching and hearing you. I am 56 and my husband is 58. It was good wholesome TV. We are deeply sorrowful of the passing of your fellow actor and/friend, Mr. Fess Parker. We wish you good health and the blessings of our Creator. Cindy and Bob Haas
almost 15 years ago
A note to Ed Ames to espress our deepest sympathy at the death of Fess Parker. We all adored both of you in Daniel Boone and Mr. Ames' songs are wonderful. Our prayers are with you all.
almost 15 years ago
watching pbs heard ames brothers sing what memories loved growing up with them and then with ed they feel like old friends love hearing those songs clasics carol
over 15 years ago
I am five years old and live in California. This summer I am visiting my Grandparents in Colorado with my sister, Callie who is ten. We have the first season of Daniel Boone, and we watch it every night. My Grandmother's favorite character is Fess Parker, but mine is ED AMES!
over 15 years ago
I was a reporter for a suburban Boston newspaper in the late 1960's when I met Ed Ames at a luncheon for Stanley Blinstrub,whose nightclub had burned down.Everyone had had adjourned had left the room except me...and you Ed.I was determined to finish my dessert and you stayed behind to keep me company.I'll never forget that kindness.And since I was a reporter,it also gave me an opportunity for a great interview.
over 15 years ago
Happy Birthday, Mr. Ames. It's my birthday, too, so I thought I would extend the greeting to a fellow Cancerian. I love your music and your wonderful voice. "My Cup Runneth Over" is my favorite of all your work. Whenever I see "I Do, I Do," nobody does that song justice in comparison to you. Many happy returns.
over 15 years ago
I was only 4 when My Cup Runneth Over released, but it has remained my favorite album of all time. Ed's rich vocals and wonderful interpretations make for the most romantic and relaxing music. I know every song, every key and every inflection of his wonderful voice on that album and have collected most of his records. Thank you for the tremendous gift of your voice. It has blessed SO many lives!
over 15 years ago
I have been a fan of Ed Ames since he co-starred in the Daniel Boone Show. My mother had been a fan of the Ames Brothers so my whole family watched Daniel Boone every week. Keats' information about Ed Ames' divorce from his first wife was new to me. I have only seen one picture of her and she is only briefly mentioned in one online biography. If Keats reads this post I would love to know the addresses of the web sites where the articles about his divorce can be found. Gellie
over 15 years ago
I grew up with this man! My mother (who is 82 and still a big fan) took us to many of his concerts in LA and Orange County, California. Recently, she gave me all her albums and I converted many of my fav songs onto CDs. Now I play them in my car constantly. Brings me back to a wonderful time growing up. Ed did a PBS show back in 2007 and sounded great! He performed "My Cup Runneth Over", "Try to Remember", and "The Naughty Lady of Shady Lane" with the Four Lads. What I would give to see him again in concert. Moreover, I would love to surprise my mom and take her to a concert. Very nice website!
over 15 years ago
I have admired Ed Ames as a singer and actor. My mom loved listening to the Ames Brothers so when she learned Ed Ames was on the Daniel Boone Show we would watch it together. The information from Keats about his divorce from his first wife was very interesting since I have only seen one picture of her and the only mention of her was in an online biography of him. The biography said that when he arrived home from a concert tour with his brothers one of his daughters said, "Ed Ames is home." His wife replied, "who?" The daughter then said, "one of the Ames Brothers." What I surmise from that is his career negatively impacted his marriage. If Keats were to be able to send in the web sites with the pertinent articles I would be very grateful.
almost 16 years ago
i am a person with a love for the natives Americans and the jews. a couple weeks ago i thought of the indian that played on Daneil Boone i had't thought of it in years. i had to find out who the indian was and his show name. so i looked it up now i can't seem to get that good looking indian out of my head. them i find that he was not a indian but a jew. it was a double treat. it was one of my favorite shows them and now. i know i will most likely never meet him. however i want to thank him for all the happy hours that i enjoyed the Daniel Boone show. god bless. Janet Sheetz
almost 16 years ago
I would love to see Ed Ames in concert. Anyone know where he would be performing currently ? Terry Nolan
about 16 years ago
Ed Ames was divorced in October of 1973. His wife kept the house in Beverly Hills and received substantial alimony payments. Newspaper articles accessible through national library archives show this information appeared in numerous newspaper at the time. It also lists two children, Ronald and Linda, 18 and 20 as of Oct. 1973.
over 16 years ago
Just got through watching public television. Ed Ames was one of the performers. I am wondering if he sill does live concerts. He still has a great, strong, beautiful voice. Does anybody know if he performs throughout the United States? Never got a chance to see him when I was younger and would love to have the opportunity of hearing him sing in person.
almost 17 years ago
Years ago (in the early 70's), I read an article about Ed Ames in a Parade-like magazine where I discovered Ed's true last name. I put that article aside for future reference. You guessed it! I misplaced the article. I came across this article thanks to an Internet search. Thanks for the info on Ed and his family. Now I can point to this information available for all posterity! Fran
about 17 years ago
This is the most comprehensive biography that I have ever seen on the internet about Ed Ames. I have often wondered what his childhood was like, and what his parents' situation was. I read many years ago that Ed's third child was a boy and that his name was Lindy, rather than Linda. His first wife was typically called Sarita. I remember once (I don't remember whether I read it or whether he was on an interview show) when he said that he had met Sarita when they were both in the same gig, and their number required that they dance together ... that was the first time they met, and they married after that. Thank you for such a comprehensive report! Ellen