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Joe Ames Obituary
Ames died Dec. 22 at a hospital several days after suffering a heart attack, said his daughter, Jo-Ellen Ames.
Joe Ames and brothers Ed, Gene and Vic were one of the most popular quartets in the decades before the advent of rock 'n' roll.
For nearly three decades, the Ames brothers built a career that included eight gold records and regular appearances on TV, in fancy nightclubs and Las Vegas. They had international hits such as "The Naughty Lady of Shady Lane" and sang a variety of styles, from folk songs to rhythm and blues.
They were named Billboard magazine's best vocal group of the year in 1958.
The group disbanded in the early 1960s. Ed Ames had a solo career and later went into acting. Joe and the others recorded some albums as a group and had a television show in Houston in the early 1960s.
In 1965, Joe Ames moved to Germany, where he had intended to try an operatic career but instead became involved in producing and managing other talents, his daughter said.
As a consultant, he conceived and developed musical programs for German public television channel ZDF. He continued consulting for the channel until retiring about 15 years ago, his daughter said.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
37 Entries
Frances Scott
July 23, 2016
I loved The Ames Brothers music,and watched brother Ed on tv for many years.... wonderful voices,glad we have the memories.....r.i.p
Stephen Paul Ketterer III
May 15, 2015
I remember them from the mid 1940's on from when I was about 5-7 years old, and I was intoxicated by their beautiful harmonic music and songs!!! I sure miss hearing them!! I'm almost 72 now, but still remember the thrill I got listening to them, and Mingo on TV!! I sure miss all of them!!
John Smith
December 31, 2013
I just discovered your music with your brothers. What a great sound you produced. Thank you for leaving such a great sound for generations to come. You are missed.
John
Grace Ballinger
September 5, 2012
i loved your voice most. i'll always listen for you. such talent.
How you can show support
August 1, 2009
As a kid growing up in rural South Mississippi, I became a tremendous fan of the Ames Brothers. Around 1950, my dad bought a beautiful record player and I saved up some money and bought an Ames Brothers album. WOW! Such beautiful harmonies and voices. I formed a group in high school called The Cee Jay's (Clark's and Joneses). We competed on the Ted Mack Original Amateur in 1963. My inspiration came from groups like the amazing Ames Brothers. I'm still out there doing it and enjoying it as an avocation!
Condolences to the Ames Family. We love you! We'll miss you Joe. Bill Clark. www.billclarklive.com
Teresa Mock
May 27, 2009
To the family of Joe Ames you have my sincerest sympathy. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I hope you can find comfort in the Bible. At Isaiah chapter 33 verse 24 it says "no resident will say I am sick." Please take the time to read these verses.
John Esposito
December 24, 2008
The memories were great.
John Esposito
Ann Dee
August 12, 2008
Although I didn't find out until today of the loss of Joe Ames, my heart and prayers go out to his family. Thank you to all the Ames brothers for years of wonderful music. I still listen to one of their CDs every day, either the Ames Brothers or Ed Ames. Not a day goes by that I don't keep their songs close to my heart.
Deanie Coffman
May 3, 2008
Goodbye Joe. You are missed. I grew up loving you and your brothers, you helped me through a bad childhood and I still listen to the Ames Brothers every day. How relaxing they are and how I miss them all. Thank you for being a part of my life for so many years. Some people come along to make other lives special and bearable. You guys were those people, Gene, Joe, Vic and Ed.
Cathy Doll
February 7, 2008
Thank you, Joe, for bringing your daughter "Jo-Ellen" into this world to be my dear friend. Rest in peace. May Jo-Ellen and her family find comfort in their loving memories. You were a lucky man to have music in your life, but even luckier to have Jo-Ellen! :)
Jo-Ellen Ames
February 6, 2008
To all,
Thanks so very much for your kind wishes and remembrance.
Sincerely,
(Joe's daughter)
Robert Banks
January 31, 2008
I enjoyed many of the Ames Brothers' recordings in the fifties. But I only learned a few hours ago that one of my all time favorites was their recording. I only heard "China Doll" played on juke boxes a few times but its melody and a few of its lyrics have stayed with me almost hauntingly since April 1960. In the process of making the discovery that it was an Ames Brothers recording, I also learned the sad news of Joe Ames' death. It didn't get the coverage he deserved.
Barbara Schmidt
January 31, 2008
What a beautiful time to grow up and to hear the rich voices of the Ames Brothers. A gentle "goodbye".
tom nations
January 22, 2008
the Ames Bros. were a real inspiration to me and my three bros. We never made it big, but sure had fun harmonizing. Thank you so much.
Jay Strotkamp
January 17, 2008
While in high school at Laguna Beach, California my friends and I loved listening to Joe and his brothers. One of our favorites was the song "You, You, You". A true classic song which many of us enjoyed slow dancing with our girlfriends. Still one of my favorites. Thanks to Joe and his brothers for those beautiful songs we enjoyed in our "Wonder Years".
George Nichols
January 17, 2008
The Ames Brothers were my favorite Group.They played the Holiday House Supper Club In Monroeville Pa Will Miss Joe Ames
Stan Smith
January 17, 2008
Thank you for sharing your talent. You will be missed.
Sheila Smith
January 17, 2008
Always enjoyed the Ames brothers singing. Rest in Peace Joe.
Leslie Stowell
January 17, 2008
My deepest sincere condolences to the entire Ames family on the passing of Joe Ames. A wonderful voice! I grew up with the Ames Brothers music, thoroughly enjoying and memorizing many songs. A sad loss, May God Bless all his family.
PAUL
January 16, 2008
THE AMES BROTHERS -----THE HILLTOPPERS------THE FOUR ACES----- LUCKY ME TO HAVE BEEN A PART OF THAT ERA----YES, DAMN LUCKY, AND I AM VERY GRATEFUL....AND I THANK YOU FOR THE WONDERFUL MUSIC.
January 16, 2008
Sincere sympathy goes to a family of such great talent. He will be missed by many.
alma renner
January 16, 2008
my deepest sympathy to the family
of joe ames. the ames brothers
were a great singing group.
may God bless you.
sincerely,
alma renner
Linda Joiner
January 16, 2008
My condolences to the Ames family on the loss of a great singer. I really enjoyed listening to the Ames Brothers sing when I was growing up in the 50's.
H. Angus Jordan
January 16, 2008
I just want to say that there was no group of the '60s that I enjoyed anymore than The Ames Brothers. At one time I think my family owned most of their hits and or albumns. Joe and his brothers music will always be apart of my whole psychic. I can still recite their song of "I saw Esau sitting on a see-saw" by heart. Thanks for sharing Joe and his entire family with us for a little while. My prayers go out to his entire family.
Bonnie Harrison
January 16, 2008
Oh Lord, i grew up in the 50's and the music was awesome. We could understand it and know the words. You were one of my favorite groups and i have your albums. You will never be forgotten. Now you sing for the Lord. Rest in peace.
Harry Simpson
January 16, 2008
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
irvin deneen
January 16, 2008
joe, god we are going to miss you. but look at the wonderful life you had , and all of the music you shared with us all over the years. now you will be singing back up for the angles. ild, sebring florda. god bless you.
Lowell McGill Sr
January 16, 2008
"You,You,You", one of your great hit songs, was always included on my DJ programs at my small hometown radio station where I worked my way through college back in the 1950s. The unique sound of the Ames Brothers will forever be embetted in my memories. May you rest in peace with God. My prayers go out to your families.
CAROLE CHITTY
January 16, 2008
SO MANY MEMORIES FOR ME. LOVED THE AMES BROTHERS. THEY WERE "ONE OF A KIND", SUCH WONDERUL HARMONY. MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY OF JOE AMES.
michele dispirito
January 16, 2008
the music he created was just beautiful i truly enjoyed it. may you rest in peace
jane gandy
January 16, 2008
I am sure Heaven chorus sounds better than ever..So many wonderful memories of the brothers and thier music..God bless
Denis Gould
January 16, 2008
What a beautiful, rich, quality voice - and the quartet, always so wonderful to hear. Awesome voices, great music! I'll always remember "Moonlight and Roses" and "Sentimental me." Your fine talents will be deeply missed.
Henryk Zaleski (USN-Ret)
January 16, 2008
Thank you for the wonderful songs and music. Rest in peace.
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