Joe-Ames-Obituary

Joe Ames

May 3, 1921 – Dec 22, 2007

About

BORN
May 3, 1921
DIED
December 22, 2007

Obituary

Joe Ames, born on May 03, 1921 in Malden, Massachusetts, passed away on Dec 22, 2007 in Germany.

Obituary

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Joe Ames, the deep-voiced anchor and eldest member of the 1950s hit singing group the Ames Brothers, has died. He was 86.

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


Guest Book

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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

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!!

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

i loved your voice most. i'll always listen for you. such talent.

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...

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.

The memories were great.
John Esposito

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.

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.