American Singer and Actor Ed Ames Passes Away at Age 95
American singer and actor Ed Ames passed away on Sunday, May 21st, 2023, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of entertainment. In this article, we take a look at the life and career of Ed Ames and celebrate his achievements in the music and acting industries.
Early Life and Career
Ed Ames was born on July 9th, 1927, in Malden, Massachusetts. He was the youngest of nine siblings and grew up in a musical household. His parents were Ukrainian Jewish immigrants who had a love for music, and they passed on their passion to their children.
At the age of 18, Ed joined the United States Army and served for three years during World War II. After his discharge, he joined his brothers’ band, the Ames Brothers, and began performing professionally. The quartet signed with Decca Records in 1947 and rose to prominence in the 1950s.
Success with the Ames Brothers
Rag Mop
One of the Ames Brothers’ biggest hits was ‘Rag Mop’, a 12-bar-blues number written by Johnnie Lee Wills and Deacon Anderson. The song was recorded by multiple artists, but it was the Ames Brothers’ version that became the most popular.
The Naughty Lady of Shady Lane
The Ames Brothers went on to release other hit songs, including ‘The Naughty Lady of Shady Lane’ and ‘It Only Hurts For a Little While’. The latter became one of their most well-known and enduring songs.
Solo Career
Ed Ames’s success with the Ames Brothers led to a successful solo career. He scored chart hits with tracks such as ‘My Cup Runneth Over’, ‘Who Will Answer?’ and ‘Try To Remember’. His ability to deliver a powerful emotional performance brought him a huge following.
Acting Career
The Ames Brothers Show
Before the Ames Brothers broke up in 1963, they had their television show, The Ames Brothers Show. The program was a musical variety show that showcased the brothers’ talents and featured guest appearances by other famous artists.
Daniel Boone
After the Ames Brothers disbanded, Ed Ames turned his attention to acting. He joined the cast of Daniel Boone in 1964, playing the role of Mingo, the main character’s friend. His performances earned critical acclaim and made him a household name.
Theatre
Ed Ames was a talented performer and actor who starred in many theatre productions. His performances in The Crucible and Carnival! earned rave reviews, and he even studied at the Herbert Berghof School to hone his craft. In 1963 and 1964, he starred on Broadway in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest with Kirk Douglas.
Awards and Recognitions
Over his long career in the entertainment industry, Ed Ames received many awards and recognitions for his contributions. In 1975, he received a theatre and cinema arts degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He was also inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1998.
Conclusion
Ed Ames lived a long and fulfilling life, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the music and acting industries. His powerful voice and ability to deliver emotional performances made him a beloved figure to many. He will be missed but never forgotten.
FAQs
1. What was Ed Ames’s most famous hit song?
Ed Ames was part of the Ames Brothers quartet, who had a hit song called ‘Rag Mop’. However, his most famous solo hit was ‘My Cup Runneth Over’.
2. What role did Ed Ames play on Daniel Boone?
Ed Ames played Mingo, the main character’s friend, on the television series Daniel Boone. He also played his character’s evil twin, Taramingo, in season one.
3. Did Ed Ames receive any awards for his contributions to the entertainment industry?
Yes, Ed Ames received many awards and recognitions throughout his career. He was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1998 and received a theatre and cinema arts degree from UCLA in 1975.
4. What other Broadway productions did Ed Ames star in?
Ed Ames starred in several Broadway productions, including Carnival! and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest with Kirk Douglas.
5. When did Ed Ames pass away?
Ed Ames passed away on Sunday, May 21st, 2023, at the age of 95.
