Ed Ames was a multi-talented performer who made a mark in both music and television. Known for his smooth baritone voice and charismatic presence, Ames first gained fame as a member of The Ames Brothers, a successful pop vocal group in the 1950s. Later, he transitioned into a successful solo singing career and became a familiar face on television, especially for his role as Mingo on the series Daniel Boone.
From his early days in Boston to national stardom in music and television, Ed Ames left behind a legacy of artistic range and timeless charm.
Early Life and Rise with The Ames Brothers
Ed Ames was born Edmund Dantès Urick on July 9, 1927, in Malden, Massachusetts, to a poor Jewish immigrant family. He was the youngest of nine children. Despite their modest background, Ed and his brothers—Joe, Vic, and Gene—shared a love for music. The four eventually formed a singing group while still young.
Initially known as The Amory Brothers, they got their big break when Abe Burrows, a renowned playwright, helped shape their careers and suggested the name The Ames Brothers. They signed with Decca Records in 1948, but due to a musicians’ union strike, their early recordings were shelved.
Undeterred, they switched labels and soon found success. Their smooth vocal harmonies and upbeat performances led to a string of hits, including:
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“Rag Mop”
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“Sentimental Me”
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“You, You, You”
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“The Naughty Lady of Shady Lane”
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“It Only Hurts for a Little While”
By the 1950s, they had become one of the most popular male vocal quartets in the U.S., often featured on radio and television variety shows. The group disbanded in 1960, allowing Ed to launch a solo career.
Acting Career: From Broadway to TV Fame
After the group split, Ames shifted his focus to acting. He began with a role in the Off-Broadway production of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. His strong stage presence and rich voice earned him more roles, including parts in Carnival! and The Fantasticks.
Ames’s Native American features—dark skin tone and angular bone structure—made him a natural fit for Indigenous roles. His breakout acting moment came when he portrayed Chief Bromden in the Broadway production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, opposite Kirk Douglas.
Soon after, he was cast as Mingo, a Cherokee brave on NBC’s Daniel Boone, which ran from 1964 to 1970. His performance made him a household name. To prepare for the role, Ames even learned tomahawk throwing, a skill he famously demonstrated on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson—in a hilarious segment that remains a late-night TV classic.
Solo Singing Success
Even while acting, Ames never let go of music. He recorded a solo single, “Bean Song (Which Way to Boston?)” in 1957 under the name “Eddie Ames.” But his true solo breakthrough came in the mid-1960s.
In 1965, he released “Try to Remember”, which charted modestly. Two years later, he had his biggest hit with “My Cup Runneth Over,” which climbed to:
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#8 on the Billboard Hot 100
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#1 on the Adult Contemporary (Easy Listening) chart
This success cemented Ames as a solo star. His rich vocals and emotional delivery resonated with adult audiences during a time of changing musical tastes.
Chart Hits and Timeless Favorites
Following the success of “My Cup Runneth Over,” Ames continued to release singles throughout the 1960s and early 1970s. Some became chart hits, while others earned enduring love on adult contemporary radio. Notable songs include:
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“Who Will Answer” – Top 20 pop hit in 1968
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“When the Snow Is on the Roses”
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“Time, Time”
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“Son of a Travelin’ Man”
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“Apologize”
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“All My Love’s Laughter”
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“Leave Them a Flower”
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“Kiss Her Now”
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“Thing Called Love”
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“Think Summer” (duet with Marilyn Maye)
While many of these songs didn’t top the pop charts, they became adult contemporary staples and are now cherished oldies among fans.
Beyond Music and Acting
In the 1970s, Ames pursued academic interests. He enrolled at UCLA and earned a degree in Theater and Cinema Arts. As a proud Jewish American, he became active in advocacy and was later named President of the Los Angeles chapter of the Zionist Organization of America.
He remained active in show business, recording and performing live into his 80s. His love for music never waned, and his voice retained its depth and warmth even as he aged.
Memorable TV Moment: The Tomahawk Throw
No post about Ed Ames is complete without mentioning one of television’s most iconic bloopers. In a 1965 episode of The Tonight Show, Ames appeared to demonstrate tomahawk throwing for Johnny Carson. When he threw the tomahawk at a wooden target shaped like a cowboy, it struck squarely in the groin.
The unexpected bullseye caused a long uproarious laugh from the audience—and a quick-witted comeback from Carson that cemented the moment as a classic in late-night history.
That clip remains one of the most replayed moments from The Tonight Show and continues to circulate online, keeping Ames in pop culture memory.
Lasting Legacy
Though Ed Ames may be best remembered for a few key roles and songs, his versatility across music, television, and theater speaks volumes. He excelled as a group singer, solo vocalist, dramatic actor, and comedic performer. He carved out a rare dual legacy—respected by music fans and TV audiences alike.
Ed Ames passed away on May 21, 2023, at the age of 95, but his songs and memorable TV moments continue to charm old fans and captivate new generations.