Ed Ames Talks About Liberty, Blacklisting, and His Love for America (July 9, 1927-May 26, 2023)

This morning I learned that my friend, Ed Ames, has died. He was 95.

I first met Ed over a decade ago at an event in Beverly Hills where we immediately became friends. He was an old-school gentleman, always dressed impeccably, and often sang at the many events we attended. Whenever he asked for song requests I would yell out my favorite, “Impossible Dream” because no one could sing that song like Ed Ames. He always went for a patriotic song instead but I was always hopeful…

Ed was never afraid to speak out about his love for America and the importance of liberty. He was an unabashedly proud conservative and until the end, he was one of the most talented singers in show business.

The following is an impromptu interview I conducted with Ed at a Christmas party (so please forgive the noise). We discussed everything from his love for our founding documents to the importance of teaching American history in schools. He also talked about the very real blacklisting of conservatives in Hollywood, ironic for an industry that continually complains about “McCarthyism” and the blacklisting of communists…

All of your friends miss you, Ed; in many ways, your gifts were just too good for this world. but I know we’ll see you again in Heaven someday.

And apologies again–but this is from another event where Mr. Ames sang the National Anthem. I filmed this from my phone so turn up your volume, very much worth it.