The story of Tommy Ambrose begins on a cold autumn evening back in 1939. Born to a musically inclined, working class Toronto family, Tommy grew up with music stitched on his soul. Fitting then, that his singing start came in church, as a young boy of 5. Under the tutelage of Charles B Templeton, Tommy (still a young boy of 5 or 6) began singing at "Youth for Christ" rallies at Massey Hall and Maple Leaf Gardens and various other faith based events.

His later youth and early teens were peppered with numerous performances at school events (especially with the school choir), small dances, church and faith based social gatherings, etc. The first of many big breaks came at age 14-15 in the form of invitations to sing on gospel radio shows for various stations including, most notably, 590 CKEY and 1010 CFRB. These went over extremely well given his small star and limited audience at the time, but nonetheless, his talent was making itself more and more apparent and now, it was only a matter of time.

At the age of 16, he'd set his sites on the mainstream pop market. He changed his approach and garnered interest from the CBC who, the following year, would feature him many times on their Cross-Canada Hit Parade.

At 18, after cutting his teeth touring for a few years, and making numerous TV appearances as a guest, Tommy would garner the interest of his first record label "Sparton Records." After signing him to a deal, they'd quickly get him into the studio. Backed by Joe King & The Zaniacs, Tommy's first single "The Magic of You" was recorded and released in November 1958. It wasn't an immediate hit, but the following spring would peak at #23 on the Canadian pop charts. His follow up single "Remember, Remember" would barely break into the top 40 in Canada that same year.

The CBC watched approvingly; Tommy's tenacity and talent were beginning to really pay off. In the midst of yet another tour, this time to promote his third single "I Need Your Love" in spring 1960, he'd receive a invitation to host a new summer variety show titled "While We’re Young." This show had decent success and managed to stay on the air for nearly a year (buoyed by the minor success of Tommy's third and fourth singles; released in early spring and October 1960 respectively) . What followed was meant to capitalize on the continued success and appeal of their star. Simply titled The Tommy Ambrose Show, the show lasted nearly two years (ending in mid-1963).

Before the launch of The Tommy Ambrose Show however, Tommy would sign with Art Snider's (who's orchestra he worked with briefly on his third Sparton single "I Need Your Love") Chateau record label. This label was notable for signing and helping establish Gordon Lightfoot, Pat Hervey, The Allan Sisters, and lesser known (among many others) Paul Hoffert of Lighthouse fame. He recorded a single for Chateau in mid-1961. The A-Side was the lesser known "Jiminy Jum Jum" by husband and wife sonwriting duo Dorothy Carter and John Nagy, and the B-Side, a well performed cover of the Alex North/Hy Zaret song "Unchained Melody." The minor success of this single helped bolster the success of the show's launch.

In early 1962, Art Snider sent Tommy into Newberry Sound Studio Toronto with the Don Thompson Septet to record his debut album. The album was titled "Young Tommy Ambrose" and was produced by Art Snider. The song's on the album were either covers or songs laying around the Chateau office. It's a strong effort that had little success upon release. It did little to stem the fate of The Tommy Ambrose Show however, who's viewer-base continued to dwindle. In 1963, the show would be cancelled.

Upon the finish of his show, Tommy had another lucky break. After a chance meeting with producer Phil Ramone and composer Patrick Williams, he briefly moved to New York where, for a few years, he's sing on various jingles and did other odd jobs in the industry. It was a fruitful endeavor but Tommy's heart belonged in Toronto and by 1966-1967 would return. After recording a few songs for the CBC Song Market comps in 1967 and 1968, he chose to settle down briefly and married fellow CBC star Bonnie Hicks.

Over his jingles/production career, Tommy wrote for CITY-TV's People City, Global's Point of View program, CTV's Barcelona Olympic Theme Song and several scores for CBC TV movies and series. He also wrote and performed the theme song for the grand opening of the Toronto Skydome, Labatt Blue's commercials, and the 'Wear a Mustache' milk and 'Get Crackin' egg marketing campaigns. He also wrote the Smarties jingle, 'When You Eat Your Smarties Do You Eat the Red Ones Last?'

Tommy Ambrose is a well-respected, talented, Toronto native, whose work over the decades should garner further discussion and praise. He was a great singer, songwriter and businessman who always found a way to come out on top. Here’s hoping his legacy lives on for decades to come.

Enjoy this great song, written by Pat Riccio Jr.

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