Career
Tommy Ambrose, singer, songwriter, born in Toronto, Canada. At age five he began gospel singing at “Youth for Christ” rallies at Massey Hall, Maple Leaf Gardens, and elsewhere under the direction of Charles B. Templeton. Until he was sixteen he performed on gospel radio shows on 590 CKEY and 1010 CFRB. Turning to popular music he made his Canadian Broadcasting Company television debut on “Cross-Canada Hit Parade.” Shortly after that he hosted “While We’re Young” (summer replacement show) which then became “The Tommy Ambrose Show” for Canadian Broadcasting Company television
After several years of nightclub work, accompanied by pianist Norm Amadio, Tommy started singing radio and television commercials where he was discovered by Philosophy Ramone, world-renowned sound engineer – record producer and Patrick Williams – composer of many hit movie scores.
He then sang in jingle studios in New York City for the next three years. Tommy wrote and performed the theme song “Open up the Dome and let the People Come In” for the opening of Skydome (lyrics by Bill Gough) – see video, CTV’s Barcelona Olympic Theme Song “There are Number Strangers” sung by Michael Burgess and several theme songs for Canadian Broadcasting Company television movies.
During these years Ambrose starred in the Canadian Broadcasting Company’s gospel series “Celebration” on radio and on television Blaik Kirby in the Toronto Globe and Mail wrote of Ambrose’s singing: “His lean-sounding voice is invariably in tune, his notes beautifully sustained and focused.
There is a marvelous feeling of security as you listen.” Tommy also performed occasionally in clubs and concerts with a nine piece band led by Doug Riley.
Tommy was the proprietor of Jingles, a downtown Toronto bar that he appeared at regularly with the nine piece band led by Riley and on occasion presented many different jazz groups. In mid 90’s Ambrose moved to “Niagara on the Lake” where he started to develop a show “Songs Sinatra Taught Maine” with writer Frank Peppiatt creator and writer of “A Manitoba And His Music” for Sinatra – Ambrose performed this show in theatres in Toronto and across Ontario in the late 90’s into 2000.
