JOE AMES, 86

Member of Ames Brothers

Joe Ames, the deep-voiced anchor and eldest member of the 1950s singing group the Ames Brothers, died Dec. 22 at a hospital in Germany several days after suffering a heart attack, said his daughter, Jo-Ellen Ames.

Joe Ames and his brothers Ed, Gene and Vic built a career that included eight gold records and appearances on television and in nightclubs.

They had international hits such as "The Naughty Lady of Shady Lane" and sang in various styles, including folk and rhythm and blues.

They were named Billboard magazine's best vocal group of the year in 1958.