Andrew Richard Ambrose, born Andrew Greefe on August 27, 1963 in Washington DC, died on September 27, 2019 in Great Falls, Montana at the age of 56 due to complications with liver cancer. His last name changed when his mother remarried, and he was adopted by famed historian Stephen E. Ambrose. Andy “The Jammer” Ambrose was a fixture of the New Orleans music community for decades as a singer of songs, percussionist and bandleader. He also worked behind the scenes with many bands including touring with the Radiators and Walter “Wolfman” Washington and the Roadmasters. During his stint with “Wolfman” he sat in dozens of times on congas including multiple appearances at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Andy’s career as a musician dates back to the early 1980s. He often played at the sorely missed Benny’s Bar and Checkpoint Charlie sitting in with numerous bands including N.O.B.D. (the New Orleans Blues Department), Irene and the Mikes and Mike Ward and Reward. Andy was the frontman for a well-regarded cover band-Zodiac Jukebox-and played numerous weddings, riverboat cruises and private parties. Later in his career he played with several adventurous bands including PLUM with Dave Easley and Tom Worrell; Live Animals with Kevin O’Day, Jason Stewart and Ian McPhail; and GPS with “Mean” Willie Green, Reggie Scanlan, Renard Poche and Brian Coogan. Some of his final performances at the end of his life were at DMac’s Bar and Grill. Upon graduating high school Andy joined the US Army and trained as a medic. He was honorably discharged after completing his tour of duty, and it was that decision which provided for his medical needs until the end. Over the past few years, Andy had begun writing a memoir and set about conducting interviews with family and friends across the United States in his recreational vehicle. He is survived by his two children Jordan and Kenneth, two ex-wives (Anne and Chelle) and three siblings (Stephenie, Barry and Grace).
Katherine Klimitas2022-06-02T13:00:27-05:00