Ambrosia (band)
| Industry | Music |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1970 in Los Angeles, United States |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
| Products | Rock music, albums, singles |
Ambrosia is a rock group from the United States, established in Los Angeles in 1970. Between 1975 and 1980, they secured five Top 40 singles, including two that reached the Top 5: "How Much I Feel" and "Biggest Part of Me". Additionally, they achieved Top 20 success with "You're the Only Woman (You & I)" and "Holdin' on to Yesterday". Since their reunion in 1989, most founding members have continued performing together, with the exception of guitarist and lead singer David Pack, who exited the band in 2000.
Ambrosia maintains an international touring presence and has worked alongside distinguished musicians such as Alan Parsons, Bruce Hornsby, Bill Champlin, Michael McDonald, and Peter Beckett.
Formation
The original lineup consisted of four members: guitarist and vocalist David Pack, bassist and vocalist Joe Puerta, keyboardist Christopher North, and drummer Burleigh Drummond. Initially called "Ambergris Mite," the group adopted the name "Ambrosia" after discovering another band named "Ambergris." The term "Ambrosia," meaning "nectar of the gods," complemented their artistic identity. Although widely recognized for their 1970s radio-friendly hits, much of their five-album output incorporates progressive rock influences.
Hailing from Southern California's South Bay area and later based in San Pedro, Ambrosia drew inspiration from artists like the Beach Boys, Jimmy Reed, King Crimson, and the Beatles. Their music fused symphonic art rock with refined pop production techniques, crafting a unique "melodic prog" sound. Drawing influence from Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young, they placed strong emphasis on intricate vocal harmonies.
Their progressive rock style earned them regional recognition early on. In 1971, after performing at the Hollywood Bowl to showcase a new sound system, they received commendation from chief engineer and conductor Zubin Mehta, which led to invitations to perform at the Los Angeles Philharmonic's All-American Dream Concert.
Rise to fame
Although Ambrosia initially auditioned for Herb Alpert and A&M Records, they ultimately signed with 20th Century Fox Records in 1975, releasing two albums under that label.
Their self-titled debut album, Ambrosia, produced by Freddie Piro and released in February 1975, featured the top 20 hit "Holdin' On to Yesterday" as well as "Nice, Nice, Very Nice," which set lyrics from Kurt Vonnegut's novel Cat's Cradle to music. This album garnered a Grammy nomination for Best Engineered Recording. Notably, Alan Parsons served as engineer on this project and went on to produce their follow-up album. All members also participated in Parsons' first solo project, Tales of Mystery and Imagination. David Pack later contributed to Parsons' 1993 release Try Anything Once.
Following an extensive touring period, Ambrosia released their second album, Somewhere I've Never Travelled, in September 1976 with Parsons as producer. This record included tracks such as its title song and "Can't Let a Woman," both popular on FM radio due to their rich orchestral arrangements. The album packaging folded into a pyramid shape. It earned another Grammy nomination and facilitated their transition to signing with Warner Bros. Records.
In 1976, Ambrosia recorded a cover of the Beatles' "Magical Mystery Tour" for the documentary film All This and World War II. Their rendition became a Top 40 hit and remains a staple in their live performances.
August 1978 saw the release of Life Beyond L.A., which marked a stylistic shift toward a grittier jazz and R&B sound. During its production, keyboardist Christopher North departed due to family reasons and dissatisfaction with the band's new musical direction.
The album produced Ambrosia’s most commercially successful single, "How Much I Feel", which achieved Gold certification and peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Warner Bros invested heavily in promoting this track, resulting in substantial radio airplay. The band supported the release with extensive tours alongside acts such as Fleetwood Mac, Heart, and the Doobie Brothers, while also headlining shows themselves. Christopher North returned for touring purposes, accompanied by keyboardist David C. Lewis and vocalist Royce Jones.
In April 1980, Warner Bros released One Eighty, which yielded two significant hits: "Biggest Part of Me", reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and crossing over onto soul charts; and "You're the Only Woman (You & I)", peaking at No. 13. This album received three Grammy nominations, including Best Pop Vocal Group. Following its release, Ambrosia embarked on a world tour that featured guest musician Cliff Woolley during performances in Japan.
The title One Eighty reflected a deliberate change in the band's musical direction.
That same year, Ambrosia contributed songs to film soundtracks: "Outside" appeared on Inside Moves, while "Feels So Good to Win" was included in Coast to Coast. In 1981, their rendition of "Poor Rich Boy," written by Burt Bacharach, featured on the soundtrack for Arthur.
In 1982, keyboardist David C. Lewis briefly stepped away from touring duties and was temporarily replaced by future star Bruce Hornsby. That year also saw the release of Ambrosia’s fifth studio album, Road Island, produced by James Guthrie. This was their first record without Freddie Piro’s production involvement. Embracing a harder rock sound mixed with ballads, it failed to achieve commercial success despite some airplay for its single "How Can You Love Me". Following this release, the band disbanded, concluding their presence on music charts.
Later years
Following his time with Ambrosia, David Pack embarked on a solo journey and worked alongside prominent musicians. His 1985 solo release, Anywhere You Go, included the track "Prove Me Wrong," which appeared on the soundtrack of the film White Nights. Meanwhile, Joe Puerta went on to co-found Bruce Hornsby and the Range.
In 1989, Ambrosia reunited with all original members and resumed performing live, primarily along the West Coast. The touring ensemble was expanded to include Tollak Ollestad (vocals, keyboards, harmonica) and Shem von Schroeck (vocals, percussion, bass, guitar).
By 1995, the band increased its touring activities. During scheduling conflicts in 1995 and 1997, John DeFaria and Bernie Chiaravalle respectively stepped in for Pack, with Mike Keneally filling in during 1998 and 2000. Additionally, Brian Stiemke substituted for Burleigh Drummond during his illness in 1997.
In May 1997, Warner Bros. released Anthology, a greatest hits compilation covering all five Ambrosia albums along with three new songs. The band's complete discography was remastered and reissued on CD format.
The 30th anniversary tour in 2000 marked a significant change: David Pack departed permanently in early 2001 and was succeeded by Doug Jackson, who had previously served as a substitute. Pack’s final performance took place on November 4, 2000, in Chandler, Arizona. Jackson performed most shows throughout 2001 except for one appearance where Steve Farris (formerly of Mr. Mister) filled in.
Between 1998 and 2003, Ricky Cosentino occasionally substituted for Shem von Schroeck before Shem joined Kenny Loggins' band in 2003. From 2004 to 2005, Robert Berry (vocals, guitars), known from 3 and GTR, joined temporarily; singer and guitarist Ken Stacey became a full member in 2005. Shem von Schroeck returned intermittently alongside Stacey.
Tollak Ollestad departed in late 2004 to pursue a solo career based in the Netherlands. David C. Lewis rejoined after previously filling in for Ollestad during earlier tours. Ollestad remained available as a substitute and rejoined Ambrosia for their spring 2009 tour.
Later that year, Rick Cowling (formerly with Kenny Loggins) joined the group handling vocals, guitar, and keyboards. Ollestad continued to make occasional appearances through 2010 while Doug Jackson was engaged with other commitments.
Current era
Ambrosia appeared on the May 2, 2011 episode of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon during the "Yacht Rock 2k11" themed broadcast, delivering a live performance of "Biggest Part of Me" followed by an online release of "How Much I Feel."
In 2012, keyboardist and vocalist Mary Harris—wife of Burleigh Drummond and a frequent fill-in—became an official member. Harris is also recognized as a vocal arranger and songwriter who contributed to new Ambrosia compositions performed live. Her previous collaborations include work with Pink Floyd, XTC, Stanley Clarke, and Jimmy Buffett.
After Rick Cowling's departure in 2014, Ken Stacey rejoined the band. This six-member lineup solidified as Ambrosia continued touring alongside artists such as Bill Champlin, Peter Beckett, Michael McDonald, Edgar Winter, Dave Mason, Gary Wright, and Al Stewart.
Ambrosia’s concerts combine classic hits with newer material. Founding members Puerta, Drummond, and North have remained central figures for over thirty years. In early 2021, lead vocalist Kipp Lennon (from Venice) joined for the post-pandemic tour following Stacey’s exit during the COVID-19 period.
Former keyboardist David Cutler Lewis passed away from brain cancer on June 7, 2021.
Shem von Schroeck returned in fall 2022 as a substitute drummer during Drummond’s recovery from back surgery and continued to cover for Christopher North throughout 2024 into early 2025 while North underwent treatment for throat cancer. After Shem’s return, Kipp Lennon refocused his efforts on his own band Venice.
Live recordings and alumni compilations
Ambrosia captured a live performance at the Galaxy Theater in Santa Ana, California on September 1, 2001, notably without David Pack. This recording was issued as the album Live in May 2002. Subsequently, in 2003, Collectables Records released another compilation titled How Much I Feel and Other Hits.
In 2005, David Pack unveiled two solo albums: Unborn, which consists of previously unreleased archival tracks, and The Secret of Movin' On, featuring collaborations with prominent musicians such as Timothy B. Schmit (Eagles), former Journey frontman Steve Perry, Heart's Ann Wilson, and America co-founder Dewey Bunnell. Both projects maintain Pack's signature smooth pop-rock sound.
Solo endeavors of band members
Several Ambrosia members have developed individual careers outside the group:
- Joe Puerta manages The Exchange studio near Milwaukee, where he produces artists like Les Lokey, Big Nick & the Cydecos, Alaria Taylor, and The Good Luck Joes.
- Burleigh Drummond has played drums for CCM supergroup Lost Dogs and co-founded Tin Drum with his wife Mary Harris. Tin Drum has released three studio albums and introduced the Tin Drum Family Band in 2024, which includes their children Sierra Drummond and Burleigh Drummond IV. Additionally, Tin Drum serves as a production company representing artists such as blues musician Mighty Mo Rodgers and gospel act Kingdom Bound.
- Doug Jackson released his sophomore solo album in 2016.
- David Pack reunited with childhood friend and former bandmate Fred Beato to create the Beato Band.
Current lineup
| Image | Name | Years active | Instruments | Release contributions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Template:CSS image crop | Joe Puerta |
|
|
all releases |
| Template:CSS image crop | Burleigh Drummond |
| ||
| Template:CSS image crop | Christopher North |
|
| |
| Template:CSS image crop | Shem von Schroeck |
|
|
|
| Template:CSS image crop | Doug Jackson | 2000–present |
|
|
| Template:CSS image crop | Mary Harris | 2012–present |
|
rowspan="2" |none to date |
Past Members
| Image | Name | Active Years | Roles | Contributions to Releases |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Template:CSS image crop | David Pack |
|
|
featured on every release up to Anthology (1997) |
| David C. Lewis |
|
keyboardist |
| |
| Template:CSS image crop | Royce Jones | 1978–1982 |
|
|
| Template:CSS image crop | Bruce Hornsby | 1982 |
|
no recorded contributions |
| Template:CSS image crop | Tollak Ollestad | 1989–2004 |
|
|
| Template:CSS image crop | Robert Berry | 2004–2005 |
|
no recorded releases |
| Template:CSS image crop | Ken Stacey |
|
|
|
| Rick Cowling | 2009–2013 |
|
||
| Template:CSS image crop | Kipp Lennon | 2021–2024 |
|
Studio Albums
- Ambrosia (1975)
- Somewhere I've Never Travelled (1976)
- Life Beyond L.A. (1978)
- One Eighty (1980)
- Road Island (1982)