HERE IS THE STORY OF ROCK BAND AMBROSIA
by Kristen Kucharski
It’s a story of Happily Ever After both professionally and personally for the band members of Ambrosia who garnered five Grammy Nominations, five hit singles, sold out concerts, heavy FM airplay and the admiration and respect of the musical community for their Rock and Soul style music founded on progressive, classical and world influences; yet, rooted with the soul of the blues and R&B.
After 50 years of Ambrosia’s first appearance in the musical world, when most people might think of retiring, they still find so much joy in what they are doing and continue creating music with the hopes of putting out a new album in the near future.
Following the sound check for their concert with Kansas at the RiverEdge Park in Aurora on July 24th, Glancer Magazine sat in a personal one-on-one interview with two of the original band members, Joe Puerta (bass), Burleigh Drummond (drums), as well as Doug Jackson (guitar), Mary Harris (keyboard), and Tour Manager Shannon Puerta.
The band’s latest single, Hope and Dreams released in 2016, fully aligns with their ideology of setting one’s goals free and living them out.
“You only have one time around here,” says guitarist Doug Jackson. “I personally think when you’ve come to the end of the road, I don’t think you’ll be thinking of your bank account necessarily. It’s important, but at the end of your life you're going to think about your relationships with people and what you did with your time here.”
A private and quiet man, Doug opened up about his 19 year marriage and feeling beyond blessed with his extended bonus family and how they opened their hearts and homes to him. These are the moments dreams are made of; however, he says that just like the rock-n-roll business, “it’s not always easy, and if you really want it, you make a choice, you have to work at it.”
Back in 7th Grade English class, Joe was assigned to write an essay about what he wanted to be when he grew up. His teacher commended his writing skills; however, felt he should communicate something more realistic than his then aspirations of being a spy, like James Bond. Instead he wrote about wanting to be a Rock Star! And so began his vision……that also led to meeting his future wife.
After attending a concert in Springfield, Illinois in 2007, Shannon fell in love with the harmonies and the bass line in the beginning of Ambrosia's song How Much I Feel played by none other than Joe Puerta. Fast forward - she retired from her Kindergarten teaching job of 27 years in Lincoln Illinois, moved out to California, became their Tour Manager, married Joe on the 70's Rock and Romance Cruise in 2020, and lived out her happily ever after moment.
Love abounds within this band as members Burleigh and Mary are also married. They too discovered love at first sight while awkwardly passing each other in Mary’s cousin’s home 39 years ago. They shared a passion for music, and during a hiatus from Ambrosia formed Tin Drum Music in which they continue to create melodies with their own children and grandchildren.
In a day and age when music is made so differently than in the past, Burleigh and Mary have both been supportive of their children’s desires to follow in their footsteps pursuing musical careers versus their originally intended studies in pre-medicine and social justice.
The group as a whole agrees that parents should support their kids’ ambitions, regardless of how far-fetched they may appear. These words come from a publicly shy nature lover (Doug), a school record holder High Jumper (Burleigh) who gained the attention of Olympic Gold Decathlon Medalist, Bob Mathias, a High School Athlete of the Year for Running (Joe), and a Music and Volleyball Collegiate Scholarship Winner (Mary).
Each turned down opportunities to pursue the obvious path to success to chase the holy grail of stardom and live out their passion.
They continue to push the safe boundaries of retirement to take fresh music off the shelf and produce new albums, even without the support of a record label. Still today, the band is more alive and compelling than ever and is exploring uncharted musical territory while continuing to wow life-long fans and new converts alike.
Fun Facts
What is your personal favorite concert venue of all time?
● Joe and Burleigh - Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater in Colorado
● Doug - Red Rocks is on his bucket list
When you come to Chicago, what is your favorite Chicago pizza or place to eat?
● Shannon - Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
● Mary - Portillo’s Hotdogs
● Joe - Topolobampo
What’s your Chicago connection?
● Joe’s father, Joe Puerta Sr. was a University of Illinois 1932 National Wrestling Champion
● Shannon worked as a teacher’s aide at Pioneer Elementary in West Chicago,
What is still left on your bucket list?
● Joe - Montenegro
● Shannon - Egypt
● Burleigh - Turkey
● Mary - Europe
● Doug - New Zealand
