Ernest’s gravitation toward music started at the age of 8. There was always music in the family; his Grandfather played the violin and mandolin. Ernest became interested in playing the electric organ after his dad got hooked on one at a local music store, purchasing it for the home. Within a few weeks Ernest began to learn chords and melodies by ear, while barely reaching the bass pedals with his feet. After a few years of playing the organ his Uncle Frank, a guitarist, gave him a “Kalamazoo” six-string acoustic guitar. Ernest also began to learn the guitar by ear, but by the time he was 15 he became solely interested in playing the electric bass. Ernest studied music theory throughout high school and upon graduation, attended SUNY College at New Platz graduating with a BA in Communications. After college he began to play bass in several club date bands, while also taking an interest in writing and recording original songs. In1982 he met Vaneese Thomas, daughter of legendary STAX recording artist Rufus Thomas. A short period afterwards, Ernest and Vaneese, along with Minot recording studio engineer Wayne Warnecke, together began to write and record several original song demos. These soulful R&B songs lead them two major publishing deals, first with Bush Burnin’ Music, and secondly with BMG Songs.In 1987 the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers honored Ernest for a song he co-wrote and produced with Vaneese Thomas called “Let’s Talk It Over”. It was the first single released from Vaneese’s solo album on Geffen Records and had reached the top ten on Billboard’s R&B singles chart.
Ernest also co-produced “Still Waiting” on Freddie Jackson’s platinum selling album, “Just Like The First Time”. Other artists that he has written, played, and produced for include Melba Moore, Sarah Dash, and Beau Williams.
Ernest has also scored soundtracks for several Private Screenings Productions cable TV features and specials. He is also a core member of ETA Music, who performs weekly club dates in the New York tri-state area.