Artists:Ernie Southern

No stranger to music, he began his career in his early teens as a New York “street corner” singer, recording and performing with the well-known doo-wop acapella group "Nick and the Knacks". Opening for such acts as the "Four Seasons", "Anthony and the Imperials" and "The Earls", he quickly developed his strong, charismatic stage presence while appearing at clubs like the BLACK CAT and the GOLDEN SLIPPER. The group soon became a favorite on Lou Dean’s Bayshore Rock and Roll Shows. In the 60’s a spot on New York’s “Zacharly” TV show earned them an audition with Chess Records, which offered the band a recording contract.

Then came the Vietnam War. During his four years in Naval Intelligence aboard the carrier USS Enterprise, he voraciously studied music, focusing on such old masters as Blind Lemon Jefferson and Lightnin’ Hopkins.

By the early 70’s, with the advent of the psychedelic era’s new directions, Ernie began playing bass in Jazz-Rock-Fusion bands in Berkely, California. Studying with the much revered Elvo Damante, and student of the famous classical composer Darius Meaux, he then collaborated with the multi-instrumentalist Bill Hennessey to write and produce "Sailing Thru", a regional hit with wide air play in the Northeast. read more.