Ernie Turley is truly a talented and well-rounded musician. He’s “rocked the house” with his voice and wowed audiences from coast to coast with his music and standout stage presence in concerts, and opening acts across the U.S. He exhibits a musical “sixth sense” as a singer, songwriter, composer, producer, and lyricist, and demonstrates “raw talent” in diverse instrumental adaptability as well. He has quite an instrumental repertoire, and has learned to play most instruments strictly by ear, including; trumpet, piano, mandolin, banjo, harmonica, and percussion instruments. Ernie chooses however, to spotlight his passion and forte on the guitar and bass.

Ernie was born in Dublin, Texas in 1958. He grew up in the small town of Stephenville, Texas. At age 11, he received his first guitar for a birthday present, which led to his love and lifelong passion for music. Upon receiving his guitar, he immediately took it across the street to show his childhood friend the now infamous Leroy Parnell.

At age thirteen, Ernie joined his first country & western band where he sang and played bass at county fairs, local churches and functions and even made an appearance at the Texas State Fair. He was a member of that band for four years.

Ernie’s musical talent followed him to his hometown high school in Stephenville. During this period of his life, Ernie began writing and performing his own country and western songs with the hope, dream, and aspiration of one-day breaking into the music industry.

At the age of seventeen, Ernie entered his high school talent show and won First Place playing his guitar and singing the popular song, ‘Blue Eyes Crying In the Rain.’ Winning the talent show was just one of many awards he received during his four years there. At S.H.S. Ernie, was a member of their award winning jazz band where he became a two-time winner of the prestigious “Outstanding Musician Award” for his unsurpassed talent on bass guitar. These competitions included over twenty All-Star awards across the State of Texas, including the University of Texas at Arlington, which was considered at that time, the top jazz band festival in the state of Texas. Ernie’s creative flair is still remembered for his original bass sounds he produced by rubbing his pocketknife across the strings; and quoted by the judges as “inventing incredible space odyssey sounds”. Both judges and audience alike stood cheering his phenomena.

Ernie’s tenor voice also won many awards in high school. During his senior year, he earned a place in the Texas All State Choir. Back home, he went on to receive the Male Performer of the Year award at the Stephenville Country Opry, and received the first-ever-standing-ovation given at the Opry after being opened for more than two years.

Ernie graduated from Stephenville High School in 1976, and followed his musical pursuits and dreams to Tarleton State University where he majored in Music. After having a couple years of college under his belt, and being newly married, he felt the Lord calling him into special service in music ministry. Ernie’s boyhood dream of making a solo music career took a “backseat” to the call the Lord put on his heart. However, he never stopped writing and singing country songs at local events, and gigs “wowing” audiences while opening up for entertainment names such as Boxcar Willie, and Shoji Tabucki.    More...