During this time of his life, Ernie met an aspiring musician that moved into the Stephenville area named Wayland Patton, and soon the two became good friends and began to share the stage together and eventually formed a band called “Sonrise”. Ernie sang and played bass with the band at churches and youth concerts around the area. When the band broke up Ernie continued to pursue Christian music while Wayland joined the Ricky Skaggs band. Today Wayland is a Nashville songwriter with a large discography. Thanks to the Internet the friendship continues until this day.

In 1982-84 Ernie traveled with the band “Revised Edition,” and “Heirborne.” Both bands traveled coast to coast and were opening acts for some of the top names in the Christian Music Industry at that time, i.e.: Glen Cambell, debuting his first Christian release, Gabriele, and the Cruise Family.

In 1985 Ernie went to Nashville where he cut an independent release produced by Billy Simon called “Lifetime Supply.” Ernie and Billy collaborated on the song “The Saddest People,” which was included on the project. Ernie also had the privilege of meeting and working with Don Henry , who played guitar on the project and helped with mixing. Both Billy and Don encouraged Ernie to pursue his music career.

Soon after, Ernie relocated to San Angelo where he became production manager at a recording studio. During this time he began to craft the art of production and engineering. He produced a number of projects for young Christian artists, before returning to his hometown to become a joint owner in his fathers construction company, which specializes in the building of fine, custom homes, and commercial contracting. (recently one of their homes was featured in the June 2002 addition of “Log Home Living) Ernie’s musical interests and desires never waned, but obligatory family commitments, as well as providing financial security for his wife and children weighed heavily on him. Due to his overwhelming strong family values, and moral standards, the motivation for coming home was overwhelming.

In 1990-2000 Ernie and his good friend Dave Davis formed their own duet, Ernest & Davis. This group consisted of two guitars and two voices, and booked an overwhelming 30-60 dates per year, on a part-time basis. In 1998 Ernest & Davis recorded an Independent release, “If I know You” under the “lotsof” label which had airplay as far away as Indiana and Florida.

In 1999, Ernie was included as a member of the singer/songwriters group, “Texas Music Nation.” He currently plays guitar and shares the singing spotlight with JoAnn Guest, a longtime childhood friend. They play gigs at bars, around the Dallas/Ft. Worth area including a “Songwriters in the Round” which is a monthly ritual at the White Elephant Saloon located in the Fort Worth Stockyards, where he’s met some interesting songwriters, such as Dan Roberts who encourages him to pursue his songwriting career.

Since 2001, Ernie has been collaborating with his friend Michelle Kinser. The two discovered a kindred spirit, which released a new edgy/attitudinal direction in their work. Michelle is a published writer who has encouraged Ernie to pursue his lifelong dream of writing to sell his songs. Their collaborative creations combine the words of gifted writers with an intriguing musical style, and a tenacious spirit that have them ready to take on the music world.

Currently, Ernie has a private music studio in his hometown of Stephenville, Texas where he does works-for-hire, as well as recording his own demos, and recently became a member of the NSAI. At age 44, Ernie’s starting his life over, with his eyes on Nashville. . . and many predict he’ll make it!  v