Herman "Roscoe" Ernest III, longtime drummer and and musical director with singer / songwriter, pianist and guitarist Dr. John, has passed away. Herman died Sunday, March 6, at the age of 59.
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Herman Ernest III was a great musician, a true funk-meister, and a New Orleans music legend, walking in the footsteps of James Black, Jospeh "Smokey" Johnson, Joseph "Zigaboo" Modeliste, John Boudreaux, and Earl Palmer. Herman referred to his playing style as "diesel funk".
Herman had been in Dr. John's band for over two decades and was his right hand man. Ernest last performed with the bandleader at Tipitina's on December 30, 2010.
The drummer did many other New Orleans based recordings and gigs as well, working with such notables as Lee Dorsey, the Neville Brothers, Snooks Eaglin, Johnny Adams, Anders Osborne, and Solomon Burke.
In 2004 Herman starred in a New Orleans drumming instructional dvd alongside Herlin Riley, Johnny Vidacovich and Earl Palmer.
Dr. John stated last week that Herman Ernest was hospitalized. Thus, Herlin Riley, another drummer steeped in New Orleans tradition, occupied the drum seat last Sunday.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 12 at Liberty Baptist Church, 1230 Desire Street in New Orleans.
Burial will follow at St. Louis No. 3, 3421 Esplanade Avenue.
Herman "Roscoe" Ernest III, longtime drummer and and musical director with singer / songwriter, pianist and guitarist Dr. John, has passed away. Herman died Sunday, March 6, at the age of 59.
