Herman "Roscoe" Ernest III

In 1971 he was hired as the drummer of King Floyd's new road band the Rhythm Masters. After a split from the singer they renamed the band World Blues and played gigs around New Orleans. Ernest was the primary drummer on the two Allen Toussaint produced Patti LaBelle albums (Nightbirds and Phoenix), most influentially in his contribution to the beat of "Lady Marmalade". After World Blues dwindled, Ernest formed another club band with Teddy Royal called Cypress. Ernest played for years at the Sea-Saint studios with Allen Toussaint among others. In 2005, before Hurricane Katrina he was working on Nine Lives with Paul Sanchez.

He began recording with Dr. John in the early 1990s, and became a member of the band after the recording of Trippin' Live in 1996. Shortly after that he became the bandleader and remained a key member until his death, providing a "sturdy foundation."[2] "Their rapport, honed over many years together and the result of a profound mutual respect, was obvious in Mr. Ernest’s humorous introductions and commentaries delivered from behind the drum kit. During a set at the 2010 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell, Mr. Ernest provided a play-by-play description of Rebennack’s zombie-like soft-shoe dance in "I Been Hoodooed"."[2]

Although he spent the majority of his time recording, Ernest was active in different areas of the New Orleans community. He was a deputy sheriff for the New Orleans Police Department and dedicated time during Mardi Gras and Thanksgiving to ensure peace was kept throughout the city. He was active in the Baptist Church. He played drums for his mother's church, the Greater Liberty Baptist Church, on Desire Street in New Orleans. He taught drumming techniques to children with Alonzo Bowens Jr. at the Louis Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp.[3]

Ernest died of cancer on March 6, 2011.[1] To honor his commitment to music and the New Orleans culture, the New Orleans Musicians' Clinic started the NOMAF's Herman Ernest Memorial Interfaith Health Screening Initiative,[4] which will screen New Orleans residents, most specifically musicians for head and neck cancer.

Ernest has played with many musicians including, Johnny Adams, Marcia Ball, Billy Branch, Solomon Burke, Josh Charles, Shemekia Copeland, Cowboy Mouth, Jeremy Davenport, Lee Dorsey, Snooks Eaglin, Carol Fran, Grady Gaines, Guitar Shorty, Jools Holland, Etta James, Earl King, Joe Krown, Patti LaBelle, Linda Lewis, Ramsey Lewis, John Mayall, Jimmy McCracklin, Larry McCray, The Meters, Maria Muldaur, Aaron Neville, The Neville Brothers, David "Fathead" Newman, Anders Osborne, Earl Palmer, Maceo Parker, Wardell Quezergue, Herlin Riley, Kermit Ruffins, Paul Sanchez, Irma Thomas, Allen Toussaint, Johnny Vidacovich, Phillip Walker, Carl Weathersby, Junior Wells and Marva Wright.

• The End Of the Beginning - Richie Havens (1976)
• Mirage - Richie Havens (1977)
• Peaceful - Al Johnson (1980)
• Released - Patti LaBelle (1980)
• Changes - Etta James (1980)
• Fiyo on the Bayou - The Neville Brothers (1981)
• Experiment in White - Janis Siegel (1982)
• A Change Is Gonna Come - Solomon Burke (1986)
• Orchid in the Storm - Aaron Neville (1986)
• Louisiana Love Call - Maria Muldaur (1992)
• Soul of the Blues - Solomon Burke (1993)

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Herman "Roscoe" Ernest III.

• Allmusic
• Offbeat
• Times Picayune
• North Sea Jazz Fest Performance on YouTube
• Vinyl District
• Discography
• Jazz Fest Tribute
• Down on the Bayou III