Ernest McLean facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ernest McLean
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| Born | March 23, 1925 New Orleans, Louisiana, United States |
| Died | February 24, 2012 (aged 86) Los Angeles, California |
| Genres | Blues, jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | |
| Years active | 1945–2010 |
| Associated acts | Dave Bartholomew, Harold Battiste, Earl Bostic, Fats Domino, Herbert Hardesty, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Dr. John, Smiley Lewis, Earl Palmer, Lloyd Price, Little Richard, Shirley and Lee |
Ernest J. McLean (born March 23, 1925 – died February 24, 2012) was an amazing American musician. He was known for playing the guitar in rhythm and blues and jazz music. He also played the banjo and mandolin. Ernest McLean helped create the sound of many famous songs.
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Ernest McLean's Musical Journey
Ernest McLean was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. His dad, Richard McLean, was also a musician who played the banjo. Ernest started learning to play the guitar when he was just 11 years old.
Starting in New Orleans
After World War II ended, Ernest joined a band led by Dave Bartholomew. This band became super popular in New Orleans! It included talented musicians like drummer Earl Palmer and saxophonists Lee Allen, Herb Hardesty, and Red Tyler.
They recorded many songs at a famous studio called Cosimo Matassa's. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Ernest McLean played on some of the biggest hits of that time. These included "The Fat Man" by Fats Domino and "Lawdy Miss Clawdy" by Lloyd Price. He also played on recordings for Shirley and Lee, Little Richard, and Smiley Lewis.
Moving to Los Angeles
In the late 1950s, Ernest McLean moved to Los Angeles, California. His friend, Scatman Crothers, encouraged him to come. He also followed his bandmate, Earl Palmer, who had moved there. In Los Angeles, Ernest first played in Earl Bostic's band.
Playing at Disneyland
In the early 1960s, something really cool happened! Walt Disney himself hired Ernest to play at Disneyland. For the next 35 years, Ernest McLean performed jazz songs in the New Orleans Square area of the park. Imagine playing music at the "Happiest Place on Earth" for decades!
He also played on some other recordings. He worked with artists like Lou Rawls, Sonny and Cher, and Screamin' Jay Hawkins. One of his most famous recordings was on Dr. John's first album, Gris-Gris, in 1967. On that album, Ernest played both guitar and mandolin, even though he had never played the mandolin before!
Later Years and Legacy
In 2010, Ernest McLean was part of a special event. It was a tribute to Dave Bartholomew at Case Western University, organized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Ernest McLean passed away in Los Angeles in 2012. He was 86 years old and left behind a wonderful musical legacy.
