Saxophonist Ernie a star of local showbands scene
In the early 1960s Ernie played saxophone in Lisburn’s Jimmy Johnston Showband, entertaining on both sides of the Irish border.
The showbands scene having fallen victim to The Troubles, frontman Jimmy was to become a hotel manager and later a music promoter; he died, aged 77, in recent weeks.
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Hide AdErnie Singleton came to Jimmy’s band having previously played in the Jimmy Harrison Band in the 1950s.
The skilled saxophonist - an electrical engineer by trade - was known too in the marching bands fraternity, playing with Blaris Accordion Band in the 1950s and with Lower Ballinderry Accordion Band, of which he was also the conductor, in the 1970s.
A keen horse rider, he was heavily involved with Riding for the Disabled.
Predeceased in 1999 by his wife Gloria, Ernie is survived by son Ryan, daughters Gina, Lynn and Janette, grandchildren Leonie and Lee, Jerome, Evan, James, Tom, Nathan, David, Michael and Eloise, great-grandchildren Bella and James, brother Robert and sisters Gwen and Arlene (Australia).