Ernest Allen, Jr. was born in Chicago, Illinois. He was raised by saved and God-fearing parents, the late Professor Ernest Allen, Sr. and Mother Lorraine Allen. Consequently, he accepted Christ and was filled with the Holy Ghost at an early age.

Gospel music was a mainstay in the Allen household. Born into a musical family, Ernie always had an innate ability to perform. From the age of 2 years old he had rhythm. He would beat on counter tops, bed posts, bedroom walls and anything else he could get his hands on. As a young child, his parents discovered his desire to drum and presented him with his first drum set on a cold Christmas day. Ernie played the drums in the band in grammar school and soon was elevated to play for the youth choir at his local church, St. James Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of his uncle, Pastor W. J. Campbell.

After playing drums at church and in school, Ernie’s thirst began to shift to music. He was an inquisitive child when it came to music and once took a screwdriver and opened his parents’ transistor radio hoping to see the “miniature band playing inside.” Ernie watched his father play at churches and other venues throughout the Midwest and wanted to emulate that God given gift. As a teenager, he communicated that desire to his parents and his mother anointed his hands and prayed that God would anoint him to play. Under the tutelage of his father, Professor Ernest Allen he begin to learn how to play. As his playing improved, Ernie often saw his father, with tears in his eyes, laughing proudly as Ernie played at concerts, church anniversaries and other services.

Ernie soon played for choirs and various groups as he progressed in his music. Ernie and his twin sisters (Evangelist Darlene Allen-Nichols & Evangelist Marlene Allen-Harrison) formed a group “The Allen Ensemble”. Ernie played, sang and taught parts to the group. As a result of his musical abilities and leadership, the group won various first place awards as they ministered at churches and in schools throughout the Chicagoland area.

God gave Ernie favor and the church musician, Pastor Melvin Shaw took Ernie under his wings. He taught Ernie the skillful technique of playing behind a preacher. Often when Pastor Campbell was in the height of his sermons, the musician would slide off the organ and beacon for Ernie to play in his stead. It was all the plan of God to elevate Ernie and not only did he play for the church choir, but he soon became the “pastor’s musician.” This required that Ernie travel far and wide accompanying Pastor W. J. Campbell as he preached at conventions, revivals, dinners, anniversaries, concerts, etc. Many people noticed and admired Ernie’s God-given gift as he was able to stay in sync accompanying Pastor Campbell while his virtuoso preaching style encouraged, motivated and delivered all who shared in this preaching experience.

Ernie was also actively involved in the Church of God In Christ. Twinkie Clark was one of his musical mentors and they developed a great friendship. Ernie always looked forward to gleaning from Twinkie Clark as she encouraged him to flow in music ministry. Ernie also worked with the late Matte Moss Clark, playing for the conventions and writing and teaching songs at the COGIC music workshops.

In 2004 Ernie answered the call to preach God’s word and added minister to his many spiritual accomplishments. Although Ernie has been playing music for many years, his music is still fresh and current. Ernie credits this to his ability to change with the times. “My father used to always tell me, ‘Learn the music of the times. Keep up with what’s going on. Otherwise you’ll be left behind. You don’t necessarily have to like it but at least know how to play it.’”

Ernie’s thoughts on Praise and Worship. “For those who are old enough, we remember when churches used to have testimony service. We gradually shifted to Praise and Worship. Testimony service has its place but the problem is that some people don’t know how to testify. They accentuate the negative and eliminate the positive. So you leave feeling depressed and sad. God doesn’t get the glory out of the testimony. I like P&W much better.”

Ernest Allen, Jr. has made a name and living for himself as a musical force to be reckoned with. Throughout his career, Ernie has played with Gospel Greats such as: The Winans, Fred Hammond, Commissioned, Vanessa Bell-Armstrong, the Late Timothy Wright, the late James Moore, Vicki Winans, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Karen Clark-Sheard, The Clark Sisters, Kim Burrell, Jesse Dixon, Albertina Walker, Douglas Miller, Richard Smallwood, the late Calvin Lenox, Richard (Mr, Clean) White, Tramaine Hawkins, Walker Hawkins, Edwin Hawkins, Ricky Dillard, Carmen, David Hollister, Jesse Campbell, Hubie Powell, the late Ethel Holloway, the late Reverend Milton Brunson, Pastor Clay Evans, Hezekiah Walker, Darryl Coley, LaWonda Campbell, Mark Hubbard, Phil Tarver, Bridgette Campbell, John P. Kee, J. Moss, etc.
Pastors: Apostle William A. Ellis, Pastor W. James Campbell, Bishop T.D.Jakes, Prophetess Juanita Bynum, Bishop Noel Jones, Pastor Carlton Pearson, Bishop Paul Morton, Pastor Jamal Harrison Bryant, Pastor Liston Page, Bishop Charles Blake, the late Bishop G. E. Patterson.

Secular Artists; K C & Jo Jo, Jon B, Case, Dave Hollister and others.

There is no doubt that Ernest Allen, Jr. is a gifted musician, vocalist, song writer, music arranger, producer and music director. His music career and ministry spans over three decades and he is still an accomplished and highly sought after music professional.

ERNIE’S NOTABLE QUOTE: “Make the organ a person. The organ is the loudest voice in the church. It should emulate whatever the spirit is saying”.