Ernie Martinez, Lakewood, CO has been a part of the Colorado music scene for over 50 years. He’s a multi-instrumentalist, arranger, songwriter and producer. An extremely versatile musician, Ernie has played on over 300 albums as well as stage performances in multiple genres. He is currently performing Western music with Jon Chandler, Carlos Washington & Steel Horse Swing and Patty Clayton. He is in three bands; Bluegrass music with Last Sheets of the Roll, the drummer with Dustin Devine & the Real Deal country band, and Americana band Dakota Blonde. Ernie performs solo and is on call with other groups, he is also known for stepping in whenever needed.
A founding member of the Rocky Mountain Stocking Stuffers, they have been performing Christmas shows throughout the Denver area for 27 years and have two albums. For 14 years, Ernie was part of the house bank for Jon Chandler’s monthly show “America Soul Live”. As an instructor at Swallow Hill Music Association in Denver, he has taught guitar, mandolin, dobro, banjo, steel guitar, vocals and vocal harmonies for over 40 years.
In 2023 Ernie was honored to receive the Curly Musgrave Spirit of the Cowboy Achievement Award, and in 2018 was the IWMA Instrumentalist of the Year. In 2011 Ernie was inducted in to the coveted Colorado Bluegrass Society Hall of Honor.
Ernie has recorded three solo albums; “Bluerange” combines his love of western and bluegrass music, his first album, “Where I Make My Home” and a Christmas instrumental “Sleigh Ridin’.” Co-produced “San Miguel”, songs written and performed by Junction 5-12, duo Ernie Martinez and Mary Gifford. Some of Ernie’s co-writers are Baxter Black, Sandy Reay, Les Buffham and Mary Gifford. His songs have been recorded by Bill Barwick and others.
Talents: Musician, Songwriter
Awards:
- 2023 Curly Musgrave Silver Buckle Award
- 2018 Instrumentalist of the Year
Nominations:
- 2023 Instrumentalist of the Year Nominee
- 2022 Instrumentalist of the Year Nominee
- 2021 Instrumentalist of the Year Nominee
- 2019 Instrumentalist of the Year Nominee