Ernest C. Sykes, Jr.

Renowned Bassist and Vocalist Ernie Sykes & Member of The Tennessee Mafia

Jug Band Passes Away

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (1960-2025) Ernie Sykes, an acclaimed bluegrass and country bassist and vocalist, passed away on March 5, 2025. A native of Long Island, New York, Ernie’s lifelong passion for music led him to Nashville, where he spent decades performing with some of the biggest names in bluegrass and country music.

Ernie’s musical journey began at the age of 17, playing bass in his father’s band, The Sykes Boys. In 1978, he joined The Bluegrass Cardinals, a pivotal move that established him in the bluegrass community. Throughout his career, Ernie performed with legends such as Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys, The Osborne Brothers, Jimmy Martin, Don Reno, The Reno Brothers, The Bluegrass Unit, Livewire, Rhonda Vincent and The Rage, Sharon Cort and New River Ranch, The Eddie Adcock Band, Mandy Barnett, Harry Fontana and The Tennessee Tone Boys, and The Tennessee Mafia Jug Band. His deep, resonant bass playing and heartfelt vocals made him a sought-after musician, equally adept at performing emotional ballads and upbeat country classics.

“Rest in Peace, Ernie Sykes. I sure did not expect to lose you this soon. I am grateful for the wonderful friendship, shows, and adventures we had together. You were a foundation in my life and career, that I will never forget.” – Grand Ole Opry member, Mandy Barnett

“Sadly, found out that Sir Cecil Ernie Sykes left the “building” this morning. We had a friendship of over 30 years. It’s just too much to put thirty years of friendship in writing. So many stories. Ernie took a lot of punches in his 60-plus years of being around and he always had a positive outlook on his situations. He was a shotgun rider, a joker, a crooner, an entertainer, and one of the best bass players in the business when he was still able to hit it. I’ll miss our time together and I’ll miss my brother.” – Michael Armistead, The Tennessee Mafia Jug Band

Beyond bluegrass, Ernie’s diverse musical interests led him to contribute to movie soundtracks and work on various recording projects. In 1999, he was featured on three film soundtracks and received a Grammy citation for his work with Marty Stuart and Earl Scruggs. In 2001, he traveled to the Cayman Islands to record an album of island music, further showcasing his versatility. That same year, he released his first solo album, Country Jukebox, on his own Old Hickory label. Ernie also earned recognition for his contributions to Southern Flavor (2015), a collaborative bluegrass album featuring Becky Buller, Peter Rowan, Michael Feagan, Buddy Spicher, Roland White, and Blake Williams. The album won Collaborative Recording of the Year from the International Bluegrass Music Association.

Ernie was also known for his quick wit and sense of humor. One who loved practical jokes, the Tennessee Titans, and the New York Yankees, he also was an avid music historian who lived to preserve our musical heritage. When he wasn't listening to Elvis, Buddy Holly or any other music, he could often be found watching The Andy Griffith Show, The Three Stooges, and SpongeBob.

Ernie is survived by his sister, Wendy Lynn Sykes; his niece, Luann Rodriguez; and his great-niece, Kinslee Harper Hines. He also leaves behind his Tennessee Mafia Jug Band brothers and a wide circle of cherished friends who became his family. His legacy as a musician, storyteller, and friend to many will live on through his music and the countless lives he touched.

Visitation with the Sykes family will be on Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 11AM until 12PM. The celebration of life service will follow at 12PM. Following the service, the family will host a light reception. All events will take place at Western Hills Church, located at 7565 Charlotte Pike in West Nashville.

Arrangements in the care of Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, Nashville, TN (615) 857-9955. We proudly remain locally owned & operated.