Ep. 98 Jay Ernest: From Singing Backup to Leading a Johnny Cash Tribute Band
Jay Ernest grew up in rural Minnesota and baled hay to save money for his first guitar at the age of 13. He loved the voice of Johnny Cash, and it didn’t take him long to realize he wanted to make music for the rest of his life.
While living in Hawaii, Jay decided to continue the legacy of his idol. He formed the Church of Cash, a Johnny Cash tribute show band. A year later, Jay moved to Minneapolis where the band continued to grow.
Now, the Church of Cash performs various shows across the United States and tours in Europe. Jay brings Johnny Cash to life in the Folsom Prison Experience, an interactive musical drama and re-creation of one of the most important days in Johnny Cash’s musical career.
In 2019, Church of Cash received “Best Tribute Act 2019” honors from the Midwest Country Music Organization. In 2021, Jay was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame.
In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Jay shares the idea behind the Church of Cash, the story for the Folsom Prison Experience and sings the Folsom Prison Blues.
CHALLENGE FOR LISTENERS:
Have you ever had a moment where you thought, "I'm going to try this and it's going to be a big shift."? I encourage you to take time this week and think about it.
CLOSING QUOTE
“Sit down and have coffee with my wife.”