King Ernest - King of Hearts (1997)

The title is descriptive of why Ernest deserves a royal title, as his punchy vocals are blues laden with a splash of soul. Also, the title serves as the central theme of the material which runs the gamut of emotions ranging from heartbreak ("Tell Me the Reason," "Better Days," and "Cryin' for My Baby"), doubt ("I'm Not the One"), preference to escape life's problems ("Black Bag Blues"), disgust ("I Resign"), jealousy ("In the Dark"), desire ("Sadie"), and remorse ("Forgive Me"). Ernest's musicians are proven blue(s) bloods, some of them being Paul Bryant (Robert Lucas), "Jimmy Rip" (Mick Jagger), and Lester Butler. Jagger's contribution, "Better Days," was originally slated for one of Jagger's solo albums, but then rightfully deeded to Ernest's pipes. Other well-chosen royal subjects come from songwriters/artists Junior Parker, Charlie Musselwhite, and Hound Dog Taylor. Hats go off to producer Randy Chortkoff, whose bold moves to record Ernest rightfully grants him the throne that's been denied him for far too long.