It is my honor to introduce you to Ernest C. Jackson Jr. This very talented Tenor just performed in the Chorus of Fire Shut Up in My Bones at The Lyric Opera of Chicago and will soon be performing the role of Police Buddy #2 in Blue at The Pittsburgh Opera this April and The Toledo Opera in August. He has also performed with companies such as Seattle Opera, Atlanta Opera, New Jersey State Opera, Portland Opera, Bronx Opera, Cincinnati Opera, and Concert Opera Philadelphia, among many others! Ernest is truly an Artist you want to see succeed to the highest degree. With a beautiful voice and an even better spirit, I can attest that anyone who crosses paths with this talented person will always be in for a treat! I am so thankful to have the chance to feature Ernest!

How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a performer?

I’ve been singing since a toddler from what my family has told me. My parents loved to listen to music. As a small child, I vaguely remember singing along with a radio. It wasn’t until the age of 8 or 9, I knew I wanted to be a performer.

Where did you study? Are there any mentors who helped you become the amazing performer you are today?

Surprisingly, I had an untraditional route to having a career. I did not go to college or a conservatory to advance my craft. I paid for all my studies out of my own pocket. I’ve had three voice teachers throughout my career. The first recognized at a young age that I had a voice suited for classical music. From there she connected me with someone else who connected me to the Philadelphia Boys Choir. As a child, I sang with many famous singers because the choir was hired by the Opera Company of Philadelphia for numerous productions. It was then I knew I wanted to be an opera singer. I attended Girard Academic Music Program for High School. It was there I received college-level music theory(which I hated). It was the right decision for me because it helped me shape my musicality. The High school connected me to my current teacher now. She’s not only my teacher but she’s also been my friend and my biggest supporter.

Fire Shut Up in My Bones is a piece of history that will truly be remembered forever. How was your experience and what's next for you?

This was my second season at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. I had worked there back in the 2014/2015 season in Porgy and Bess. I was offered a cover of the role of Nelson. Thankfully, I went on three times! Being back at Lyric has been nothing short of AMAZING. I almost missed out because when I received the call offering me the contract, I thought it was a telemarketer and almost hung up lol. I am so happy I got to be a part of this. I was able to reconnect with old friends and make some new ones. To share the stage with such great artists has been an honor. I found myself being at the opera house on days I was not called because I loved being around people who love to do the same thing as myself. Unfortunately, I had to miss the last show because I was offered the role of Police Buddy #2 in Blue with Pittsburgh Opera. I reprise the same role with Toledo Opera in August 2022.

Are there any shows, moments, or performances in your career that stick out and will always be near and dear to your heart?

I have to say I’m quite fortunate to have another job outside of performing. I work full-time for Bath and Body Works as a manager. I’ve been with the company for 10 years and am thankful they allow me to leave my job to perform. Every opportunity to perform is always dear to me. For 2 years I did not perform because of Covid. Most of my gigs were postponed. Only one was canceled. So, for me, there is always a blessing - either a revelation about myself, making a new friend, or working with a well-known artist. I will say this production of Fire was special because many people made house debuts! All of them were fantastic!

What advice would you give any aspiring artist who wants a career in the performing arts?

My advice to young singers- it’s ok to not go the collegiate way of study. Seek out the best teachers and coaches to work with. Be cautious of who you let pour into you. Don’t let someone's opinion of your art dictate if you will or will not have a career. People will like your voice or won’t. I do believe that there is always someone who will! Remember that you have to pour into your art. That includes time, money, and sacrifice. You don’t get to the top and stay out the top without putting in hard work. I also advise singers to audition for everything. When I was younger, I took a lot of risks because I knew it would pay off eventually. It did! Knowing your limits and your voice are important. Find out what you do well and capitalize on it. Last but least - don’t compare yourself and your voice to others. It will never add up.

Blue opened on April 23rdat The Pittsburgh Opera. For more information please visit - https://www.pittsburghopera.org

"It’s Ok to Not Go The Collegiate Way of Study." - Chatting with Ernest C. Jackson Jr!

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