Ernie Fields wasn’t a household name like Glenn Miller or Duke Ellington, but he made a lasting impact on American music. He bridged the gap between big band swing and rhythm and blues. His career spanned decades—from the 1920s to the early 1960s—and reflected the changes in musical tastes during that time.
While his name might not be familiar to all, his 1959 hit “In the Mood” brought his sound into the mainstream.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ernest Lawrence Fields |
| Stage Name | Ernie Fields |
| Birth Date | August 28, 1904 |
| Death Date | May 1997 (age 92) |
| Hometown | Taft, Oklahoma, USA |
| Main Instruments | Piano, Trombone |
| Genres | Swing, Jazz, Rhythm & Blues, Rock and Roll |
| Famous Work | “In the Mood” (1959) |
| Major Labels | Vocalion, Rendezvous Records |
| Associated Acts | Ernie Fields Orchestra, B. Bumble and the Stingers, The Marketts, The Routers |
| Legacy | Blended swing and R&B, featured top session musicians, father of saxophonist Ernie Fields Jr. |
Early Life and Beginnings
Ernest Lawrence Fields was born on August 28, 1904, in Taft, Oklahoma. He grew up in a segregated community where music offered both escape and opportunity. He attended the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, where he trained to become an electrician. It was there that Fields first joined the school’s marching band and began playing the trombone. That instrument would define his musical journey.
After completing his studies, Fields returned to Oklahoma. In 1930, he moved to Tulsa and formed a group called the Royal Entertainers. Their popularity quickly grew across the Southwest and Midwest, leading to steady performances and local fame.
A Breakthrough with John Hammond
In 1939, legendary music producer John Hammond discovered Fields and his band. Hammond, known for launching the careers of artists like Billie Holiday and Count Basie, invited the group to New York City. They recorded for the Vocalion label, releasing tracks like “T-Town Blues,” which became a minor hit. Though Fields didn’t achieve immediate stardom, the exposure gave his band national visibility.
They toured extensively across the United States, performing in clubs, theaters, and military bases during World War II. Their energetic live shows and unique arrangements kept them working through the 1940s.
Evolving with the Times
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As the swing era began to fade, Fields adapted. By the late 1940s, his band had downsized and shifted toward rhythm and blues, aligning with changing musical tastes. He updated his arrangements and style, often reworking swing standards into upbeat R&B instrumentals.
His band during this time featured top-tier musicians such as:
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Ernie Freeman (piano), a future session star
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Rene Hall (guitar), who also worked as an arranger
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Plas Johnson (saxophone), later famous for the Pink Panther theme
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Earl Palmer (drums), one of rock and roll’s foundational drummers
These players would later appear on countless pop and rock hits in the 1950s and ’60s.
“In the Mood” and Chart Success
In 1958, Fields signed with Rendezvous Records, a new label in Los Angeles. With Rene Hall’s help, the band shifted toward an instrumental rock ‘n’ roll sound. This fresh approach paid off in 1959.
Their rock-influenced version of Glenn Miller’s “In the Mood” hit #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #13 in the UK Singles Chart. It sold over a million copies and earned a gold disc. Released under the name Ernie Fields Orchestra, it became his signature hit and brought his music to a broader audience.
Later Years and Legacy
Following the success of “In the Mood,” the band continued to perform and record under different names. Some offshoot groups included:
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B. Bumble and the Stingers
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The Marketts
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The Routers
These groups explored surf rock, instrumental pop, and early rock ‘n’ roll, often using the same core musicians from Fields’ band.
By the late 1960s, Fields retired from performing and returned to Oklahoma. He passed away in May 1997 at the age of 92.
His legacy lives on through his son, Ernie Fields Jr., a successful saxophonist and bandleader who worked with artists like B.B. King, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye.
Contributions and Significance
Ernie Fields may not have reached the fame of some of his peers, but his contributions to American music are noteworthy:
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He successfully transitioned across multiple genres: jazz, swing, R&B, and early rock.
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His bands included some of the best session musicians of the 20th century.
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His hit “In the Mood” helped bridge the generational divide between big band and rock ‘n’ roll.
His career shows the resilience and adaptability needed to survive in the changing landscape of American popular music.
Final Thoughts
Ernie Fields showed that adaptability is key in music. He moved from jazz to R&B and finally to rock with grace. His story reminds us that behind every major music shift, there are skilled artists who help pave the way—even if they don’t always get top billing.