Ernest Alvin King

Ernest “Ernie” Alvin King was born on February 19, 1919, in Edmonton, Alberta, the fourth child of Mattie Mae and Samuel King. He grew up alongside his two brothers, Raymond and Leroy, and his two sisters, Floy and Dorothy, all of whom predeceased him.

When Ernie was ten years old, his parents divorced, and his mother moved the family to Vancouver, where his lifelong love affair with music began. As a teenager, Ernie picked up the trombone—an instrument that would become his faithful companion and ticket to a life filled with rhythm, creativity, and joy.

During World War II, Ernie proudly served his country in the Canadian Army, where he played trombone with the regimental marching band. His passion for music continued long after his military service; over the years, he formed and performed with several bands, drawing inspiration from jazz greats such as Louis Jordan, Nat King Cole, Ray Charles, and Louis Armstrong.

While on tour with one of his bands in 1948, fate brought Ernie together with the love of his life, Marcella, in Edmonton. The two shared an instant connection and were married just three months later, on October 23rd, in Lethbridge, Alberta. Their loving union was blessed with two children—a son, Raymond, and a daughter, Lovena—who were the pride and joy of his life.

A man of extraordinary drive and creativity, Ernie was never content to limit himself to just one calling. Over the years, he owned and operated several successful ventures, including a dry-cleaning business, a lively Vancouver nightclub called The Harlem Nocturne, and a trucking company, Maple Leaf Demolition and Disposal. Always one to give back, he even founded and sponsored a basketball team, The Harlem Nocturnes, which went on to win the National Championship Cup—now proudly displayed in the Vancouver Hall of Fame.

In 1964, Ernie discovered a new passion: acting. He appeared in numerous stage productions, films, and television shows, earning the admiration of peers and audiences alike. Never content with simply performing, he founded The Sepia Players Theatre Company, where he produced, directed, and starred in a variety of productions that offered opportunities to many young Vancouver actors just beginning their careers.

A tireless advocate for his community, Ernie also served as President of the British Columbia Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (BCAACP), where he worked to promote equality and celebrate Black heritage. In recognition of his cultural and community contributions, he was honored with the Black History Achievement Award in 1983.

In his later years, Ernie enjoyed a well-deserved retirement, spending his days woodworking, mentoring younger artists, and continuing to perform with his band, Five Guys Named Moe, delighting audiences with his signature warmth and showmanship.

Ernie will be remembered as a gifted musician, a visionary entrepreneur, a pioneering actor, and a devoted husband, father, and friend. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the vibrant mark he left on Vancouver’s musical, theatrical, and cultural landscape.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Ernie and Marcie Kind 1997 interview on CBC

https://youtu.be/8cSyjuK1PKI

Ernie King life story “in his own words”

https://youtu.be/rjEjXJz_f-0

Ernie King 2025 Global TV story

https://youtu.be/K17mZxQSRPc