Dr. John Drummer ‘Roscoe’ Ernest Dies

Herman Ernest III, 59, longtime drummer for Dr. John’s Lower 911 band and a New Orleans staple, died of cancer in his home March 6.

Ernest, who went by Roscoe, played on Mac “Dr. John” Rebennack’s recording for two decades and called his playing style “diesel funk,” according to the New Orleans’ Times-Picayune.

He also appeared on numerous albums featuring New Orleans artists. Ernest battled cancer for two years but did play with Dr. John at Tipitina’s Uptown Dec. 30.