Earnest has the #1 song on Gospel Billboard and a new holiday CD coming soon and will be with us on Saturday November 5th for our 10th Annual Lamplighter Awards. Listen to more…
Earnest Pugh
Some people seem to be destined for their calling from the beginning of their lives. And yet others seem to find their way by almost stumbling upon their mission while on life’s journey. Almost from birth, Earnest Pugh was blessed with a tangible anointing, powerful voice, and gifted to use it!
Often included in the same class with some of gospel music’s finest powerhouse vocalists including Byron Cage, Smokie Norful, and Marvin Sapp, Pugh is forging his own path and creating a major buzz in the gospel music industry with his CD, “ Worshipper’s Perspective”-Earnest Pugh Live.
His Billboard charting Crystal Rose Records/EPM Music Group “live” debut recording has already set the gospel music community on fire with its stirring lyrics, flawless music and riveting vocals. Although the “worship” centered album taps some of gospel’s best including the impressive talents of Byron Cage, Brent Jones, Lonnie Hunter, Keith Williams & Nikki Ross, it’s Pugh that truly shines on this awesome collection of live praise and worship music. In 2006 Mr. Pugh was voted En sound Awards Male Vocalist Of The Year. His album also won the 2006 Independent Music Award (IMA) in the (Gospel Album of the Year category). He also made it to the 2nd round Stellar Awards Ballot for and he made the 2nd round of the 2006 Stellar Awards in the Best New Artist category.
This psalmist, musician and songwriter are primed to take the industry by storm with a five-octave range, amazing vocal control and an unapologetic anointing. Although seemingly coming out of nowhere, Earnest Pugh’s love story with music starts in the South. Music has always been a part of this Memphis native’s life.
By his teens, he was in great demand and was sought after by the groundbreaking gospel pioneer, O’landa Draper. At Draper’s request, Pugh joined O’landa Draper and Associates. His tenure with the group was short-lived, deciding to join the United Army instead where he continued to use his musical gifts to edify the body, soul and spirit. Following his departure from military service, he continued to pursue his love for music. His pursuit opened doors for major appearances on such networks as the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) and Black Entertainment Television (BET), including one of BET’s top rated shows, Bobby Jones Gospel. His career wasn’t just limited to that of singing, but he quickly found that he had a talent for acting as well.
Acting opened doors for him to make appearances in major stage plays such as “Love the One You’re with”, “Secret Lover”, (Michael Matthews);“Crazy Love”,(D’Atra Hicks); and “Real Men Pray”, Angela Barrow and Lizzie Berry. According to Pugh, “I have Lizzie Berry and Lydia Wright to thank for pushing me to stay the course (stage plays) and eventually it paid off.”
Currently, Pugh is the Director of Praise Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington, Maryland, where he serves under the Church Worship and Music Administration, GospoCentric’s Prince of Praise Min. Byron Cage and Pastors Rev. Dr. Grainger Browning, Jr. and Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Browning.
