Ernie C
| Ernie C | |
|---|---|
 Ernie C in 2006 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Ernie Cunnigan |
| Born |
June 10, 1959 Compton, California |
| Genres | Thrash metal |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, producer |
| Instruments | Guitar |
| Years active | 1990–present |
| Labels | Sire, Virgin, Escapi Music, Sumerian Records (2014) |
| Associated acts | Body Count |
Ernie Cunnigan (born June 10, 1959), better known by his stage name Ernie C, is an American musician best known as the lead guitarist of heavy metal band Body Count.[1]
Cunnigan was a special guest in one episode of Space Ghost Coast to Coast.
Early life
Cunnigan grew up in Compton, California and attended Crenshaw High School with Ice-T.[2] Cunnigan was one of the few students attending the school who was interested in rock music. Ernie's uncle was an important influence. He introduced Ernie to different groups and a diverse number of styles in the genre. Ernie became an enthusiastic fan eventually buying a guitar from his local music store. He dedicated himself to learning, starting at 12. He was entirely self-taught.[2]
Cunnigan's guitar playing and showmanship earned him respect among his fellow students, including members of the Crips gang.[2] Cunnigan also taught guitar to fellow students, including D-Roc the Executioner, who later joined Body Count.
Music career
Cunnigan and Ice-T co-wrote the song "Cop Killer".[3] Cunnigan also produced demo tapes that led to the signings of Stone Temple Pilots and Rage Against the Machine, as well as the Forbidden album for Black Sabbath.[4] Today, Cunnigan still plays for Body Count. Due to Body Count's erratic touring schedule, Cunnigan started his own band Masters of Metal in 2010.
Discography
- Body Count (1992)
- Born Dead (1994)
- Violent Demise: The Last Days (1997)
- Murder 4 Hire (2006)
- Manslaughter (2014)
Videography
- Murder 4 Hire (2004)
- Live in LA (2005)
- Smoke Out Festival Presents: Body Count (2005)
References
- ↑ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Biography-Body Count". Allmusic. Retrieved February 20, 2010.
- 1 2 3 Marrow, Tracy; Century, Douglas (2011). "Freedom of Speech". Ice: A Memoir of Gangster Life and Redemption—from South Central to Hollywood. Random House. pp. 127–140. ISBN 978-0-345-52328-0.
- ↑ "Body Count "Cop Killer"". Allmusic. Retrieved February 20, 2010.
- ↑ "AllMusic Forbidden credits". Retrieved 2009-06-20.