As we close out 2025, there’s much in the jazz scene to note. This week, we make special note of the recent passing of Ernest McCarty, Jr. A friend of WZUM, a friend of jazz and a Chicagoan who traveled the world - and made Pittsburgh his home for the past several decades.
Ernest McCarty, Jr. was a professional composer, musical director, performer, visual artist, playwright and sculptor, passed away on December 11, 2025. He was 84. His long career included many years in the rhythm section for pianist (and Pittsburgh native) Erroll Garner.
This month, one more Ernest McCarty, Jr musical play had a staging - A Dinah Washington Christmas - by the Pittsburgh Playwrights Theater. The show opened on December 11 - the same day the Ernest passed.
Last year, Pittsburgh Playwrights Theater brought out an updated revival of “Dinah!” Ernest McCarty Jr’s earlier exploration into the life and music of legendary singer Dinah Washington.
Dinah Washington was born in Tuscaloosa Alabama, but she grew up in Chicago. She and playwright and bassist Ernest McCarty, Jr were more than a decade apart in age - but they did both study at Chicago’s DuSable High School and were influenced by the noted educator Captain Walter Dyett (who also tutored Johnny Hartman, Gene Ammons, Nat King Cole, Von Freeman, Eddie Harris and many more).
A year ago April, we sat and visited with Ernest about the play - but also about his career and more. None of this interview has been aired before - and we thought it was important to share, so here it is.
