Ernie Sykes & Mandy Barnett:
Ernie and I shared a little house in Hendersonville, Tennessee back in the mid/late-90's... he had an Opry gig (with Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys) and I was in a band that had just taken the leap breaking into the scene. Ernie was a big influence, not as much on my playing, but how to conduct business as a bass player. He introduced me around to everyone in town during those couple years... really went out of the way to show me 'The Ropes' of Nashville.
I just got word yesterday, he's suffered a stroke. Been thinking about him since, and wishing I had stayed in closer touch.

Anyway, Ernie is a fantastic singer and bass player, and a walking encyclopedia of Country Music (as was) I hope he'll be okay...
