Mrs. Ernestine Dillard is best remembered as “the singer who helped heal the wounds of our nation” during the Memorial Service for the victims and families of the Oklahoma City bombing tragedy, as she performed “God Bless America”. All in attendance, including President Clinton, Governor Keating and our beloved evangelist Rev. Billy Graham, were brought to their feet as she lifted her voice for our great nation. Within hours of her performance the Governor’s office was fielding inquiries from all over the world about her performance and how she had touched the hearts of many.

Mrs. Dillard resigned a 30-year nursing career and has now traveled extensively Christian Events, National throughout the United States, Paris, France, Turkey, and the Bahamas. She has been blessed to visit Africa on medical mission trips and states that the work was life changing. Mrs. Dillard has performed for numerous Conventions, Special Memorial Celebrations and observances, Christmas Concerts, CNN’s Trumpet Awards, Many Local and National Television shows Christian and secular also many benefit and fund raising events. She has received many awards and honors because of her community service and work with young people. To mention a few: The W. C. Handy Heritage Award,

Tulsa Public School’s Excellence Award for Volunteers.

She is an Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame Inductee

Has been proclaimed a “Living Legend” by ‘THE SOCIETY Inc.” an international arts organization and several other organizations .

Lane College Meritorious Award for service to the college

Ernestine has many awards from State and National Political Organizations, Community Interest Organizations, Churches and Medical Organizations

Although she has a busy schedule and loves the work she has been called to, she always enjoys returning to Oklahoma, where she makes her home in Bixby with her husband, Reverend Loomus Dillard and family.

Ernestine is also blessed to serve often with THE TULSA PRAISE ORCHESTRA. A big Band orchestra known for it’s Gospel/Patriotic Music performances.

Mrs. Dillard’s career has given her the opportunity to perform for three Presidents of the United States( Pres. Reagan (as he was campaigning), Clinton and pres. Obama in Atlanta and Mrs. Obama at the Trumpet awards, many State and National Political leaders including General Colin Powell. Ernestine has sung in the presence of and with Well-known celebrities such as Simon Estes, Isaac Hayes, Jessye Norman, The Oral Roberts television broadcasts, Make Today Count and Billy Graham Crusade in Oklahoma and many more renowned musicians

She has sung with leading symphonies (i.e.) Memphis, OKLAHOMA, JACKSON and Big Band orchestras. Most of all she sings always for the Glory of God!

Ernestine was selected as a finalist from 145 entrants to compete with professionally trained female vocalists in the prestigious Savannah On Stage “American Traditions” competition.

Her 30-minute musical presentation including her “God Bless America” medley

received a standing ovation and she was awarded the gold medal first prize. With this honor came an invitation to tour with Ms. Della Reese and an invitation to

perform at the Kennedy Center. She has performed in The National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Recently sang for 125th year anniversary of the STATUE OF LIBERTY! In New York. She states, “WHAT A BLESSING!!”

Mrs. Dillard mentors young people in the Tulsa Public school system, is available for community and private vocal coaching.. She is a very gifted motivational speaker, community activist, is a graduate of Oral Roberts’ Ministry training Institute and was enrolled at Oral Roberts University for a degree in Music Therapy. Ernestine believes one purpose in her life is to bring LOVE, UNITY AND PEACE through her music, to those who have ears to hear and hearts to receive.