A Man Of Many Talents
BIOGRAPHY OF ERNIE PALUMBO
Born June 6th 1930
Died February 13th 2014
Ernie Palumbo born the son of 1st Generation Italian Stone Mason. is known as one of the Philadelphia areas top male vocalists, having appeared frequently on WTAF-TV 29’s Allen Scott Show, WIBF-FM’s Buzz Allen Show, and most recently, WBCB’s Frank Sinatra Special with George Colajezzi. The radio and TV
appearances only compliment Ernie Palumbo’s long list of impressive credentials. He is the owner and operator of Ernie Palumbo’s Supper Club in Southampton, Pennsylvania. Prior to this however, Ernie had been in the construction business for several years. When Ernie’s friends from the construction business would drop by and ask Ernie what in the world he was doing selling custard, Ernie would simply reply, “I’m building the most fantastic restaurant of all time.” With that, the friends would shake their heads slightly and mutter to themselves as they walked away from the stand, licking their vanilla cones. Ernie continued to build this “restaurant”, now adding several dining rooms to the custard stand and calling it the “Hampton House”, a family restaurant. Then a serious illness in January 1967 curtailed Ernie’s active ex*****on of his plans for almost one year. However, that didn’t stop progress. The building continued with a little help from friends while Ernie recuperated. After the year of recuperation was over, Ernie was still not quite feeling up to par for as long as six months after his return to his project. The Hampton House was then completed. In August of 1968, The Hampton House, one of Bucks County’s finest family restaurants, became Ernie Palumbo’s Supper Club. With the obtaining of a liquor license from the State of Pennsylvania, Ernie Palumbo’s Supper Club was now noted as one of the top night spots in the tri-county area. Good food, prompt service and reasonable prices were only a few of the reasons for the rapid growth of Ernie’s as a night spot; the other… was Ernie himself! The only night spot around with a singing host! People were quite impressed. Everything was on the upswing until June of 1971 when a devastating fire destroyed the club and all of the personal possessions of Ernie and his family (they lives on top of the club in an apartment). The fire has destroyed everything… except Ernie’s determination. In a record 90 days, Ernie and friends rebuilt the entire place bigger and better than before. Since the fire, everything again is on the upswing. The place is packed on weekends and people actually have to be turned away. A long time friend of Ernie’s said recently, “Five times I’ve counted him out and five times he’s come back, stronger every time”. With all of the personal and physical accomplishments in the past 8 or 10 years, with the help of God and friends, a singing talent that defies comparison like the song says… watch what happens. Ernie Palumbo is a singer, having appeared for the Philadelphia Optimists Club at Frank Palumbo’s restaurant (Ernie’s 3rd cousin) in Philadelphia. Since the beginning of Ernie’s singing career, he received letter after letter, and request after request, to make an album. Ernie along with the house band did an album in 1970. 2,500 copies were produced and sold as a souvenir item in the restaurant at $5.00 a piece. The response to the album was so great; Ernie sold all but 3 copies in less than 4 months. Now, another album is planned for the very near future with national distribution. Sales are expected to be very high in the Philadelphia area should Ernie accept an invitation to perform at the Valley Forge Music Fair sometime in late spring. Ernie is an avid Golfer, most recently having played in the IVB Classic and George Washington Golf Classic. He tried to get away from the business and rehearsals twice a week to stay at a 10 handicap. Ernie Palumbo is all of the above and more. He’s a man of many talents whom many had the pleasure of knowing.
