Ernesto "Ernie" Caceres was an influential American jazz saxophonist born on November 22, 1911, in Rockport, Texas. Coming from a musical family, his brothers Emilio and Pinero were also accomplished musicians. Ernie began his professional career in 1928, performing in local Texas bands before moving to Detroit and New York City with Emilio to work as session musicians. They gained significant recognition after appearing on Benny Goodman's radio series "Camel Caravan" in 1937.

Caceres joined Bobby Hackett's band in 1938 and later played with Jack Teagarden in 1939. He became a member of the Glenn Miller Orchestra from February 1940 to September 1942, during which he appeared in the films "Sun Valley Serenade" (1941) and "Orchestra Wives" (1942). Following his time with Miller, Caceres played with notable bandleaders such as Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, and Tommy Dorsey throughout the 1940s.

In 1949, Ernie formed his own quartet and performed at the Hickory Log in New York. He was also a frequent performer with the Garry Moore Orchestra on television. During the 1960s, he played with the Billy Butterfield Band and made numerous appearances at jazz festivals. In 1964, Caceres returned to Texas, where he played with his brother Emilio until his death from cancer on January 10, 1971.

Throughout his career, Caceres recorded with a variety of jazz legends, including Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, Ella Fitzgerald, and Dizzy Gillespie, among others. His contributions to jazz, particularly as a saxophonist, left a lasting impact on the genre.