Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

June 9, 1929 in Memphis, TN

Death

:

December 25, 1954 in Houston, TX

 

Johnny Ace was an American rhythm and blues singer and pianist who rose to fame in the 1950s. He was born John Marshall Alexander Jr. on June 9, 1929, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was the son of a preacher and grew up in a religious household. He began playing the piano at a young age and was heavily influenced by gospel music. Ace started his music career in the early 1950s as a member of the B.B. King band. He played piano and sang backup vocals for King, who was a mentor to him. Ace's smooth voice and soulful style quickly caught the attention of music producers, and he was soon signed to Duke Records. In 1954, Ace released his first single, "My Song," which was a moderate success. However, it was his second single, "The Clock," that really put him on the map. The song reached number one on the R&B charts and stayed there for ten weeks. It also crossed over to the pop charts, reaching number 13. Ace's success continued with his next single, "Pledging My Love," which was released in 1955. The song was a ballad that showcased Ace's smooth vocals and became his biggest hit. It reached number one on the R&B charts and number 17 on the pop charts. Ace's popularity continued to grow, and he became known for his energetic live performances. He was often compared to other popular R&B singers of the time, such as Fats Domino and Ray Charles. He was also known for his flashy stage presence, often wearing colorful suits and performing with a big smile on his face. In addition to his music career, Ace was also a talented songwriter. He wrote many of his own songs, including "Pledging My Love," which he co-wrote with his friend and fellow musician, Dave Bartholomew. Ace's success was cut short, however, when he tragically died at the age of 25. On December 25, 1954, Ace was playing a game of Russian roulette backstage at a concert in Houston, Texas. He accidentally shot himself in the head and died instantly. Ace's death was a shock to the music world, and many of his fans were devastated. His music continued to be popular, however, and he was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. Despite his short career, Johnny Ace left a lasting impact on the music world. His smooth vocals and soulful style influenced many other R&B singers who came after him. He is remembered as one of the pioneers of the genre and a true legend of American music.

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