Johnny Ace

:For the professional wrestler known as Johnny Ace, see John Laurinaitis.

Related Topics:
Professional wrestler - John Laurinaitis

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Johnny Ace (born John Marshall Alexander Jr. in Memphis, Tennessee June 29 1929, died December 25 1954) was a U.S. rhythm and blues singer.

Related Topics:
Memphis, Tennessee - June 29 - 1929 - December 25 - 1954 - U.S. - Rhythm and blues - Singer

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Ace was one of the brightest stars in the R&B field. He signed to Duke Records in 1952 and the following year he had his first hit, "My Song." After that he had eight hits in a row, including "Cross My Heart," "Please Forgive Me," "The Clock," "Yes, Baby." and "Never Let Me Go."

Related Topics:
Duke Records - 1952

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He shot himself while playing Russian roulette backstage at the City Auditorium in Houston, Texas on December 24 during a break in a show, and died on the next day, Christmas.

Related Topics:
Russian roulette - City Auditorium - Houston, Texas - December 24 - Christmas

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Paul Simon wrote a song called "The Late Great Johnny Ace" (on his Hearts and Bones album) that references Johnny Ace's death (and also John Lennon's).

Related Topics:
Paul Simon - The Late Great Johnny Ace - Hearts and Bones - John Lennon

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His biggest song, the haunting "Pledging My Love", became a hit posthumously in 1955. His single sides were compiled and released as The Johnny Ace Memorial Album.

Related Topics:
1955 - The Johnny Ace Memorial Album

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