From: "Gino A." Date: Fri Jan 7, 2005 11:07 am Subject: Scan Do - Johnny Ace Johnny Ace (John Marshall Alexander) (1929-1954) By Joe Pecoraro - Record Exchanger - Vol. 3, No. 3, Apr. 1973 The man who had the stage name of "Johnny Ace" was born on June 9th in Memphis, Tennessee, went to LaRose Grammar School, and attended Booker T. Washington High School. Johnny went into the Navy during World War II and received his basic training at Bainbridge, Maryland. He spent the balance of his time in service at Orange, Virginia. Upon his return to his home in 1947, Johnny discovered that during his absence his mother had purchased a piano. Johnny's career as a musician started then and there. By 1949 he was playing so well that he became the regular pianist around the mid-south. He was with B.B. King until February, 1952 when B.B. went on the road, leaving his little combo. Since Johnny had been playing with B.B. on WDIA, he wanted to continue on the station. He came out to audition along with Bobby "Blue" Bland and Earl Forrest. During the audition, everyone was asked to try his hand at singing. That started his career as a vocalist. Within a matter of 3 weeks My Song was written and recorded. Johnny's fortune was made. Even before the record was released, My Song had sold 55,000 copies to distributers at the NAMM convention in New York. Johnny Ace, a gifted musician and vocalist, with the ingenious guidence of James Mattis of Memphis, Tennessee (who discovered him) and Don D. Robey (who guided him since 1952) skyrocketed to fame in the brief span of two years. Johnny began traveling and making personal appearances with his own orchestra, in which he was featured vocalist. While on the road he toured the southern, northern, western, midwestern and eastern states making personal appearances on "one nighter" engagements, as well as in the major clubs and theaters. Johnny, being a versatile young man, accomplished in two years what many young artists fail to accomplish in a lifetime. He received many awards and ratings for his record releases, among them a certificate of award from the Cash Box for "the most programmed Rhythm and Blues male artist in 1954." At that time, if you spoke to any R&B singer, publisher, agent, or manager, they would have all agreed that R&B flourished beyond their wildest expectations. Records steamrolled to new highs, salaries were fatter and nightclub work was plentiful. Yes, from the business point of view, everyone was sorry to see 1954 go. It was exactly six days before the year ended, December 25th to be exact, that tragedy struck. Johnny Ace accidentally shot and fatally wounded himself on Christmas night at the city auditorium in Houston, Texas. It all happened backstage in his dressing room as Johnny playfully played a tragic game of Russian roulette with a small .32 revolver. This popular singer had never been happier in his life. He had received a three stone diamond ring from his sweetheart for Christmas, and had signed the paper not less than a hour before for a brand new 195S Oldsmobile. Since his death there has been a very great demand for Pledging My Love, so Duke released a long play album to supply the public need. He will always be remembered for his smooth soulful hymn-like renditions of love songs.