Johnny Ace
Johnny Ace | |
|---|---|
Ace in 1954 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | John Marshall Alexander Jr. |
| Born | June 9, 1929 Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | December 25, 1954 (aged 25) Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Genres | R&B |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, musician |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, piano |
| Years active | 1949–1954 |
| Labels | Duke, Flair |
John Marshall Alexander Jr. (June 9, 1929 – December 25, 1954), known by the stage name Johnny Ace, was an American rhythm-and-blues singer. He had a string of hit singles in the mid-1950s. He emerged as a prominent figure in postwar R&B and gained fame with hits such as "My Song", "Cross My Heart", and "Pledging My Love". Ace's smooth vocal style and romantic ballads made him a popular artist, particularly on R&B radio stations and jukeboxes. At the height of his career, he toured extensively and was regarded as one of the most promising young stars in the genre.
However, his career was tragically cut short when he accidentally shot himself backstage during a concert on Christmas Day 1954 in Houston, Texas. His untimely death at age 25 cemented his legacy, and he remains a significant figure in early R&B history.
His influence extended beyond his lifetime, with later artists covering his songs and citing him as an inspiration. "Pledging My Love" became a posthumous hit and has been recorded by numerous musicians across different genres.