Johnny Ace facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Johnny Ace
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Ace in 1954
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| 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 |
| Instruments | Vocals, piano |
| Years active | 1949–1954 |
| Labels | Duke, Flair |
John Marshall Alexander Jr. (born June 9, 1929 – died December 25, 1954), known as Johnny Ace, was an American R&B singer. He became very popular in the mid-1950s with several hit songs.
Contents
Early Life and Music Career
John Alexander was born in Memphis, Tennessee. His father was a preacher. John grew up near LeMoyne-Owen College. He left high school to join the United States Navy. After leaving the Navy, John became a pianist in Adolph Duncan's Band. He played music around Beale Street in Memphis.
Many local musicians in Memphis were known as the Beale Streeters. This group included famous artists like B. B. King, Bobby Bland, and Junior Parker. They often played together on each other's recordings.
In 1951, Ike Turner, who found new musical talent, helped John and other Beale Streeters record music. John played piano on some of B. B. King's songs. He also backed King during radio shows on WDIA in Memphis. When King and Bland left the group, John took over their singing and radio duties.
David James Mattis, who worked at WDIA radio and started Duke Records, said he gave John the stage name Johnny Ace. "Johnny" came from Johnny Ray, and "Ace" came from the Four Aces. However, John's younger brother, St. Clair Alexander, said John himself chose the name "Ace."
Becoming a Star
Johnny Ace signed with Duke Records in 1952. His first song, "My Song", was a big hit. It was a smooth "heart ballad" that stayed at the top of the R&B music charts for nine weeks.
After this success, Johnny Ace started touring a lot. He often performed with Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton. Over the next two years, Ace had eight hit songs in a row. These included "Cross My Heart", "Please Forgive Me", "The Clock", "Yes, Baby", "Saving My Love for You", and "Never Let Me Go".
In November 1954, Billboard magazine listed Johnny Ace as one of the top R&B Favorite Artists. In December 1954, he was named the Most Programmed Artist of the year by Cash Box magazine. His songs sold very well. In early 1955, Duke Records announced that three of his 1954 songs, along with Thornton's "Hound Dog", had sold over 1,750,000 copies.
Family Life
Johnny Ace met Lois Jean Palmer in 1949. She was a student at Booker T. Washington High School. They got married in Earle, Arkansas, on July 17, 1950. Lois was 16, and Johnny was 21. Their son, Glenn Alexander, was born later that year.
Johnny moved Lois into his parents' home in Memphis. However, he often stayed at the Mitchell Hotel because his parents did not like him playing blues music at home. He and Lois had another child, a daughter named Janet Alexander. Because Johnny was often touring, he and his wife were rarely together.
His Passing
Johnny Alexander passed away on Christmas Day 1954. He was 25 years old.
His funeral was held on January 2, 1955, at Clayborn Temple AME church in Memphis. About 5,000 people attended. He was buried at New Park Cemetery in Memphis.
After his death, his song "Pledging My Love" became a number one R&B hit. It stayed at the top for ten weeks starting February 12, 1955. Billboard magazine noted that Ace's death led to a huge demand for his music. Johnny Ace became the first artist to reach the Billboard pop charts only after he had passed away. His songs were later put together into an album called The Johnny Ace Memorial Album.
Johnny Ace's Legacy
Johnny Ace's music continued to influence others. Many artists recorded songs to remember him.
- Varetta Dillard recorded "Johnny Has Gone" in 1955. This song mentioned many of Ace's song titles.
- Other tribute songs included "Johnny Ace's Last Letter" by Frankie Ervin and "Why, Johnny, Why?" by Linda Hayes.
His songs were also covered by famous musicians:
- Bob Dylan and Joan Baez performed "Never Let Me Go" on their 1975 tour.
- Luther Vandross covered "Never Let Me Go" in 1993.
- Elvis Presley recorded "Pledging My Love" in 1976.
The famous musician Paul Simon wrote a song called "The Late Great Johnny Ace" (1983). This song talks about a boy hearing the news of Ace's death. Simon also performed "Pledging My Love" on his tours.
Johnny Ace's music has also been featured in movies:
- "Pledging My Love" was used in the 1973 film Mean Streets.
- It was also in the 1983 film Christine.
- The song appeared in the 1985 film Back to the Future.
- It was also in the 1992 film Bad Lieutenant.
Many other artists have mentioned Johnny Ace in their songs, showing his lasting impact on music.
Discography
Singles
Original singles, released on 78- and 45-rpm records by Duke Records:
- "My Song" / "Follow the Rule" (1952)
- "Cross My Heart" / "Angel" (1953)
- "The Clock" / "Aces Wild" (1953)
- "Saving My Love for You" / "Yes, Baby" (a duet with Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton) (1954)
- "Please Forgive Me" / "You've Been Gone So Long" (1954)
- "Never Let Me Go" / "Burley Cutie" (instrumental) (1954)
- "Pledging My Love" / "Anymore" / "No Money" (1955) - This song was #1 on the U.S. R&B chart for 10 weeks and reached #17 on the U.S. Pop chart.
- "Anymore"/ "How Can You Be So Mean" (1955)
- "So Lonely" / "I'm Crazy Baby" (1955)
- "Don't You Know" / "I Still Love You So" (1956)
One single released by Flair Records:
- "Mid Night Hours Journey" (Johnny Ace) / "Trouble and Me" (Earl Forest) (1953)
Albums
Albums and collections featuring Johnny Ace's recordings:
- Johnny Ace Memorial Album, Duke (1955)
- Johnny Ace: Pledging My Love, Universal Special Products (1986)
- Johnny Ace: The Complete Duke Recordings, Geffen (2004)
- The Chronological Johnny Ace: 1951–1954, Classics (2005)
- Johnny Ace: Essential Masters, Burning Fire, digital download (2008)
- Johnny Ace: Aces Wild! The complete solo sides and sessions, Fantastic Voyage (2012)
See also
In Spanish: Johnny Ace para niños
