190 Johnny Ace (1919-1954) “Pledging My Love” 1955

Born John M. Alexander, the “short, tragic life of Johnny Ace was played out in two arenas: Memphis, where the blues were born, and Houston, where rhythm plus blues mean a full house and money in the bank.” He was an enigma, “a moody man who drank and cried alone.” After performing a duet with Big Mama Thornton, he shot himself playing with a pistol (Ebony, 1955).

Johnny Ace “Pledging My Love” 1955