Johnny Ace Biography

FEBRUARY 21TH, 2022

Johnny Ace, June 9 1929 – December 25th, 1954, was first person to reach the Billboard pop
charts after his death. His real name was John Marshall Alexander. He had been famously
playing with a .32 revolver when, believing the gun was unloaded, he pointed it to his head
and pulled the trigger. The gunshot was fatal. Reports of what exactly happened are disputed.
He is said to be Rock n Roll’s first casualty. Ace lived fast and loose.

His musical style was the blues, in particular his most famous song “Never Let Go” was a blue
ballad. A blue ballad combines Anglo and Afro American musical styles. It has a slow temp and
is often a slow, sentimental song.

Johnny began his career in 1952 as a member of the “Beale Streeters.” He recorded “Never Let
Me Go”, “Please Forgive Me”, “The Clock”, “Yes, Baby” and “Cross My Heart.”

He is most famous for being a mellow “crooner” for “Pledging My Love” (1955). A “crooner” is
a signer who sings ‘soft, sentimental’ songs in a ‘low voice. Considered a transitional
figure between the Blues and Rock n Roll, he was the first solo black entertainer to attract
a white audience outside of historically “black” music.

Ace was said to be a black man who sang in a white style. A contemporary of Elvis, Ace was
a foil against Presley. Little is known about Ace: he died early, there are no known
interviews,
photos, film or video. Ace had eight consecutive R&B Hits: “My Song”, “Cross My Heart,”
“Please
Forgive Me,” “The Clock,” “Pledging My Love,” “Saving My Love for You,” and “Anymore” and
“Never
Let Me Go”

Ace was a womanizer who abandoned his wife and two children. According to Jean Ace, “We never
really had a marriage.” His family disapproved of his chosen career path, especially his
mother — would let his wife and children stay in her house but not Ace.

Ace’s short musical career — only 18 months — still had a meaningful impact on music. Bob
Dylan and Paul Simon have acknowledged Ace as an influence. “The music of the late ‘50s and
early ‘60s when music was at that root level—that for me is meaningful music. The singers and
musicians I grew up with transcend nostalgia—Buddy Holly and Johnny Ace are just as valid to
me today as then.” ~Bob Dylan. Never Let Me Go, probably his most famous song, was at
position 9 on the Billboard “US Rhythm & Blues” chart for 1954. The song has been covered by
famous artists including Aretha Franklin and Bob Dylan.

 

Top Videos

Revisit the golden age of ballads with Johnny Ace’s tender videos, steeped in smooth vocals and tragic legend.

Johnny Ace Discography

Johnny Ace Memorial Album, Duke	US Chart:		UK Chart:
Johnny Ace: Pledging My Love, Universal Special Products	US Chart:		UK Chart:
Johnny Ace: The Complete Duke Recordings, Geffen	US Chart:		UK Chart:
The Chronological Johnny Ace: 1951–1954, Classics	US Chart:		UK Chart:
Johnny Ace: Essential Masters, Burning Fire, digital download	US Chart:		UK Chart:
Johnny Ace: Essential Masters, Burning Fire, digital download	US Chart:		UK Chart:
Johnny Ace: Aces Wild! The complete solo sides and sessions, Fantastic Voyage	US Chart:		UK Chart:

 

Most Searched For Johnny Ace Songs

PLEDGING MY LOVE	Spotify	Apple	YouTube Music	Amazon
so lonely	Spotify	Apple	YouTube Music	Amazon
SAVING MY LOVE FOR YOU	Spotify	Apple	YouTube Music	Amazon
NO MONEY	Spotify	Apple	YouTube Music	Amazon
NEVER LET ME GO	Spotify	Apple	YouTube Music	Amazon
PLEASE FORGIVE ME	Spotify	Apple	YouTube Music	Amazon
MY SONG	Spotify	Apple	YouTube Music	Amazon
THE CLOCK	Spotify	Apple	YouTube Music	Amazon