Johnny Ace

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 many hit singles in his career. One of them was "Pledging My Love".

Life and career
John Alexander was born in Memphis, Tennessee, the son of preacher John Marshall Alexander and Leslie Newsome,  and grew up near LeMoyne-Owen College.  He dropped out of high school to join the United States Navy. Alexander was reportedly AWOL for much of his duty. After he was discharged, Alexander joined Adolph Duncan's Band as a pianist, playing around Beale Street in Memphis. The network of local musicians became known as the Beale Streeters, which included B. B. King, Bobby Bland, Junior Parker, Earl Forest, and Roscoe Gordon. Initially, they weren't an official band, but at times there was a leader and they played on each other's records.

Death
He died after accidentally shooting himself in Houston, Texas. He was 25.

References

Category:Musicians from Memphis, Tennessee
Category:American R&B musicians
Category:1929 births
Category:1954 deaths