Musicians’ Graves
Johnny Ace (1929-1954) is buried in New Park Cemetery, Memphis, Tennessee.
The GPS location of the grave: N 35° 01.660′ W 90° 04.059′
Johnny Ace was a session player in Memphis when his first recordings were released under his own name in 1952. He consistently topped the R&B charts until his death in 1954. His real name, John M. Alexander, Jr., appears on the headstone. His full name was John Marshall Alexander, Jr.
Johnny Ace released some great music in 1952-54 but is unfortunately often best remembered for the way he died: shooting himself in the head while backstage during an intermission while performing at the City Auditorium in Houston, Texas on Christmas Day, 1954. It was widely reported that he was playing Russian Roulette. Witnesses, including Big Mama Thornton, said he had been playing with the gun, but not playing Russian Roulette, before he accidentally shot himself.
The funeral of Johnny Ace was held at Clayborn Temple in Memphis on 2 January 1955. An estimated five thousand mourners attended. Pallbearers included Little Junior Parker and Rosco Gordon. Here are samples of some recommended Johnny Ace tracks:
- Yes Baby (with Big Mama Thornton)
- Don’t You Know
- No Money
- Aces Wild
- Burley Cutie
- How Can You Be So Mean?
- I’m Crazy Baby
- Please Forgive Me
- Pledging My Love
Recommended Recordings and Recommended Books
As one of Our Recommendations and Recommended Recordings, we recommend Aces Wild! The Complete Solo Sides and Sessions by Johnny Ace.
For more information on Johnny Ace, our Recommended Books include The Chitlin’ Circuit and the Road To Rock and Roll, by Preston Lauterbach.
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