14 Facts About Johnny Ace

Johnny Ace had a string of hit singles in the mid-1950s.

Johnny Ace's influence extended beyond his lifetime, with later artists covering his songs and citing him as an inspiration.

Johnny Ace dropped out of high school to join the United States Navy.

Johnny Ace began heavy touring, often with Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton.

Johnny Ace's parents did not know they were dating until she became pregnant.

Johnny Ace was barred from the home for playing blues music, so he mostly took residence at the Mitchell Hotel, owned by Sunbeam Mitchell, in Memphis.

Johnny Ace had another child with his wife, daughter Janet Alexander, but the couple were rarely together due to his womanizing lifestyle, and by 1953 he had abandoned his family.

Johnny Ace had another son named Larry Saunders, who became a singer.

Big Mama Thornton said in a written statement that Ace had been playing with the gun but not playing Russian roulette.

Johnny Ace then pointed the gun toward himself, bragging that he knew which chamber was loaded.

Johnny Ace's funeral was held on January 2,1955, at Clayborn Temple AME church in Memphis.

Johnny Ace's remains were buried at New Park Cemetery in Memphis.

Johnny Ace incorporated many of Ace's song titles in the lyrics.

Dave Alvin's 2011 album Eleven Eleven, contains the song "Johnny Ace Is Dead", about Ace's death.