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 a string of hit singles in the mid-1950s. He emerged as a prominent figure in postwar R&B and gained fame with hits such as "My Song", "Cross My Heart", and "Pledging My Love". Ace's smooth vocal style and romantic ballads made him a popular artist, particularly on R&B radio stations and jukeboxes. At the height of his career, he toured extensively and was regarded as one of the most promising young stars in the genre. He died on Christmas Day 1954 by accidentally shooting himself backstage in Houston, Texas at the age of 25. He remains a significant figure in early R&B history, with later artists covering his songs and citing him as an inspiration. "Pledging My Love", produced by Johnny Otis and featuring Otis on vibraphone, became a posthumous hit and has been recorded by numerous musicians across different genres.