Johnny Ace

Johnny Ace (born John Marshall Alexander Jr. in Memphis, Tennessee June 29 1929, died December 25 1954) was a U.S. rhythm and blues singer.

Ace was one of the brightest stars in the r&b field. He signed to Duke Records in 1952 and the following year he had his first hit, "My Song." After that he had eight hits in a row, including "Cross My Heart," "Please Forgive Me," "The Clock," "Yes, Baby." and "Never Let Me Go."

He shot himself while playing Russian roulette backstage at the City Auditorium in Houston, Texas on December 24 during a break in a show, and died on the next day, Christmas. His biggest song, the haunting "Pledging My Love", became a hit posthumously in 1955.

Johnny Ace is also the stage name used by the professional wrestler John Laurinaitis.