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Johnny Ace

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Vocalist

The Resume

    (June 29, 1929-December 25, 1954)
    Birth name was John Marshall Alexander
    Recorded for Duke Records
    Billed as 'The Man With a Tear in His Voice'
    Died at 25, after playing Russian roulette at a performance

Why he might be annoying:

    On Christmas Eve, 1954, he played Russian roulette during a break at a Houston concert and lost.
    He died the next day (Merry Christmas).
    He was a lousy gambler (took 5-1 odds on an empty chamber and lost).
    He shot himself in front of several backstage witnesses, including blues legend Big Mama Thornton.
    After his death, 'Pledging My Love' became his only hit to cross over onto the pop charts.
    Paul Simon wrote a tribute song about him.
    He is far better known for his death than for his music.

Why he might not be annoying:

    His father was a minister, and he sang in the church choir.
    He was a member of the Beale Streeters, which included B.B. King and Bobby 'Blue' Bland.
    He recorded two songs at Sun Studios for Sam Phillips, but they were never released.
    Cashbox Magazine considered him the number one rhythm and blues singer in the country at the time of his death.
    A legend persists that he was forced to play Russian roulette by criminals in the music industry.
    Big Mama Thornton refused to say what she knew about his death, and took her secret to her grave.
    Duke Records tried to capitalize on his death by recording his brother as 'Buddy Ace.'
    'Pledging My Love' is a beautiful and romantic song.

Credit: Art Gremashlo


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    For 2024, as of last weekly ranking, Out of 1 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2023, Out of 22 Votes: 4.55% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 9 Votes: 11.11% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 12 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 92 Votes: 41.30% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 129 Votes: 45.74% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 1 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 11 Votes: 36.36% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 6 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 7 Votes: 57.14% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 11 Votes: 54.55% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 9 Votes: 55.56% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 25 Votes: 72.00% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 62 Votes: 43.55% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 30 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2009, Out of 19 Votes: 68.42% Annoying
    In 2008, Out of 41 Votes: 65.85% Annoying
    In 2007, Out of 63 Votes: 63.49% Annoying
    In 2006, Out of 136 Votes: 47.79% Annoying
    In 2005, Out of 110 Votes: 53.64% Annoying