Johnny Ace

Johnny Ace was one of the most popular balladeers of the early '50s but is perhaps most famous for the way he died: He allegedly shot himself while playing Russian roulette. Ace served in the navy during World War II. After his discharge he joined Adolph Duncan's Band as a pianist; he often jammed with B.B. King and Bobby "Blue" Bland in Memphis' famed Beale Streeters. In 1953 he released his firs...