The Juke In The Back With Matt The Cat

Episode #117 - Johnny Ace

From: Matt "The Cat" Baldassarri
Series: Juke In The Back With Matt The Cat
Length: 59:02

This week, "Juke In The Back" highlights the short career of one of R&B's greatest talents: JOHNNY ACE. His great records usually get overshadowed by the legend surrounding his sudden death, but not this time as Matt The Cat spins all his hits from the early to mid-1950s. Read the full description.

Piece Audio

Promos

Playing: Episode #117 - Johnny Ace
From: Matt "The Cat" Baldassarri

Jitbtitlemedium_small Johnny Ace

He is often called the "first casualty of rock n' roll," since his life was brought to a controversial end just as rock n' roll was picking up steam in the mainstream, but Johnny Ace's demise does not overshadow his impressive, yet short career. This week's "Juke In The Back" highlights Ace's early session with rising star, B.B. King, as well as a his rare first solo record, cut for the Bihari Brothers in 1951, but not released by them until 1953. Ace tasted success early, as his first single for the fledgling Duke Records soared to the top of the R&B charts. He would have 2 more #1 smashes, including "Pledging My Love," which was released posthumously and hit an impressive #17 on the pop lists. Yes, Johnny Ace died young and became immortal in verse and tribute and Matt The Cat shows you why he was much revered on this week's "Juke In The Back."

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Piece Description

Johnny Ace

He is often called the "first casualty of rock n' roll," since his life was brought to a controversial end just as rock n' roll was picking up steam in the mainstream, but Johnny Ace's demise does not overshadow his impressive, yet short career. This week's "Juke In The Back" highlights Ace's early session with rising star, B.B. King, as well as a his rare first solo record, cut for the Bihari Brothers in 1951, but not released by them until 1953. Ace tasted success early, as his first single for the fledgling Duke Records soared to the top of the R&B charts. He would have 2 more #1 smashes, including "Pledging My Love," which was released posthumously and hit an impressive #17 on the pop lists. Yes, Johnny Ace died young and became immortal in verse and tribute and Matt The Cat shows you why he was much revered on this week's "Juke In The Back."

Broadcast History

"Juke In The Back" airs on over 23 radio stations each week in the US and is now carried worldwide over Voice Of America's Music Mix Network.

Transcript

Juke In The Back #117 - Johnny Ace

1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. 3 O’Clock Blues – B. B. King – RPM 1951
3. Midnight Hours Journey – Johnny Ace – Flair 1953 – Recorded 1951
4. My Song – Johnny Ace w/ The Beale Streeters – Duke 1952
5. Angel – Johnny Ace w/ The Beale Streeters – Duke 1953 – wr by Mattis & Ace
6. Cross My Heart – Johnny Ace w/ The Beale Streeters – Duke 1953 - #3, Ace on organ
7. Ace’s Wild – Johnny Ace w/ The Beale Streeters – Duke 1953 – inst w/ Ace on piano
8. The Clock – Johnny Ace w/ The Beale Streeters – Duke 1953
9. Saving My Love For You – Johnny Ace w/ Johnny Otis Orch – Duke 1953
10. Yes Baby – Johnny Ace w/ Johnny Otis Orch – Duke 1953
11. Please Forgive Me – Johnny Ace w/ Johnny Otis Orch – Duke 1954
12. Never Let Me Go – Johnny Ace /w Johnny Board & His Orch – Duke 1954
13. GREAT 78 – How Can You Be So Mean – Johnny Ace w/ Joh...
Read the full transcript

Intro and Outro

INTRO:

This week on the "Juke In The Back," Matt The Cat features the career and mysterious death of the late, great Johnny Ace. He scored 3 #1 hits on the R&B charts, but today he's mostly just remembered for his death. Get the true story and great music of Johnny Ace on the "Juke In The Back."

OUTRO:

For more information on the music you heard on this week's "Juke In The Back," please stop by www.jukeintheback.org.