chicago, 1954. photograph by fritz goro for "life" magazine.
Classic Doo Wop from Memphis born, John Marshall Alexander, Jr. who allegedly committed suicide on Christmas day, 1954 in Houston, Texas during a break between sets backstage at the City Auditorium.
From Wiki:
"Big Mama Thornton, another witness to the shooting, said in a written statement (included in the book The Late Great Johnny Ace) that Ace had been playing with the gun, but not playing Russian roulette. According to Thornton, Ace pointed the gun at his girlfriend and another woman who were sitting nearby, but did not fire. He then pointed the gun toward himself. The gun went off, shooting him in the side of the head."
▼ JOHNNY ACE: PLEDGING MY LOVE from "Pledging My Love b/w Anymore" 45 (Duke Records) 1954 (US)
