From Humble Beginnings in Memphis

Despite playing with the greatest R&B stars, Johnny Ace's story had started much more quietly in Beale Street, the black center of culture, down in Memphis which shares a history with the likes of Elvis.

Johnny's career kicked off with the Beale Streeters, and James Mattis of Duke records who had his fair share of problems even with his success.

In this second part of the series, join Michael T. Davis, Casey Wood, and Seth West, in the conversation in the continuation of his story from our previous episode, highlighting the history behind the build-up of Johnny Ace's musical career.

In this episode, we talk about…

● [07:38] Johnny Ace's contribution to the re-appropriation of music and how this affected his popularity.

● [11:28] About Johnny's untold history with Beale Street music; the center of black culture in Memphis and the South.

● [17:46] How Johnny had his first true studio recording session by accident; "My Song", knowingly sitting on a previous recording that wasn't too good. John Alexander transitioning to Johnny Ace.

● [31:09] The story of the very first Duke records release; R101 following the post-war period after 1945. The Duke 102 and 103 releases.

● [43:35] Despite doing very well with the records, Mattis faced financial incapacitation, unable to get paid by the stores selling his records.