Who was Johnny Ace? →[More:] The link goes to Squirrel Nut Zippers recording of Johnny Ace Christmas. This has been one of my favorite Christmas songs for a while now- a bluesy song about a Christmastime breakup, or so I thought.

The truth is much sadder: Johnny Ace 25, died on Christmas, 1954 when he shot himself during a break between sets in Houston, Texas.

I encourage you to read the linked account of his death, then take another look at the lyrics.

It's Christmas Eve, people
But someone's got to go
It's Christmas Eve, people
But someone's got to go

I never thought he'd have the nerve
But that just shows you what I know

He had a sweet and lonely voice
How I wish that he had stayed
He had a sweet and lonely voice
How I wish that he had stayed

But the dealer dealt the cards
And the ace has done been played

He used to talk about forever
Forever and a day
But when you get down to it
Things just don't work out that way

Merry Christmas Johnny
Though you're leavin' now
The anticipation's better
Than the real thing anyhow