Buddy Ace

Blues balladeer Buddy Ace was known as "The Silver Fox of the Blues" during a touring and recording career that spanned four decades. Born in Jasper, TX, on November 11, 1936, he grew up in nearby Houston, influenced by artists like Lou Rawls, Bobby "Blue" Bland, and Ivory Joe Hunter. Performing early on in gospel groups, including some with fellow singer Joe Tex, Ace shifted his focus from gospel to blues and R&B during the early '50s. During this time, he toured with the Bland and Junior Parker bands, eventually signing a record deal in 1955 with Duke/Peacock Records. In the mid-'60s, Ace scored several R&B hits, including "Nothing in the World Can Hurt Me (Except You)" and "Hold On (To This Fool)." Relocating to Los Angeles in 1970 and later to Oakland, he spent much of this period touring in and around the Bay Area. Ace continued to perform and record into the '90s with Don't Hurt No More and Silver Fox being issued in 1994. On December 26, 1994, Ace passed away in Waco, TX.