Ace Records: A Bridge between Jackson and New Orleans

Ace Records was a Jackson, MS record label found by Johnny Vincent (1925-2000) that focused on artists from Mississippi and Louisiana, particularly New Orleans. The label specialized in R&B in the 1950s and 60s and recorded many popular artists including Arthur Crudup, Willie Clayton, Jimmy Clanton, Huey “Piano” Smith, and Earl King.

“Sea Cruise” as one of the famous songs recorded on Ace. The song was made popular by recording artist Frankie Ford but was written and originally recorded by Huey “Piano” Smith and His Clowns in 1959.

Archives and Special Collections has focused on other record labels with ties to Mississippi including Trumpet Records and Malaco Records. This is the first time that we have focused on Ace.

In the 1970s, Ace Records started focusing many of its releases on compilations of earlier recorded material. In 1997, Johnny Vincent sold Ace Records to the British firm Music Collection International.

Featured in this display:

• Photo. Earl King with guitar
• Photo. Huey Smith at piano
• Album cover. Ace Story, volume 2 (1970s)
• Album cover. Ace Story, volume 3 (1982)
• 45 rpm. "Sea Cruise" / Frankie Ford with Huey "Piano" Smith and orchestra (1960s)
• Album cover. Huey "Piano" Smith and His Clowns, For Dancing (1979)
• Album cover. Huey "Piano" Smith's Rock & Roll Revival! (1980s)
• Album cover. John Vincent Presents Genuine Mississippi Blues (1981)
• Album cover. Dr. John and His New Orleans Congregation (1980s)
• Catalog. Ace Records CDs
• Catalog. Ace Records, Autumn 1981
• CD inserts. Bobby Bland, The Voice, Duke Recordings 1959-1969; "Mumbles" Walter Horton, Mouth Harp Maestro