Representative Albums: "I'm the Boss Card in Your Hand, 1937-1960
Representative Songs: "Black Ace", "Whiskey and Women", "Hitchhiking Woman
Biography
A solid guitarist and vocalist, Babe Turner AKA Black Ace built his own guitar as a child, then taught himself to play. He was also in a gospel choir in Hughes Springs, TX. Turner honed his skills playing at community functions during the '20s, then worked with Smokey Hogg at dances in Greenville, TX in the '30s. Hogg and Buddy Woods were frequent partners for Turner, who made several solo tours in the '30s and '40s. He appeared in the 1941 film The Blood of Jesus and 1962 movie The Blues. Turner had a show on Fort Worth radio station KFJZ from 1936 - 1941. He recorded for Decca in 1937. After a stint in the army during the early '40s, Turner's jobs were mostly non-musical, except for his film stints. He did make a 1960 LP for Arhoolie. Turner took his nickname from the 1936 recording "Black Ace." ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
"Black Aces" may also refer to the fighter squadron VFA-41 Black Aces
The Black Aces is a book written by former Major League pitcher James "Mudcat" Grant about the only African Americanpitchers who have won at least 20 Major League Baseball games in a single season.[1] Some black pitchers from Latin America, notably Luis Tiant, have expressed disappointment that they are not included in this group. [2]
Interestingly, Ferguson Jenkins is included in this group, but is not African American. Jenkins, a Black Canadian, has lived in the U.S. for decades, but has never taken out U.S. citizenship.
Pitchers described by Mudcat Grant as Black Aces
Vida Blue - three 20-win seasons: 1971 (24-8), 1973 (20-9), and 1975 (22-11)
On September 8, 2005, Willis became the 13th member of the Black Aces by winning his 20th game against the Washington Nationals. As of 2008[update], Willis is the only member of the Black Aces who is still an active player in the Major Leagues.