Ace Blackman and the Blues He Sings

Ace's great grandpa Jack, a tenant farmer in the Tidewater area, was brutally murdered in the presence Ace's grandpa, Johnny, who turned away from playing church music. He blamed God for not protecting his father. Johnny played the Blues, instead of spiritual music like his father had. A white agent was in the process of raping Johnny's wife, Mary, and Johnny caught him in the act. The rapist shot Johnny between the eyes and escaped.

The only child to survive Mary's derangement was Andrew, Ace's father. He contracted TB and his wife Courtney got it from him and died. Andrew went mad. Ace grew up in an orphanage.

Ace had learned to play the Blues from his sick father before Andrew died.