"Saving My Love For You"

Item — Box: 2494-001, Folder: 1

Identifier: Subseries 1:

Scope and Contents

(Duke 118) "Saving My Love For You" (RR-110-1): An arrangement featuring Otis on vibes. An AABA ballad (I-iii-IV-[iv]-I-vi-ii-V7) credited to Sherman "Blues" Johnson on the label and copyrighted (unpublished) 1951 October 15 (EU253097) with words and music by Sherman Johnson as an employee for hire of Diamond Record Co., Inc. Additionally copyrighted (unpublished) by Lion Pub. Co. with words and music by Don Deadric Robey 1953 November 2 (EU336478). Released 1953 December, debuting on Billboard's R and B charts 1953 December 26, climbing to number two and representing Ace’s fourth consecutive hit. (The "B" side is (RR-111-1) "Yes Baby.") An up-tempo blues duet with Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton. Arrangement features tenor sax solo and guitar solo. Credited on the label to "J. Ace" but copyrighted (unpublished) by Lion Pub. Co. 1953 November 2 with words and music by Don Deadric Robey (EU336477). Released 1953 December as the "B" side of "Saving My Love For You." Robey claimed it was a hit single on its own. "Yes Baby" was the last song ever sung by Johnny Ace.