John Vincent Imbragulio; Founded Ace Record Co.

John Vincent Imbragulio, also known in his industry as Johnny Vincent, 74, record producer and owner of the independent Ace Record Co. A Mississippi native, Imbragulio was a blues fan who started out owning a string of jukeboxes and trying his hand at producing records. He founded Ace Records in 1955 in Jackson, Miss., and recorded many New Orleans artists. His 1950s hits included “Rockin’ Pneumonia (Boogie Woogie Flu)” by Huey “Piano” Smith and the rock ‘n’ roll classic “Sea Cruise” by Frankie Ford. Imbragulio also produced the 1960s hit “Venus in Blue Jeans” by Jimmy Clanton. In 1962, Ace was merged with Vee-Jay Records, but the partnership did not last long. Imbragulio later owned Avanti Records. On Friday in Jackson, Miss., of heart failure.