Jerry Lee Lewis is a rock pioneer. He combined Boogey Woogey piano with Country and R&B to create his own sound. Growing up in a religious household led to conflict with his family, so Lewis left religion behind and signed with Elvis’ label, Sun Records. Afterwards, he engaged in an impromptu jam session with Johnny Cash and Sam Perkins. When Elvis was added to the mix, they formed the “Million Dollar Quartet.”
Lewis’ music was sexually charged and he was known for his wild stage show. He often kicked his piano bench out of the way and go into a frenzy. At one show, he set the piano on fire. His stage show and song material conflicted with Lewis’ religious beliefs more than he let on. At one point, Lewis worried he was sending his audience to hell.
Lewis reputation and antics placed him on the morals police radar. His career ended with scandal. At 23, he married his 13 year old cousin. The scandal ruined him. Eventually, Jerry Lee made a comeback in the Country market, but he was never as big. The Rock n Roll Hall of Famer just released a new song, "Mean Old Man".
Rock n Roll Moment: Jerry Lee’s third wife was his 13 year old cousin. This ruined his career for a time.
Essential Jerry Lee:
High School Confidential (1958)
Class of ‘55 (with Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Roy Orbison)- (1986)
All Killer, No Filler: The Anthology (Box Set) (1993)
Last Man Standing (2006)
Jerry Lee’s Top 10:
Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On
Great Balls of Fire
You Win Again
High School Confidential
Me and Bobby McGee
Drinkin’ Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee
Chantilly Lace
Breathless
Fools Like Me
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
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