Jerry Lee Lewis

This article is about the Rock and Roll singer; for the American comedy actor see Jerry Lewis

Jerry Lee Lewis was born on September 29, 1935 in Ferriday, Louisiana and as a young boy began playing piano with his two cousins, both who would achieve celebrity status themselves, Mickey Gilley and evangelist Jimmy Swaggart.

As a young man while working as a studio musician in Memphis, Jerry Lee was discovered by Sun Records producer Jack Clement resulting in his first #1 hit in the summer of 1957, “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On”. Before the year was over another chart topper, Grammy Hall of Fame winner, “Great Balls of Fire” would establish Jerry Lee Lewis as a pioneer of rock piano. “Breathless” in 1958 landed in the top ten, and like his previous hits it also was on the country and R&B charts.

Among Jerry Lee Lewis’ pop hits was, “You Win Again”, “High School Confidential”, “What’d I Say” and “Me and Bobby McGee”. His biggest country hits were, “Another Time, Another Place”, “What’s Made Milwaukee Famous”, “She Still Comes Around”, To Make Sweet Love For You”, One Has My Name”, “Once More With Feeling”, “Chantilly Lace”, “Think About It *Darlin”, “There Must Be More To Love Than This” and “Would You Take Another Chance On Me”.

During his early rock performances, Jerry Lee’s frenetic performance on stage, kicking the piano bench out of the way to play standing, pounding the keyboard while raking the keys would influence another future star, Elton John among others. On the motion picture screen Lewis’ explosive style was featured in “High School Confidential” and “Jamboree”.

Joining the early Sun Records stars of the 50’s, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis was a member of what was called the “Million Dollar Quartet”.

A new album from Jerry Lee Lewis topped the best selling surveys in the fall of 2006. “The Last Man Standing” featured many recording stars including, Mick Jagger, Rod Stewart, Ringo Starr, Little Richard, John Fogerty, Bruce Springfield and Willie Nelson.

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and given a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005, Jerry Lee Lewis, now in his 70’s, continues to delight fans as he tours on a regular basis.

External links

• http://www.jerryleelewis.com/ - Official Website of Jerry Lee Lewis