An explosive, untamed force at the dawn of the rock and roll era, Jerry Lee Lewis fundamentally redefined the role of the piano in popular music. Infusing his performances with an unhinged, dangerous energy that combined the emotional fire of southern gospel with hard-driving rhythm and blues, he became one of the most polarizing and electrifying showmen of the 20th century. His spectacular technical agility, characterized by glissandos fired off with his boots and a relentless boogie-woogie left hand, forged a template for rock rebellion that influenced generations of performers from Elton John to Bruce Springsteen.
Lewis’s musical journey started in his hometown of Ferriday, Louisiana, where he was born on September 29, 1935. Lewis was a cousin of television evangelist Jimmy Swaggart and country singer Mickey Gilley. Lewis studied the piano from the age of ten, and his mother enrolled him in a Bible college in Texas.
According to a famous story, Lewis was thrown out of the school on his first day for performing a raucous version of “My God Is Real.” It is stories such as this one and Lewis’s fervent performances that earned him the moniker “The Killer.”
At 21, Lewis auditioned for Sun Records, and Sam Phillips signed him as soon as he heard the tape of the audition. His first single, “Crazy Arms,” was a minor hit. Phillips believed that Lewis could become another Elvis Presley. Accordingly, Phillips poured out money for the promotion of Lewis’s follow-up, “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.”
Technical Catalog Spotlight: Original Golden Hits (1969)
This essential document compiles the definitive, high-velocity tracks that built the foundation of early rockabilly and rock and roll piano styling. The analog production perfectly preserves the explosive room echo of Sun Studio, letting Lewis's blistering vocal deliveries and relentless acoustic piano rhythms cut through the mix with raw intensity.
- Released: 1969
- Label: Sun Records / Share Records
- Producer: Sam Phillips
- Core Personnel: Jerry Lee Lewis (Vocals, Piano), Roland Janes (Guitar), J.W. Brown (Bass), Jimmy Van Eaton (Drums)
- Key Tracks: Whole Lotta Shakin Goin On, Great Balls of Fire, Breathless
The record was banned on many radio stations across America, but it became a huge hit on the country, R&B, and pop charts. His next single, “Great Balls of Fire,” became his trademark song, and another release, “Breathless,” made for three huge Lewis hits in a row. In the meantime, Lewis was also gaining a reputation as a live performer unequalled in intensity.
Lewis had secretly married his 13-year-old cousin, Myra Gale Brown, the daughter of his bass player and uncle, J.W. Brown. While on a trip to England, the British press found out about the marriage and ripped him to shreds, causing Lewis to retreat to the U.S. His career went into rapid decline as a result.
Smash Records signed Lewis, and he began recording country music in his own style. Due to the label’s bargaining with country music disc jockeys, Lewis became a star again.
Smash Records signed Lewis, and he began recording country music in his own style. Due to the label’s bargaining with country music disc jockeys, Lewis became a star again.
After overcoming a series of personal problems with drugs and alcohol and a divorce from Myra Gale, Lewis became one of the first inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. In 1989, Lewis was the subject of the film “Great Balls of Fire,” which told his life story. Lewis re-recorded all of his old hits for the film and has continued to record and play live since.
Several fine compilations of Lewis’ early hits are available, including the three-volume “Original Golden Hits” (1969) and “Original Sun Golden Hits" (1983).
Technical Catalog Spotlight: Original Sun Golden Hits (1983)
A historic archival retrospective that captures the absolute height of Lewis's foundational tenure at Memphis's most famous recording outpost. The collection showcases his remarkable stylistic versatility, seamlessly jumping from traditional country-and-western music to the dangerous, rhythm-and-blues-inflected arrangements that terrified mainstream mid-century authorities.
- Released: 1983
- Label: Rhino Records / Sun Records
- Producer: Sam Phillips
- Core Personnel: Jerry Lee Lewis (Vocals, Piano), Roland Janes (Guitar), J.W. Brown (Bass), Russ Smith (Drums)
- Key Tracks: High School Confidential, Crazy Arms, Lewis Boogie
As a CD and LP affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
.jpg)
