Jerry Lee Lewis dies at 87

Jerry Lee Lewis, the indomitable rock 'n' roll pioneer whose outrageous talent, energy and ego were captured in such iconic songs as 'Great Balls of Fire' and 'Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On', died Friday at 87 years old.

Thomas Osborne
Thomas Osborne
28 October 2022 Friday 10:45
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Jerry Lee Lewis dies at 87

Jerry Lee Lewis, the indomitable rock 'n' roll pioneer whose outrageous talent, energy and ego were captured in such iconic songs as 'Great Balls of Fire' and 'Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On', died Friday at 87 years old.

Lewis has died at his home, along with his wife Judith, in Desoto County, Mississippi, his publicist said in a statement. Although the cause of his death is unknown, the musician had several health problems since 2019 after suffering a stroke that forced him to cancel all his concerts and public appearances.

Like Chuck Berry's guitar, Lewis's piano was essential in shaping rock 'n' roll in the mid-1950s. He was part of the dazzling group of talent at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee, which included Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Roy Orbison. Specifically, Jerry WAS known as 'the Louisiana Killer' for his piano playing.

Lewis made his albums shine not only with rock, but also with gospel, country and rhythm and blues like "Me and Bobby McGee" and "To Make Love Sweeter for You," while enduring a life often filled with addiction and tragedy. His music was sometimes overshadowed by scandals, including his marriage to his 13-year-old cousin Myra in 1957.