A rock 'n' roll pioneer, known for his energetic stage performances and hits like "Great Balls of Fire" and "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On".
Jerry Lee Lewis, affectionately known as "The Killer," was a trailblazing American pianist, singer, and songwriter who left an indelible mark on the music industry. With his unique blend of rock and roll, rockabilly, and country music, he became a household name in the 1950s, selling millions of records worldwide.
Born on September 29, 1935, in Ferriday, Louisiana, Lewis grew up surrounded by music. He began playing the piano at the age of eight and was heavily influenced by the likes of Hank Williams, Jimmie Rodgers, and Al Jolson. His first recordings in 1952 at Cosimo Matassa's JM Studio in New Orleans, Louisiana, marked the beginning of his illustrious career.
In 1957, Lewis's whirlwind success began with the release of "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," which shot him to worldwide fame. This breakthrough hit was followed by a string of chart-topping successes, including "Great Balls of Fire," "Breathless," and "High School Confidential." His energetic live performances, complete with pounding piano keys and charismatic stage presence, solidified his reputation as rock and roll's first great wild man.
Lewis's rock and roll career faltered in the late 1950s due to his marriage to Myra Gale Brown, his 13-year-old first cousin once removed. The ensuing scandal led to a significant decline in his chart success, with a few exceptions, such as his cover of Ray Charles's "What'd I Say."
In the late 1960s, Lewis transitioned into country music, scoring hits with songs like "Another Place, Another Time." This pivot reignited his career, and he went on to top the country-western charts throughout the 1970s. His country music successes earned him 30 Top 10 hits on the Billboard Country and Western Chart, including No. 1 singles like "To Make Love Sweeter for You," "There Must Be More to Love Than This," and "Me and Bobby McGee."
Lewis's numerous accolades include a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Grammy Hall of Fame. He received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005 and was inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame in 2012.
His impact on pop culture extends beyond music, with appearances in films like "Great Balls of Fire!" and "High School Confidential." Lewis's legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians, solidifying his position as a pioneer of rock and roll and country music.
90 Years Old
The "King of Rock and Roll" was a music and cultural icon, known for his charismatic stage presence, distinctive voice, and hits like "Hound Dog" and "Jailhouse Rock".
99 Years Old
Rock 'n' roll pioneer who wrote and performed iconic hits like "Johnny B. Goode" and "Maybellene", blending country, blues, and rhythm to create a unique sound.
92 Years Old
A flamboyant and charismatic rock 'n' roll pioneer, known for hits like "Tutti Frutti" and "Good Golly Miss Molly", blending gospel, blues, and boogie-woogie styles.
93 Years Old
A country music icon known for his deep, baritone voice and repertoire of songs about love, life, and hardship, often incorporating themes of social justice and redemption.
93 Years Old
Rockabilly pioneer and guitarist known for blending country, blues, and rhythm to create a unique sound, influencing many famous musicians, including Elvis Presley.
89 Years Old
A rockabilly pioneer and iconic vocalist, known for his powerful, soaring voice and hits like "Crying" and "Oh, Pretty Woman".
89 Years Old
Pioneering rock 'n' roll musician and songwriter who blended country, rockabilly, and rhythm & blues to create a unique sound, influencing many famous bands.
85 Years Old
Teen idol of the 1950s and 60s, known for his rockabilly music and starring roles in films and television, including the hit show "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet."
