Jerry Lee Lewis is the original mad man of rock n' roll, embodying the music's most reckless impulses. Is there any other early rocker with a crazier reputation then Jerry? I sure don't know. Depicted as a piano-playing wild man with an undying hunger for living has become the fodder for countless biographies and documentaries.

Few other rock artists came to the table with more ego and talent than Jerry and even fewer could channel energy into their music like Lewis could. When he exploded onto the national music scene in 1957 with the classics "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" and "Great Balls of Fire," he was every parent's nightmare realized: a long haired Southerner who pounded on the piano sang with much fury and abandon.

Ignoring all manner of musical borders allowed Jerry's music to have an wide variety to it, but also to survive the constant fashions and fabs. Whether preforming a country ballad, a blues tune, or a blazing rock song, Lewis' commitment to his music brings performances that are grounded in his personality.

Like the recordings of Hank Williams, Lee's early works are some of the most amazing songs in American music. Jerry Lee Lewis' influence hasn't gone unnoticed by people like Elton John and Neil Young who continue to incorporate Jerry's style into their own music even today.

Posted by Andrew on Friday, 05/31/2013 @ 12:09pm

Jerry Lee Lewis is the original madman of rock n' roll, embodying the music's most high spirited and dangerous impulses. Is there any other 50s rock star with a crazier reputation then Jerry? I sure don't know any.

On such piano hammering songs from the late 50s such as "Great Balls of Fire," he combined a vicious, boogie style with unconstrained vocals. Depicted as a piano thumping, selfish wild man with an unquenchable hunger for life that has become material for countless biographies, film documentaries and even a full-length Hollywood movie.

Few other rock artists came to the table with more ego and talent than Jerry and have lived to tell about it and even fewer could channel energy into their music and prosper doing it as well as Lewis. When he exploded onto the music scene in 1957 with his classic song "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," he was every parents' worst nightmare realized: a long, blonde-haired Southerner who played the piano and sang with uncontrollable fury and abandon, while reveling in his own sexuality.

With his debut single of "Crazy Arms," Jerry was soon off and running at Sun Records. 1957 was his breakout year and 1958 brought more hits like "Breathless" and "High School Confidential." However, his rock n' roll career took a downhill turn when it was discovered he'd married his 13 year-old cousin in late 1957 and while Jerry did have a hit in 1961 with "What'd I Say," the hits stopped coming for a while.

Ignoring all manner of musical boundaries was something that not only allowed Lewis' music to have a wide variety to it, but also has allowed it to survive the fabs and fashions as well. Whether singing a melancholy country song, a blues tune, or a blazing rock song, Jerry's commitment to the moment brings forth performances that are completely grounded in his personally. Like the music of Hank Williams, Louis Armstrong, and a few others, Jerry's early songs are some of the most amazing collections of American music in existence.

Through a life scarred by controversy and personal problems, Jerry has remained a defiant and untiring person who has refused to contained by labels or formal politeness. In 1973, he declared that "I am a rock and rollin', country & western, rhythm & blues singing superstar!"

While his influence on artists like Elton John and Neil Young will continue to loom large until there is nobody left to play rock n' roll piano anymore, the plain truth is that there's only one Jerry Lee Lewis and American music will never see anyone like him.

Along with Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis is the other piano hammering mad man of 50s rock n' roll. His energy is infectious and certainly few artists then or now have the kind of energy that he has.

For as long as I’ve been posting comments on this site, what do you guys think I personally bring to the table when it comes to talking about music?

Posted by Andrew on Monday, 03/3/2014 @ 23:42pm

Jerry Lee Lewis was found alive at his Mississippi Ranch today. He is 83.

Posted by Classic Rock on Friday, 11/2/2018 @ 11:36am

I saw him at Riotfest back in Sep. Had a fine backing band. They played 4 songs before Mr. Lewis came out. He walked out with a cane & wearing a purple sequined sportcoat. Sat down at the piano & took of the jacket, gave it to a minion, and then untucked his shirt, rolled up his sleeves & got to work.

Fine set, considering how old he is (113 in non-partying years). No antics like in the glory days. He had a great time & the mostly very young crowd gave him alot of love.

Posted by Paul in KY on Saturday, 11/3/2018 @ 21:58pm

Wow. I guess he's now the last remaining performer of the inaugural class.

Posted by Joe on Saturday, 05/9/2020 @ 13:39pm

Rip jerry lee lewis

https://consequence.net/2022/10/jerry-lee-lewis-great-balls-of-fire-dead/

Posted by Mat r on Friday, 10/28/2022 @ 11:58am

Wow, I guess this time he really is gone.

Rest in Peace Jerry Lee Lewis, 1935-2022.

Posted by Joe S. on Friday, 10/28/2022 @ 12:03pm

RIP Jerry Lee Lewis

Posted by J.W. on Friday, 10/28/2022 @ 13:54pm

Thought he was too mean to die! Sure glad I saw him at that Riotfest. Could play the absolute shit out of the piano.

Posted by Paul in KY on Friday, 10/28/2022 @ 14:27pm

There should be a "Memoriam Performance" for artists like Jerry Lee Lewis who are featured by a live performance at the Induction Ceremony - in 2022, it was Jerry Lee Lewis, and the song was "Great Balls of Fire," performed by Bruce Springsteen and John Cougar Mellencamp.

Posted by Bookhouse on Monday, 12/26/2022 @ 14:06pm