MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG) — Jerry Lee Lewis, the final surviving member of the Million-Greenback Quartet at Solar Studio in Memphis, has died on the age of 87, his publicist confirmed Friday.
Referred to as one of many best entertainers and piano gamers ever, Lewis was identified for many years to followers as The Killer for his songs and the best way he rattled the ivory. It was a musical capacity that he knew was a present.
His music would take him from his house in Louisiana to Memphis to file at Sam Phillip’s Solar Studio, the place Lewis would make data and historical past with one hit music after one other.
His first large hit was “Loopy Arms.”
Later, as part of the Million-Greenback Quartet at Solar Studio, together with Elvis Presley, Johnny Money, and Carl Perkins, he turned vinyl data into gold.
Hit data lined the partitions of his house in Nesbit, Mississippi, however he continued touring and electrifying audiences by kicking over the piano bench on stage. He even recorded a brand new CD known as “Rock ‘n Roll Occasions.”
He was liable for favourite songs similar to “Nice Balls of Fireplace” and “Complete Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” amongst others, however these weren’t his favourite.
“My favourite music I suppose could be the ‘Previous Rugged Cross.’ That’s my favourite music,” Lewis mentioned in an interview.
Lewis was as soon as nicknamed rock n’ roll’s first wildman due to his private and non-private life. His turbulent private life was hidden from the general public till a Could 1958 British tour throughout which a reporter discovered about Lewis’ third spouse, Myra Gale Brown, who was his first cousin as soon as eliminated and was solely a young person on the time. Lewis was 22 years outdated.
The publicity brought on an uproar and, on the time, harm his profession. Regardless of the controversy, Lewis was devoutly Christian. He was additionally mentioned to agonize by a few of his personal materials, which he believed was main him and his viewers to hell.
It’s maybe why he mentioned his favourite music is a mirrored image of his religion.
Lewis was inducted into the Rock n’ Roll Corridor of Fame in 1986, and his pioneering contribution to the style has been acknowledged by the Rockabilly Corridor of Fame. In 1989, his life was chronicled within the film “Nice Balls of Fireplace,” starring Dennis Quaid.
In 2012, he was married for the seventh time. His spouse, Judith, mentioned their love, his music, and the opening of the Jerry Lee Lewis Cafe and Honkytonk on Beale Avenue in Memphis saved him younger.
“He by no means left Memphis. He loves Memphis,” Judith mentioned in an interview on the time.
Final week, on Oct. 16, Lewis was inducted into the Nation Music Corridor of Fame.
He’s remembered for the best way he lived, the best way he performed his piano, and for making unforgettable music.
