Jerry Lee Lewis: HIs Life and Cause Of Death In Memoriam

Jerry Lee Lewis was born on September 29, 1935, in East Louisiana, a deeply religious part of the country. His father, Elmo, was a poor farmer who also made moonshine, while his mother, Mamie, loved music and was very religious. The family was devastated when Jerry’s older brother was killed in a car accident, the first of many tragedies in his life.

Lewis left school and started performing live, with his first gig at the age of 14 at a car dealership opening. He quickly developed a bold, energetic style that fit perfectly with the emerging rock 'n' roll scene. He began playing at Sun Studios in Memphis, first as a studio musician and later as a solo artist. In 1956, Lewis recorded some of his earliest songs alongside Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Carl Perkins in a spontaneous session that became known as the 'Million Dollar Quartet'.

When Jerry Lee Lewis turned seven, his father, Elmo, mortgaged their house for $250 to buy him a piano—an investment that paid off. Seeing his son's talent, Elmo bought a pick-up truck, loaded the piano, and they traveled around the South, playing music on the streets. His mother encouraged him with the phrase "Kill 'em dead," and from then on, he was known as "The Killer."

Lewis' big break came in 1957 with the release of 'Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’. On, a high-energy, piano-driven rock ’n’ roll hit. His performance of the song on 'The Steve Allen Show' showcased his wild, signature style to a national audience. Lewis played standing up, kicking over his piano stool, and filling his songs with energetic, cascading runs of notes, leaving a lasting impression.

During a 1958 UK tour, a scandal broke when it was revealed Lewis had married his 13-year-old cousin, Myra Brown. The backlash led to the cancellation of his tour, and he was blacklisted by US radio and concert promoters. His popularity faded, and he never had another Top 20 hit in the US.

In 1989, 'Great Balls of Fire!', a major movie about Jerry Lee Lewis’s life, brought him back into the spotlight. Dennis Quaid played Lewis, and "the Killer" re-recorded his classic hits for the soundtrack. Lewis then toured Europe with old rivals Chuck Berry and Little Richard, the only performer who could match his raw, wild energy on stage.

Jerry Lee Lewis, known as "The Killer" for his wild-man persona, had a controversial personal life. His fourth wife, Jaren Pate, drowned under suspicious circumstances, and his fifth, Shawn Stephens, died amid rumors of domestic abuse. Despite the scandals, Lewis shifted to country music after rock’n’roll faded, finding success with hits like Chantilly Lace on the US country charts.

Jerry Lee Lewis's sixth marriage to Kerrie McCarver lasted two decades before ending in 2005. He then married Judith Brown for the seventh and final time. In 2006, Lewis released 'Last Man Standing', becoming the last surviving member of the iconic 'Million Dollar Quartet', which included Elvis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash. He continued to tour well into his eighties.

Lewis died at 87. He passed away from natural causes at his home in DeSoto County, Mississippi. His seventh wife, Judith, was with him when he died. In his last days, he said he was at peace and ready for the afterlife.

Tributes for Jerry Lee Lewis poured in on social media. Elton John tweeted, “Without Jerry Lee Lewis, I wouldn’t have become who I am today. He was groundbreaking and exciting, and he pulverized the piano. A brilliant singer too. Thank you for your trailblazing inspiration and all the rock ‘n’ roll memories.” Ringo Starr shared, “God bless Jerry Lee Lewis. Peace and love to all his family.” Gene Simmons referred to him as “one of the pioneers of rock ‘n’ roll” and “a rebel to the end.”