Jerry Lee Lewis
- Born:
- September 29, 1935, Ferriday, Louisiana, USA
- Died:
- October 28, 2022, DeSoto County, Mississippi, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Singer, Songwriter, Pianist
Early Life and Education
- Born into a poor family in rural Louisiana.
- Started playing piano at a young age, influenced by gospel and blues.
- Attended Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, Texas, but was expelled for playing boogie-woogie versions of gospel songs.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his professional career playing clubs in the South.
- Signed with Sun Records in 1956 and quickly gained fame.
- Known for his energetic performances and piano playing style, often referred to as "The Killer."
- Achieved international success in the late 1950s with hits such as "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" and "Great Balls of Fire."
- His career suffered a setback due to controversy surrounding his marriage to his 13-year-old cousin.
- Experienced a successful career resurgence as a country music artist in the late 1960s and 1970s.
- Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.
- Received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005.
Notable Works
Discography (Selected Albums)
Year | Title |
1957 | Jerry Lee Lewis |
1958 | Jerry Lee's Greatest! |
1964 | Live at the Star-Club, Hamburg |
1968 | Another Place, Another Time |
1973 | The Session...Recorded in London with Great Artists |
Filmography (Selected Appearances)
Year | Title | Role |
1957 | High School Confidential! | Himself |
1989 | Great Balls of Fire! | Archive Footage |
Legacy and Impact
Jerry Lee Lewis, a pivotal figure in rock and roll and country music, left an indelible mark on popular music. His dynamic piano playing and stage presence influenced generations of musicians, solidifying his place as a true legend. This brief examination, titled 'jerry lee louis biography', details significant points in his remarkable life and career.