He’s one of the founders. One of the Godfathers of rock ‘n roll. And not the just the genre. But the spirit of what it stands for. Unbridled showmanship. Unapologetic energy. Killer musicianship and fun, quality songs to match. Making Lewis one of the most respected and prolific musicians of all time.
Appropriately nicknamed ‘The Killer.’ Lewis was the originator of the high energy rock ‘n roll show. The first true ‘wild’ rocker. He set the standard of what it meant to be one. But he didn’t just put on a crazy persona. He had the musical chops to back it up. And he wasn’t afraid to show it off. Which is of course another huge element of what rock ‘n roll is. Playing piano with his feet, backwards, on top of the thing and many more insane playing positions that can’t be comprehended. Sweating, singing his ass off and giving it his all.
With timeless classics such as ‘Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,’ ‘Breathless’ and ‘Great Balls Of Fire.’ It’s clear that Lewis’ stamp on rock is unshakeable. And while many of his rock origin peers still had a considerable amount of jazz swing in their sound. Lewis truly charged forward on the two and four. Creating the aggressive and straight forward drive that still exists in rock and heavy music. This is perhaps no better exemplified than the ’64 live album ‘Live at the Star Club, Hamburg.’
Of course, as with most rockers, his life was marred with controversy. The guy didn’t exactly make the best decisions. Marrying your 13 year old cousin is not a good start to a public life. The marriage and its fallout cost Lewis his rock career. And by the mid 60’s people had moved on to The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. However, he found a second life in the country music scene. With hits such as ‘Another Place, Another Time’ and ‘There Must Be More To Love Than This.’ Lewis rode the country wagon for decades. And experienced some of highest charting success. His success continued well into the 21st century with ‘Last Man Standing’ and ‘Mean Old Man.’
The mans accolades are endless: four Grammys, first class of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in ’86, Rockabilly Hall of Fame, Memphis Music Hall of Fame, Country Music Hall of Fame, No. 24 on Rolling Stones’ 100 Greatest Artists of All Time and more. His legacy is undeniable. And his influence on the continuing decades and eras of rock is universal. Making Jerry Lee Lewis not only one of the best, but one of the most legendary of all time. RIP JLL 9/29/35 – 10/28/22.
