Jerry Lee Lewis in 250 words (ish)
Jerry Lee Lewis (1953 - 2022) was born in 1953 and is an American singer and pianist. He is known as one of the founders of Rock 'n' Roll. As a child his parents mortgaged their farm to buy him a piano, he was inspired by his older cousin who was a piano player and the hits on the radio.
Lewis joined the record label Sun Records in 1956 and is one of the last surviving members. Sun Records was founded by Sam Phillips and recorded artists like Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and Roy Orbison.
Lewis released 40 studio albums, 4 live albums and 77 singles. In the UK, he had 1 No.1 single ‘Great Balls of Fire’ released in 1957 and spent 2 weeks at No.1. Some of his best loved singles include ‘High School Confidential’, ‘Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On’ and ‘Breathless’.
‘Jerry Lee Lewis’ was his first studio album released in 1958 and is sometimes known as ‘High School Confidential. The producer of the album, Sam Phillips, left out ‘Great Balls of Fire’ and ‘Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On’.
Jerry Lee Lewis released his latest album in 1024 ‘Rock & Roll Time’. The album featured musicians like Neil Young and Robbie Robertson. In 2010 the album ‘Mean Old Man’ was released and made up of duets with famous artists including Eric Clapton, Tim McGraw and Keith Richards.
In 2005 Lewis was awarded the Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award and in 1989 was given a star along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 1986 he was the first person in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and in 2017 he was given the Ameripolotan Music Awards Master. Jerry Lee Lewis is well known for his piano playing skills and has inspired many artists including Elton John.