Jerry Lee Lewis- one of the original rock 'n' rollers from the 1950s - has died at the age of 87.
Zach Farnum, publicist for Lewis, said in a statement: "Lewis, perhaps the last true, great icon of the birth of rock 'n' roll, whose marriage of blues, gospel, country, honky-tonk and raw, pounding stage performances so threatened a young Elvis Presley that it made him cry, has died.
"He was there at the beginning, with Elvis, Johnny Cash, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Carl Perkins, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly, and the rest, and watched them fade away one by one till it was him alone to bear witness, and sing of the birth of rock ‘n’ roll."
A dynamic performer and piano player, whose hits include Great Balls of Fire and Whole Lot of Shakin’ Going On, he was one of the last survivors of a golden age that heralded in the generation gap.
R.I.P. JLL the KILLER-What a man🙏⚡️☀️ XX🎶🎶🎶☀️❤️@jerryleelewis #jerryleelewis pic.twitter.com/GrF9f5RC0E
— Ronnie Wood (@ronniewood) October 28, 2022
Nicknamed "The Killer", Lee Lewis was as well known for his controversial private life as his music.
He died at his home in Memphis.
The musician suffered from various illnesses and injuries in the final years of his life, with doctors often telling him they should have taken him decades ago, Mr Farnum said.
It is with great sadness we've learned about the passing of Jerry Lee Lewis, who was just inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame this month. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/Kzeb7XUR7d
— CMA Country Music (@CountryMusic) October 28, 2022
He added that just before his death, Lewis' wife Judith said: "He is ready to leave."
Born in 1935 in Ferriday, Louisiana, Lewis later moved to Memphis, Tennessee where he found work as a studio musician for Sun Studios.
While working at Sun, he and Carl Perkins jammed with Presley and Johnny Cash in a session that would later be referred to as being played by the "Million Dollar Quartet".
Across this career, his music became a hit in the pop, country and R&B charts.
He also became known for his famous stage antics, such as playing standing up and even lighting the occasional piano on fire.
Lewis was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s first class in 1986 and a few years later in 1989, he was honoured for his contribution to the recording industry with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
He also received a host of accolades including a lifetime achievement Grammy and two Grammy hall of fame awards, and he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame earlier this year.
On Thursday his death was falsely reported before a representative for Lewis confirmed he was still alive.
Lewis is survived by his seventh wife, Judith Coghlan Lewis, his children Jerry Lee Lewis III, Ronnie Lewis, Phoebe Lewis and Lori Lancaster.
Elton John has remembered Jerry Lee Lewis's "trailblazing inspiration" following his death.
The veteran musician, who has previously cited Lewis as an influence for his love of the piano, shared a photo of them together on his Instagram.
He wrote: "Without Jerry Lee Lewis, I wouldn’t have become who I am today.
"He was groundbreaking and exciting, and he pulverised the piano.
"A brilliant singer too. Thank you for your trailblazing inspiration and all the rock 'n’ roll memories."
Source: Press Association
