![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/obituary-jerry-lee-lewis/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/127391430_d3ca2e82-61ec-42ce-afa0-b32f011a1ae8.jpg&description=Image source, Rick DiamondJerry Lee Lewis was the original wild man of rock'n'roll. On stage, he performed in a state close to frenzy. A savage, raw energy burning within him, he hammered the keyboard like a man possessed. His life was a toxic cocktail of scandal, addiction and violence. Two of his seven wives died in suspicious circumstances; another was barely more than a child.This was the man who - legend has it - once drove to Graceland, high on alcohol and pills, with a gun on the dashboard. "Come out," he said to Elvis Presley, "and we'll soon find out who's King."Lewis was disgraced many times. But those early tracks - A Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On and Great Balls Of Fire - were so deeply part of the soundtrack of the 20th Century, that he never quite faded from the scene.Sixty years after their recording, he still played to packed houses. And somehow - despite the drink and drugs - Lewis outlived many fellow rock'n'roll pioneers. Image caption, Jerry Lee Lewis' shows were wild, raucous and unforgettable affairsJerry Lee Lewis was born in East Louisiana - deep in the American bible belt - on 29 September 1935. His father, Elmo, was a poor farmer with a sideline in moonshine; his mother, Mamie, a God-fearing music lover. The family were devastated when Jerry's older brother was killed by a car. It was to prove the first tragedy of many. When Lewis turned seven, his father mortgaged the house for $250 in order to buy him a piano. It proved an excellent investment. Elmo recognised his son's potential. He bought a pick-up truck, put the piano on it, and the pair of them busked their way around the South. "Kill 'em dead" said his mother and "Killer's" lifelong nickname stuck. Image caption, Elmo Lewis mortgaged his house to buy his son a piano. The investment paid off and the pair of them toured the Southern StatesAt least that's one story. Another, darker version involves "Killer" half-strangling a high-school teacher. But it's often difficult to disentangle Le){kind=link}
Jerry Lee Lewis was the original wild man of rock’n’roll.
On stage, he performed in a state close to frenzy. A savage, raw energy burning within him, he hammered the keyboard like a man possessed.
His life was a toxic cocktail of scandal, addiction and violence. Two of his seven wives died in suspicious circumstances; another was barely more than a child.
This was the man who – legend has it – once drove to Graceland, high on alcohol and pills, with a gun on the dashboard. “Come out,” he said to Elvis Presley, “and we’ll soon find out who’s King.”
Lewis was disgraced many times. But those early tracks – A Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On and Great Balls Of Fire – were so deeply part of the soundtrack of the 20th Century, that he never quite faded from the scene.