Sharing my love for the first decade of rock and roll!
Jerry Lee Lewis:
Jerry Lee Lewis is widely considered rock and roll’s first wild entertainer, complete with jaw dropping on-stage antics. He is one of the genre’s pioneers and influential pianists known for his boogie-woogie style, pounding on the keys, standing up to play, and playing with his feet.
Lewis rose to fame on the strengths of hits such as “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Breathless,” and “High School Confidential.” He was also part of the famous Million Dollar Quartet recording session at Sun Studios in Memphis TN in 1956.
Lewis’ career plunged in 1958 due to his marriage to his 13-year old cousin. That said, a cover of Ray Charles’ “What’d I Say,” as well as his well-received live album, “Live at the Star Club, Hamburg” kept his career afloat before a transition to country music in 1968 saved it.
Lewis has won four Grammy Awards, along with Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and two Grammy Hall of Fame Awards. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, as well as recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
Whipped Owl 