In 1956, pelvic gyrations scandalized the public! Youngsters were titillated while adults were horrified at the sexual movements on stage of none other than Elvis Presley, King of Rock 'n' Roll, or simply, "the King". This was the 50s! This was rock 'n' roll! Elvis, however, was not the only one who set the audience on fire. In fact, a different fiery piano-playing rock 'n' roll pioneer is in the spotlight today.
Jerry Lee Lewis 19-year-old Jerry Lee Lewis arrived at Sun Records hoping for an
audition, only to find that owner Sam Phillips was on vacation in
Florida. Jerry Lee recorded some demos that Phillips would hear when he
returned. That was in 1956. Jerry Lee Lewis became a star with his 1957 hit 'Whole Lot of Shakin' Going On', which topped the pop, country and R&B charts. Then, came the real firecracker! 1957 Sun Records released 'Great Balls Of Fire', by Jerry Lee Lewis. The single went on to sell over five million copies worldwide, and was a No.1 hit in the UK and No.2 in the US. The song became Lewis' signature tune, a perfect fit for his incendiary style. "A person tells at least a little bit about himself in any song he cuts," Lewis said years later.
By the time his first recording hit the charts, Lewis had already developed some of his famous stage antics, such as playing standing up and even lighting the occasional piano on fire. He had such energy and enthusiasm in his performances that he earned the nickname "The Killer" for the way he knocked out his audiences.
This nearly lifelong musician and singer continues to record new music and perform. He has released two well-received albums in recent years. For 2006's Last Man Standing, Lewis sang a number of rock, blues and country classics with some help from such famous admirers as Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson and Buddy Guy. Collaborator Kristofferson described Lewis as "one of the few who can do rock 'n' roll, country or soul, and every song is authentic." He told USA Today that Lewis is "one of the best American voices ever."
Source: Jerry Lee Lewis Biography
And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times...
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