Jerry Lee Lewis, outrageous rock ‘n’ roll star, dies at 87
October 28, 2022 11:58AM CDT
@ap.news FILE – Jerry Lee Lewis props his foot on the piano as he lays back and acknowledges the applause of fans during the fifth annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival at New York’s Madison Square Garden on March 14, 1975. Spokesperson Zach Furman said Lewis died Friday morning, Oct. 28, 2022, at his home in Memphis, Tenn. He was 87. (AP Photo/Rene Perez, File)
By HILLEL ITALIE AP National Writer
The untamable and often outrageous rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Jerry Lee Lewis has died at 87.
Spokesperson Zach Furman said Lewis died Friday morning at his home in Memphis, Tennessee.
Of all the greats to emerge in the 1950s after Elvis Presley, no one personified every parent’s fear of the dangers of rock ‘n roll more than Lewis, with his leering tenor and cocky sneer. His talent, energy, and ego collided into piano-pumping perfection on hits like “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.”
Lewis’ infamous private life included a marriage to his 12- or 13-year-old cousin who later alleged physical and mental cruelty.
