Jerry Lee Lewis, free-wheeling, 'wild man' of rock and roll, dies at 87

[BetteDavisEyes]

Jerry Lee Lewis, free-wheeling 'wild man' of rock 'n' roll, dies at 87

The rock pioneer captivated audiences with extravagant antics. But scrutiny of his personal life nearly derailed his musical career.

www.nbcnews.com

Jerry Lee Lewis, the rock ’n’ roll trailblazer and piano virtuoso who electrified audiences with his raucous, free-wheeling performances but attracted scandal after he married his 13-year-old cousin, died Friday, his publicist said.

He was 87.

Lewis was a consummate showman who gleefully blended the styles of Black rhythm-and-blues musicians, country crooners and ecstatic Pentecostal preachers. He was nicknamed “the Killer,” and his admirers believed he could be the next Elvis Presley.

In performances on stages and television screens, Lewis delighted audiences with flamboyant shenanigans. He stomped on his piano, tapped the keys with his feet and hopped around with devil-may-care verve while belting out popular songs like “Great Balls of Fire.”...

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

 

[katsrfun]

RIP - May he play in heaven with all the great musicians who went before him. He had a controversial lifestyle, but was a terrific musician and showman. Katt

 

[MimosaMornings]

Jerry Lee Lewis Confirmed Dead Days After False Death Report

Lewis died Friday at his Mississippi home at age 87.

www.forbes.com

 

[YaYa_521]

Rest in peace, Mr. Lewis.