Jerry Lee Lewis: The Killer and Rock and Roll Pioneer Dies at 87

Jerry Lee Lewis was an American pianist, singer and songwriter, known as "The Killer," and one of the pioneers of rock and roll. Born on September 29, 1935, in Ferriday, Louisiana, he began recording at Sun Records in Memphis in 1956.

In 1957 Lewis had international hits with "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" and "Great Balls of Fire." His career stalled in 1958 after a scandal over his marriage to his 13-year-old cousin, Myra Gale Brown. He recovered in the late 1960s as a country star, with 17 top-10 country singles, including four No. 1s. His 1964 album Live at the Star Club, Hamburg is considered one of the greatest live rock albums.

Lewis was in the first class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005 and entered the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2022. He was married seven times and had six children. The film Great Balls of Fire! (1989) starred Dennis Quaid. He died at his home in Nesbit, Mississippi, on October 28, 2022, at age 87.

Achievements: "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" and "Great Balls of Fire" (1957), first class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1986), Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2005), Country Music Hall of Fame (2022).

Birth: September 29, 1935 - Ferriday, Louisiana.

Profession: Pianist, singer and songwriter.

Interesting Facts: His cousins include evangelist Jimmy Swaggart and singer Mickey Gilley. He was one of the Million Dollar Quartet with Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash.