The Early Life of Jerry Lee Lewis
Jerry Lee Lewis, born on September 29, 1935, is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and pianist. He is often referred to as "The Killer" due to his energetic performances on stage. Lewis grew up in a musical family in Louisiana, where he learned to play the piano at a young age. He was influenced by various music genres, including country, blues, and gospel.
Jerry Lee Lewis' Career
At the age of 18, Lewis started his music career by playing in local bars and clubs. He gained popularity with his energetic performances and unique style of playing the piano. He signed a contract with Sun Records in 1956 and released his first hit single "Crazy Arms" in the same year. He went on to release several hit songs, including "Great Balls of Fire" and "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On". Lewis was one of the pioneers of rock and roll music and influenced many musicians in the genre.
The Controversial Marriage
In 1957, Jerry Lee Lewis married his third cousin, Myra Gale Brown. Brown was only 13 years old at the time, while Lewis was 22. The marriage caused a huge scandal, as it was considered taboo and illegal in many states. The media criticized Lewis for his actions, and many radio stations banned his music from being played. Lewis' career suffered a major setback, and he was dropped by his record label.
The Aftermath
The marriage lasted for 13 years, and the couple had two children together. However, Lewis' career never fully recovered from the scandal. He continued to perform and release music, but his popularity declined over the years. In the 1980s, he experienced a resurgence in his career, thanks to collaborations with other musicians and a biographical film about his life. Today, Lewis is considered a rock and roll icon and is still performing at the age of 85.
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The Legacy of Jerry Lee Lewis
Jerry Lee Lewis' music and style influenced many musicians in the rock and roll genre, including Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Little Richard. His energetic performances on stage and unique style of playing the piano made him stand out from other musicians of his time. Despite the controversy surrounding his personal life, Lewis is still regarded as one of the greatest musicians of all time.
Conclusion
Jerry Lee Lewis' controversial marriage to his cousin Myra Gale Brown is a part of his legacy that cannot be ignored. While it caused a major scandal and affected his career, it also highlighted the taboos and social norms of the time. Despite the controversy, Jerry Lee Lewis' music and legacy will continue to inspire and influence generations of musicians to come.