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Biography
Born to a poor family in Louisiana, US, Lewis was lucky to have a piano in his family home, to which he showed an unusual adeptness and talent. He was kicked out of bible school after playing a boogie-woogie rendition of "My God Is Real," which led to Lewis embarking upon a musical career, finally receiving his first break from Memphis' Sun Records after being turned down by most Nashville labels.
His first recordings sold well, with "Crazy Arms" selling 300,000 copies in the South. But it was his incendiary live performance that really caught people's attention, standing up and jumping around whilst pummelling the keys. His first hit was in 1957, for "Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On" which brought Lewis worldwide fame. A continuous stream of hits followed with "Great Balls of Fire," "Breathless" and "High School Confidential" As quick as he had rose to success, he swiftly plummeted, following the revelation that the 22 year old had married his 13 year old cousin, effectively signalling the end of his rock & roll career.
Despite this rapid decline, Lewis continued to perform, albeit for a lot less money than before, pushing his live sets to further frenetic, energetic levels. His album of live recordings, "Live at the Star Club, Hamburg" from 1964 is widely considered as one of the wildest in music history.
Turning to the style of country & western, Lewis was able to reignite his career, with the hit "Another Place, Another Time" in 1968, going on to top the country &western charts throughout the 1960s and 1970s. His country hits included "To Make Loe Sweeter For You," "There Must Be More Love Than This," "Me and Bobby McGee" and "Would You Take Another Chance On Me," all reaching the number one spot.
Lewis continued to record an tour throughout his career, finding further success in his later years with 2007's "Last Man Standing," which became his best selling album, with over a million copies sold worldwide.
Achieving many gold records during his career, Lewis has also enjoyed many accolades including several Grammy Awards, with his career memorialised with a Lifetime Achievement Award. In 1986 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and he is widely regarded as one of the most influential and greatest artists of recorded music history.
Live reviews
Though I graduated in 1968, and (after childhood) was never much into e-a-r-l-y rock, I have to say, I absolutely LOVED the performance given by Jerry Lee Lewis! I loved it from the first moment through to the last! I bought the tickets for my somewhat older husband, yet ~ to my great surprise ~ I felt i-g-n-i-t-e-d by what this incredibly talented man expressed! What a powerhouse of talent! I could NOT sit still in my seat! I'm so thankful for his willingness to tour, and to the venue for booking him. He ran straight through 10 terrific songs (and called out a wonderful, "Mercy!" at the conclusion of a given song, from time to time, which I loved!) [On a relevant side-note, as it happened, 53 years earlier, this very night, I sat in my seat at the Cow Palace, and believe that 'Roll Over Beethoven' was played on that August 31st evening, as well; that time belted out by the Beatles!] I want to take a moment to add that I was WOEFULLY disappointed that BRENDA LEE had to cancel out. Adding insult to injury, I was bored beyond tears by Crystal Gayle ~ whose incessant canned laughter came off as artificial; as a caricature, and not as a person of either authenticity or soaring talent. Having attended hundreds of concerts, we BOTH felt downright t-r-a-p-p-e-d in the stadium ~ until Jerry burst on the scene with his astoundingly first-rate group, yielding the finest of tight arrangements! I would see Jerry Lee Lewis over and over. DON'T MISS THIS FULL-TILT LIVING LEGEND! Oh, and please bring back Brenda Lee! P-L-E-A-S-E! She is the R-E-A-L DEAL!
eranos7
A live performance by Jerry Lee Lewis and the rest of the band is as grand and traditional as live performances come. There is something really special about Jerry Lee Lewis' performance. It has grandeur, style and elegance.
The entire band unites behind the singer and came together to electrify the room. The vocals are classic, smooth and the guitar solos are fresh and jazzy. Forget the frills and fluff of fancy lights and heavy bass and huge speakers - Jerry Lee Lewis keeps it simple and that's exactly what makes this live performance rock.
This is also the type of band and show that could easily entertain both the older generations and the newer generations. The diversity of instruments, sounds and the entire ensemble is powerful and makes you keep moving, your feet tapping and your body swaying.
The frequent incorporation of the grand piano is a very nice touch that definitely makes this performance feel like it is a classic, traditional show. I would recommend Jerry Lee Lewis to people who want to attend a grand live concert that possesses the attributes and qualities of the superstar concerts of the older days. Great show, great audience and a huge amount of good times that come along with good music.
Jerry Lee Lewis, now nearing 80 years old looks like quite the classic musician when sat at his piano surrounded by a selection of well trained musicians. It is quite difficult then to imagine him as the first real wild man of rock & roll, to the extent that he gained the nickname 'The Killer'. He talks to the audience fondly about that time, laughing off some of the more outrageous claims yet not denying his rambunctious ways.
Tonight is not about the reputation and rumours however, it is all about the music and it is as incredible as you would imagine. The classics such as 'She Even Woke Me Up to Say Goodbye' are included to evoke huge singalong which can only be overpowered by the rich brass section. Lewis also performs a great cover of 'Roll Over Beethoven' by Chuck Berry before the playful 'I Wish I Was 18 Again' goes down a treat. This charismatic, likeable frontman is an absolute pleasure to watch live and by the final enthused verses of 'Great Balls of Fire' you are left with the impression that Jerry has no plans to retire anytime soon.
sean-ward
Fabulous show, and JLL as great as ever, really good show, James Burton was also great as always, the other star gave awesome performances of the greatest music which is Rock, country and blues, all in one show, fantastic, thoroughly enjoyed the Show and so pleased I was able to, at last see Jerry Lee Lewis, only wish I could have seen Elvis, bu that, of course was never to be. See Jerry Lee Lewis if you can.
julie-merle-tebbutt
The Killer was in perfect form: in an auditorium where every seat was perfect, Jerry Lee ROCKED all 2,361 of us. The air was charged with electricity from his performance, his sister and his band. Hands down, after 30 years, dozen of concerts - Jerry Lee Lewis was the Best.
tom-ryan-5
