Jerry Lewis, the legendary rock ‘n’ roll pioneer known for hits including “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” has died at the age of 87.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s death comes two days after TMZ falsely declared him dead on Wednesday, October 26th. Lewis died Friday morning in his home in Memphis, Tennessee.
“He said he was ready to be with Jesus,” said his wife Judith.
Lewis’s official website describes him as, “One of the first true rock ‘n’ roll musicians. He catapulted to fame with his 1957 hit, “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” and proved to the world that a piano man could play front and center on the world’s biggest stages. He has stirred up some trouble in his days, once lighting a piano on fire on stage with a Coca-Cola bottle of gasoline to close out the show. Other rock legends have said that they never wanted to follow Jerry Lee Lewis’ performance.”
“I’ve had an interesting life,” Lewis said, in his 2014 biography, “haven’t I?”
Jerry Lee Lewis is survived by his wife, Judith Coghlan Lewis, his children Jerry Lee Lewis III, Ronnie Lewis, Pheobe Lewis and Lori Lancaster, sister Linda Gail Lewis, cousin Jimmy Swaggart and many grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
