Pioneer rock and roll star Jerry Lee Lewis, nicknamed "The Killer", has died at the age of 87.
Coming out of Memphis in the mid to late 1950's, Lewis had several hits including "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On", and his biggest hit, "Great Balls Of Fire". But in 1958, at the peak of his success, Lewis married his 13-year-old cousin, a move that almost ended his career.
In the 1960's, he made a comeback, especially in the country field. In later years, he would enjoy success performing in concerts, where fans got to hear Lewis sing his iconic hits in person.
CNN.com story:
Jerry Lee Lewis, rock 'n' roll pioneer who sang 'Great Balls of Fire,' dies at 87 | CNN .
While few radio stations nowadays program 1950's/1960's oldies, WMEX-1510 here in Boston does program oldies, and a wide range of hits from the mid 1950's through the 1980's at that. Shortly after news of Lewis's death broke, the station played a few Jerry Lee Lewis records.
Coming out of Memphis in the mid to late 1950's, Lewis had several hits including "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On", and his biggest hit, "Great Balls Of Fire". But in 1958, at the peak of his success, Lewis married his 13-year-old cousin, a move that almost ended his career.
In the 1960's, he made a comeback, especially in the country field. In later years, he would enjoy success performing in concerts, where fans got to hear Lewis sing his iconic hits in person.
CNN.com story:
Jerry Lee Lewis, rock 'n' roll pioneer who sang 'Great Balls of Fire,' dies at 87 | CNN .
While few radio stations nowadays program 1950's/1960's oldies, WMEX-1510 here in Boston does program oldies, and a wide range of hits from the mid 1950's through the 1980's at that. Shortly after news of Lewis's death broke, the station played a few Jerry Lee Lewis records.