Jerry Lee Lewis: How ‘the Killer’ keeps rolling
Now 75, Lewis lives as a virtual recluse with his daughter and five Chihuahuas in rural Mississippi.
Jerry Lee Lewis reckons he’s lucky to be alive, said Edna Gundersen in USA Today. It’s been more than 50 years since he first jumped up on his piano and put his libidinous stamp on early rock ’n’ roll with tunes like “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,’’ making himself both a star and a pariah. “I’ve done some crazy things,” he says. “I messed up along the way and got what was coming to me.”
One of the crazier things was marrying his 13-year-old first cousin once removed, back in 1958. The scandal nearly ended his career; it didn’t help that his energetic, boogie-woogie style struck many in the South, including his Baptist family, as “devil’s music.” That term still rankles. “I broke loose and spread my wings, but to call it devil’s music was a little harsh,” he says.
Now 75, the musician nicknamed “the Killer” has been married and divorced six times, and has buried two ex-wives and two sons. He lives as a virtual recluse with his daughter and five Chihuahuas in rural Mississippi; he no longer smokes or drinks. “My life is as clean as it can be,” he sighs. “I’m a religious man. I never lost my connection. I just drifted away; you can’t serve two gods. But I’m looking forward to going to heaven. I certainly hope they need a piano player.”
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
-
All the records Taylor Swift has broken
Speed Read Swift's 'Eras' tour is now the highest-grossing concert tour in history
By Brendan Morrow Published
-
'Will growth slow, or is the economy about to fall off a cliff?'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Senate passes FAA bill with new consumer protections
Speed Read The legislation will require airlines to refund customers for flight delays
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published