History of Jerry Lee Lewis in Timeline
Jerry Lee Lewis, known as "The Killer", was a pioneering American musician in rock and roll and rockabilly. His energetic performances and hit songs like "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On", "Great Balls of Fire", and "Breathless" brought him worldwide recognition. Lewis began his recording career in the early 1950s, with his breakthrough coming from Sun Records in Memphis.
September 29, 1935: Birth of Jerry Lee Lewis
Jerry Lee Lewis, the renowned American pianist, singer, and songwriter, was born on September 29, 1935.
November 19, 1949: First Public Performance
At a car dealership in Ferriday, Jerry Lee Lewis, a young musician on the cusp of a remarkable career, gave his first public performance on November 19, 1949, showcasing his talent and setting the stage for his future success.
February 1952: Marriage to Dorothy Barton
At the age of 16, Jerry Lee Lewis married Dorothy Barton, the daughter of a preacher, in February 1952.
1952: First Demo Recording
In 1952, Jerry Lee Lewis took a significant step in his musical journey by recording his first demo, showcasing his raw talent and paving the way for his future breakthroughs in the music industry.
1952: First Recordings at J&M Studio
In 1952, a young Jerry Lee Lewis stepped into Cosimo Matassa's J&M Studio in New Orleans, Louisiana, to make his first recordings. He recorded covers like Lefty Frizzell's "Don't Stay Away (Till Love Grows Cold)" and showcased his own instrumental talent with "Jerry's Boogie."
September 1953: Marriage to Sally Jane Mitcham
Jerry Lee Lewis married Sally Jane Mitcham in September 1953, just 23 days before his divorce from Dorothy Barton was finalized, making the validity of the marriage questionable.
October 1953: Divorce from Dorothy Barton
Jerry Lee Lewis's first marriage, to Dorothy Barton, ended in divorce in October 1953.
1954: Birth of Jerry Lee Lewis Jr.
Jerry Lee Lewis Jr., the first child of Jerry Lee Lewis and Sally Jane Mitcham, was born in 1954.
1955: Performance at the Louisiana Hayride
Jerry Lee Lewis's career was gaining traction in 1955 as he took the stage at the Louisiana Hayride, a renowned country music stage and radio show in Shreveport, further solidifying his reputation as a rising star.
November 1956: Audition for Sun Records
Jerry Lee Lewis's journey took a pivotal turn in November 1956 when he traveled to Memphis, Tennessee, to audition for Sun Records, a move that would shape his destiny and leave an indelible mark on the world of music.
December 4, 1956: Million Dollar Quartet Jam Session
A legendary jam session took place on December 4, 1956, at Sun Records, bringing together Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash. This impromptu gathering, dubbed the "Million Dollar Quartet," became a historic moment in music history.
December 1956: Signing with Sun Records
December 1956 marked a turning point in Jerry Lee Lewis's career as he officially signed with Sun Records, a label renowned for fostering some of the greatest names in rock and roll. This pivotal moment set the stage for his rise to stardom.
1956: Early Songwriting Success
Jerry Lee Lewis either wrote or co-wrote several notable songs in 1956, including "End of the Road" and "Lewis Boogie," showcasing his early songwriting talents.
1956: Birth of Ronnie Guy Lewis
Ronnie Guy Lewis, the second son of Jerry Lee Lewis and Sally Jane Mitcham, was born in 1956.
1956: Early Recordings at Sun Records
Jerry Lee Lewis's career gained momentum in 1956 when he began recording at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee. These sessions marked the beginning of his rise to prominence in the rock and roll scene.
1956: Lewis Releases Debut Single, "Crazy Arms"
In 1956, Jerry Lee Lewis released his debut single, "Crazy Arms," showcasing his early foray into country music.
July 28, 1957: Jerry Lee Lewis's Inaugural Television Appearance
On July 28, 1957, Jerry Lee Lewis made his first television appearance on The Steve Allen Show, where he performed his hit song "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin On." Known for his energetic performances, Lewis incorporated his signature piano-playing antics, including pounding the keys with his heel and kicking the bench aside.
October 1957: Divorce Filing from Sally Jane Mitcham
Jerry Lee Lewis filed for divorce from his second wife, Sally Jane Mitcham, in October 1957 after four years of marriage.
December 12, 1957: Marriage to Myra Gale Brown
Jerry Lee Lewis married Myra Gale Brown, his 13-year-old first cousin once removed, on December 12, 1957, before his divorce from Jane Mitcham was finalized.
1957: Release of "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" and "Great Balls of Fire"
Jerry Lee Lewis's career reached new heights in 1957 with the release of his smash hits "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" and "Great Balls of Fire." These iconic songs propelled him to international stardom, establishing his reputation as a rock and roll pioneer. However, they also sparked controversy and debate due to their suggestive lyrics and Lewis's electrifying stage presence, leading to boycotts by some radio stations.
1957: Hit Songwriting Continues
Lewis continued his songwriting streak in 1957, penning or co-writing songs like "Pumpin' Piano Rock" and "Friday Night," further establishing his presence as a songwriter.
1957: Rise to International Fame
Jerry Lee Lewis's career skyrocketed in 1957 with the release of his hit songs "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" and "Great Balls of Fire." These iconic tracks brought him international fame and cemented his status as a rock and roll pioneer.
1957: Session Musician at Sun Records
In 1957, Jerry Lee Lewis showcased his versatility and musical prowess by working as a session musician at Sun Records, lending his distinctive piano playing to recordings by fellow artists such as Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash.
May 1958: Scandal Erupts Over Lewis's Marriage
In a major controversy that rocked Jerry Lee Lewis's career, news broke in May 1958 about his marriage to his 13-year-old cousin, Myra Gale Brown. The revelation, made during a British tour, caused public outrage and led to the cancellation of the tour after just three concerts.
June 4, 1958: Re-Marriage to Myra Gale Brown
Jerry Lee Lewis and Myra Gale Brown remarried on June 4, 1958, after his divorce from Jane Mitcham was finalized.
1958: More Songwriting Credits
In 1958, Jerry Lee Lewis added more songwriting credits to his name with songs like "High School Confidential" and "Memory of You."
1959: Birth of Steve Allen Lewis
Steve Allen Lewis, the first child of Jerry Lee Lewis and Myra Gale Brown, was born in 1959, when Myra was only 14 years old.
1960: Phillips Records Opens New Studios
In 1960, Sun Records founder Sam Phillips opened new, state-of-the-art recording studios in Memphis and Nashville, marking a significant development in the music industry. The Memphis studio replaced the old Union Avenue location where numerous iconic artists, including Jerry Lee Lewis, had recorded.
1960: Songwriting Collaborations and Releases
Jerry Lee Lewis's songwriting in 1960 included collaborations and notable releases, such as "Baby Baby Bye Bye" (co-written with Huey "Piano" Smith) and "Lewis Workout."
1961: Jerry Lee Lewis Records "What'd I Say"
In 1961, Jerry Lee Lewis recorded his major hit of the time, a rendition of Ray Charles's "What'd I Say," at Phillips' new studio in Nashville.
September 1962: "Sweet Little Sixteen" Updated Version Released
In September of 1962, an updated version of Jerry Lee Lewis's hit "Sweet Little Sixteen" was released in the UK.
1962: Death of Steve Allen Lewis
Steve Allen Lewis, son of Jerry Lee Lewis and Myra Gale Brown, died in a swimming pool accident in 1962 at three.
March 1963: "Good Golly, Miss Molly" Updated Version Released
March of 1963 saw the release of an updated version of Jerry Lee Lewis's "Good Golly, Miss Molly," which entered the hit parade in Europe.
June 1963: Jerry Lee Lewis Returns to the UK
In June 1963, Jerry Lee Lewis made his return to the UK for the first time since the 1958 scandal. Lewis headlined a performance on the MV Royal Daffodil for a rock and roll cruise.
1963: Birth of Phoebe Allen Lewis
Phoebe Allen Lewis, the second child of Jerry Lee Lewis and Myra Gale Brown, was born in 1963.
1963: Writing "He Took It Like a Man"
Jerry Lee Lewis wrote "He Took It Like a Man" in 1963, although it wasn't released until 1967 on his album "Soul My Way."
1964: Live at the Star Club, Hamburg Released
Considered by many to be one of the greatest live albums ever made, Jerry Lee Lewis's "Live at the Star Club, Hamburg" was released in 1964. The album, recorded with the Nashville Teens, showcased Lewis's raw talent as both a pianist and singer.
1964: "Pen and Paper" Released
In 1964, Jerry Lee Lewis released the single "Pen and Paper," which reached number 36 on the country charts.
1964: Release of "Live at the Star Club, Hamburg"
Jerry Lee Lewis released the live album, "Live at the Star Club, Hamburg," in 1964. The album would later be regarded by many as one of the wildest and greatest live rock albums ever recorded.
1964: "The Session" Charts Higher Than Any Album Since "Golden Hits of Jerry Lee Lewis"
Released in 1973, "The Session" achieved a notable milestone by becoming Jerry Lee Lewis's highest-charting pop album since his 1964 release, "Golden Hits of Jerry Lee Lewis."
1965: Release of "Baby, Hold Me Close"
1965 saw the release of "Baby, Hold Me Close," a song written by Jerry Lee Lewis and featured on his album "The Return of Rock."
1966: Songwriting Contributions
Jerry Lee Lewis contributed to his songwriting catalog in 1966 with tracks like "What a Heck of a Mess" and "Lincoln Limousine."
1967: Release of "He Took It Like a Man"
Jerry Lee Lewis's song "He Took It Like a Man," written in 1963, was finally released on his album "Soul My Way."
March 9, 1968: "Another Place, Another Time" Released
Jerry Lee Lewis released the Jerry Chesnut song "Another Place, Another Time" on March 9, 1968. The song marked Lewis's return to the country charts, where it would go on to peak at number 4 and remain on the charts for 17 weeks.
1968: Jerry Lee Lewis's Country Music Success
Between 1968 and 1977, Jerry Lee Lewis achieved remarkable success on the Billboard country chart, securing 17 Top 10 hit singles, with four reaching the number one spot.
1968: Transition into Country Music
In 1968, Jerry Lee Lewis made a significant career transition by venturing into country music. This move proved successful, as he began charting hits with songs like "Another Place, Another Time," leading to a resurgence in his career.
July 1969: Shelby Singleton Purchases Sun Records
In July 1969, Shelby Singleton, Lewis's former producer at Smash Records, bought Sun Records from Sam Phillips and began repackaging and releasing Lewis's old recordings.
1970: Writing "Alvin"
Jerry Lee Lewis penned the song "Alvin" in 1970.
1970: Divorce from Myra Gale Brown
Myra Gale Brown filed for divorce from Jerry Lee Lewis in 1970, citing adultery and abuse as grounds for the separation.
1970: Lewis's Career Resurgence
Jerry Lee Lewis experienced a career resurgence in 1970, becoming a highly successful country artist. Shelby Singleton capitalized on this by releasing repackaged older recordings and the single "One Minute Past Eternity", which reached number 2 on the country chart.
1970: First Gospel Album Recording
In 1970, despite his string of successful country albums, Jerry Lee Lewis ventured into gospel music for the first time, recording an album that would be released the following year.
October 1971: Marriage to Jaren Elizabeth Gunn Pate
Jerry Lee Lewis married Jaren Elizabeth Gunn Pate in October 1971.
1971: "Me and Bobby McGee" Hits the Charts
Jerry Lee Lewis returned to the pop charts in 1971 with his version of "Me and Bobby McGee".
1971: Release of Debut Gospel Album
Jerry Lee Lewis's first foray into gospel music was marked by the release of his debut gospel album in 1971.
1972: "Chantilly Lace" Marks Lewis's Return to Pop Charts
In 1972, Jerry Lee Lewis achieved another pop chart success with his rendition of "Chantilly Lace", further solidifying his comeback in the music industry.
1972: Birth of Lori Lee Lewis
Lori Lee Lewis, Jerry Lee Lewis's daughter with Jaren Elizabeth Gunn Pate, was born in 1972.
1972: Release of "Wall Around Heaven"
The song "Wall Around Heaven," written by Jerry Lee Lewis, was released on his album "Who's Gonna Play This Old Piano?" in 1972.
January 20, 1973: Lewis's Only Grand Ole Opry Performance
On January 20, 1973, Jerry Lee Lewis made his only appearance at the Grand Ole Opry, 18 years after being turned away as an aspiring musician. He played for an extended time, exceeding his allocated slot, and invited Del Wood to perform with him.
1973: Death of Jerry Lee Lewis Jr.
Tragically, Jerry Lee Lewis Jr. died in 1973 at 19 in a Jeep accident.
1973: Lewis Records "The Session" and "Southern Roots"
In 1973, fueled by renewed interest in rock and roll, Lewis recorded "The Session" in London with musicians like Rory Gallagher and Albert Lee, yielding the hit "Drinking Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee." He then recorded the soul-infused "Southern Roots" in Memphis, marked by personal struggles and conflicts.
September 29, 1976: Accidental Shooting Incident
On his 41st birthday, September 29, 1976, Jerry Lee Lewis accidentally shot his bassist, Butch Owens, in the chest while aiming at a Coke bottle with a .357 Magnum. Fortunately, Owens survived the incident.
November 23, 1976: Arrest at Graceland
On November 23, 1976, Jerry Lee Lewis was arrested outside Elvis Presley's Graceland mansion for allegedly planning to shoot him. According to Rick Bragg's 2014 biography, Lewis claimed that Presley had invited him over, but he was delayed helping his father with a legal issue. Later that night, while intoxicated, he drove to Graceland with a loaded gun and crashed into the gates.
1977: End of a Successful Period in Country Music
By 1977, Jerry Lee Lewis's streak of chart-topping country hits had come to an end, marking the conclusion of a remarkably successful period in his musical journey.
1977: "Middle Age Crazy" Becomes Lewis's Last Major Hit With Mercury Records
Released in 1977, "Middle Age Crazy" marked Jerry Lee Lewis's final significant hit with Mercury Records, as his string of successful country releases began to dwindle.
1979: Lewis Releases Critically Acclaimed Album on Elektra Records
In 1979, Jerry Lee Lewis released a self-titled album under Elektra Records. Despite receiving positive reviews from critics, the album's sales performance fell short of expectations.
1979: IRS Property Seizure
In 1979, due to an outstanding tax debt of $274,000, the Internal Revenue Service seized a significant amount of Jerry Lee Lewis's property, including vehicles, musical instruments, and other valuables.
1980: Relationship with Mary Kathy "K.K." Jones Begins
Jerry Lee Lewis's relationship with Mary Kathy "K.K." Jones began in 1980.
1980: IRS Auction
An auction was held in 1980 to sell off the property seized from Jerry Lee Lewis by the IRS. However, it only attracted 150 bidders and generated $91,382, falling short of covering the total debt.
1980: Release of "Rockin' Jerry Lee"
In 1980, Jerry Lee Lewis's song "Rockin' Jerry Lee" was released as the B-side to his single "Honky Tonk Stuff," which was featured on the album "When Two Worlds Collide."
June 8, 1982: Divorce from Jaren Elizabeth Gunn Pate
Jerry Lee Lewis's fourth marriage, to Jaren Elizabeth Gunn Pate, lasted from October 1971 to June 8, 1982. Pate tragically drowned in a swimming pool weeks before their divorce was finalized.
August 1983: Death of Shawn Stephens
Jerry Lee Lewis's fifth marriage, to Shawn Stephens, ended in August 1983 after only 77 days when Stephens died from a methadone overdose. Journalist Richard Ben Cramer accused Lewis of abuse and potential involvement in her death, but no charges were ever filed.
1983: Writing "Pilot Baby"
Jerry Lee Lewis wrote the song "Pilot Baby" in 1983.
1983: Relationship with Mary Kathy "K.K." Jones Ends
Jerry Lee Lewis's relationship with Mary Kathy "K.K." Jones ended in 1983.
April 1984: Marriage to Kerrie McCarver
Jerry Lee Lewis married Kerrie McCarver in April 1984, marking the beginning of his sixth marriage.
1984: Testimony of Mary Kathy "K.K." Jones
During Lewis's income tax evasion trial in 1984, Mary Kathy "K.K." Jones testified that she lived with him from 1980 to 1983.
1984: Tax Evasion Case
Jerry Lee Lewis faced a tax evasion case in 1984 and was ultimately found not guilty. Despite the acquittal, he still owed money to the IRS, leading to further property seizures the following year.
1986: Lewis Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 1986, Jerry Lee Lewis was among the first musicians inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Despite health issues, he initiated an unplanned jam session that became a tradition for future ceremonies. He also reunited with other music legends to record the album "Class of '55" at Sun Studio in Memphis.
1986: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In recognition of his pioneering influence on rock and roll, Jerry Lee Lewis was honored with induction into the inaugural class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.
1986: First Grammy Award Win
Jerry Lee Lewis, along with Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Roy Orbison, received his first Grammy Award in 1986 in the spoken-word category for a rare album of interviews released with early copies of the "Class of '55" album.
1987: Birth of Jerry Lee Lewis III
Jerry Lee Lewis III, the son of Jerry Lee Lewis and Kerrie McCarver, was born in 1987.
1988: Bankruptcy Filing
In 1988, burdened by substantial debt, including a significant sum owed to the IRS, Jerry Lee Lewis filed for bankruptcy.
June 1989: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
In June 1989, Jerry Lee Lewis was recognized for his contributions to the recording industry with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a testament to his enduring legacy.
1989: "Great Balls of Fire!" Biopic Revives Public Interest
The release of the biopic "Great Balls of Fire!" in 1989 brought Jerry Lee Lewis back into the spotlight. The film, starring Dennis Quaid as Lewis, chronicled his rise to fame and his tumultuous relationship with Myra Gale Lewis.
1989: Release of "Great Balls of Fire" Biopic
The biographical film "Great Balls of Fire," starring Dennis Quaid as Jerry Lee Lewis, premiered in 1989, chronicling Lewis's life and career.
1990: Lewis's Song Featured in "Dick Tracy"
In 1990, Jerry Lee Lewis's song "It Was the Whiskey Talkin' (Not Me)" was featured in the soundtrack of the film "Dick Tracy," garnering him renewed attention.
1990: Thoughts on Religion
In the 1990 documentary "The Jerry Lee Lewis Story," Lewis shared his thoughts on religion, stating that the Bible doesn't explicitly mention the word "religion" and emphasizing the concepts of sanctification and salvation. He also reflected on his experience as a preacher and his understanding of the Bible.
1993: Move to Ireland and Legal Trouble
In 1993, Jerry Lee Lewis moved to Ireland with his family, which sparked rumors (later denied) that he was trying to avoid issues with the Internal Revenue Service. While residing in Foxrock, Dublin, he faced a lawsuit from Neue Constantin Film Production GmbH for failing to appear at a concert in Munich.
1995: "Killer Country" Compilation Released
Jerry Lee Lewis's compilation album, "Killer Country," was released in 1995. The album highlighted Lewis's significant contributions to country music throughout his career.
1995: Release of "Crown Victoria Custom '51"
The song "Crown Victoria Custom '51," written by Jerry Lee Lewis, was released as the B-side of a Sire Records single in 1995.
1997: Return to the U.S.
Jerry Lee Lewis returned to the U.S. in 1997 after Irish promoter Kieran Cavanagh helped resolve his tax issues.
1998: Lewis Tours with Chuck Berry and Little Richard
In 1998, Jerry Lee Lewis embarked on a European tour alongside rock and roll icons Chuck Berry and Little Richard.
1998: Grammy Hall of Fame Induction for "Great Balls of Fire"
In 1998, the original Sun cut of Jerry Lee Lewis's "Great Balls of Fire" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, recognizing its lasting impact on the music industry.
1999: Grammy Hall of Fame Induction for "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On"
Jerry Lee Lewis's Sun recording of "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999, solidifying its place as a timeless classic.
2003: "All Killer, No Filler: The Anthology" Ranked on Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums of All Time"
Jerry Lee Lewis's box set "All Killer, No Filler: The Anthology" earned critical acclaim in 2003 when Rolling Stone magazine placed it at number 242 on their esteemed list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time."
2004: Ranked on Rolling Stone's "100 Greatest Artists of All Time"
Rolling Stone magazine further recognized Jerry Lee Lewis's indelible mark on music in 2004 by ranking him at number 24 on their list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time."
February 12, 2005: Lewis Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Jerry Lee Lewis was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from The Recording Academy on February 12, 2005, recognizing his significant contributions to the music world.
June 2005: Divorce from Kerrie McCarver
After 21 years of marriage, Jerry Lee Lewis and Kerrie McCarver divorced in June 2005.
2005: "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" Added to National Recording Registry
In recognition of its cultural and historical significance, Jerry Lee Lewis's groundbreaking song "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" was selected in 2005 for permanent preservation in the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress, solidifying its legacy as a pivotal piece of American musical history.
September 26, 2006: "Last Man Standing" Released to Critical Acclaim
On September 26, 2006, Jerry Lee Lewis released the album "Last Man Standing," featuring collaborations with notable musicians. It received positive reviews and performed well on Billboard charts.
2006: Release of "Last Man Standing"
Jerry Lee Lewis achieved a career milestone in 2006 with the release of his album "Last Man Standing." The album became his best-selling release, surpassing a million copies sold worldwide and reaffirming his enduring appeal.
2006: Release of "Ol' Glory"
In 2006, Jerry Lee Lewis released the song "Ol' Glory," which he wrote, on his album "Last Man Standing."
March 2007: "Last Man Standing Live" DVD Released
In March 2007, Jerry Lee Lewis released "Last Man Standing Live," a DVD capturing moments from his concert tour and featuring performances with guest artists.
October 10, 2007: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's American Music Masters Award
On October 10, 2007, Jerry Lee Lewis received the prestigious American Music Masters Award from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, acknowledging his significant contributions to American music.
November 5, 2007: Tribute at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Starting on November 5, 2007, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, held a six-day event dedicated to Jerry Lee Lewis. The event, titled "The Life and Music of Jerry Lee Lewis," featured conferences, interviews, a DVD premiere, and film clips.
February 10, 2008: 50th Grammy Awards Performance
Jerry Lee Lewis performed "Great Balls of Fire" with John Fogerty and Little Richard at the 50th Grammy Awards on February 10, 2008, as part of a medley that included "Good Golly Miss Molly."
June 4, 2008: Louisiana Music Hall of Fame Induction and "A Capitol Fourth" Performance
Jerry Lee Lewis was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame on June 4, 2008. He also performed a medley of his hits, including "Roll Over Beethoven," "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin On," and "Great Balls of Fire," as the finale of "A Capitol Fourth."
October 2008: Lewis Performs in London
As part of a European tour in October 2008, Jerry Lee Lewis played two shows in London, including a special performance at the 100 Club and a concert at the London Forum with Wanda Jackson and his sister, Linda Gail Lewis.
August 2009: Lewis Releases "Mean Old Man"
In August 2009, preceding his new album, Jerry Lee Lewis released "Mean Old Man," a single penned by Kris Kristofferson, as a digital download.
October 29, 2009: Lewis Opens Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Anniversary Concert
On October 29, 2009, Jerry Lee Lewis kicked off the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 25th Anniversary concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
September 2010: Release of "Mean Old Man" Album
Jerry Lee Lewis released the album "Mean Old Man" in September 2010. It reached No. 30 on the Billboard 200 album chart.
2010: Release of "Mean Old Man"
Jerry Lee Lewis released "Mean Old Man" in 2010. The album achieved commercial success, becoming one of his best-selling albums and demonstrating his ability to remain relevant in the music industry.
2011: Lewis Credits Cousin Carl McVoy as Influence
During an appearance on "Memphis Sounds with George Klein" in 2011, Jerry Lee Lewis acknowledged the influence of his older cousin, Carl McVoy, a skilled pianist and singer, on his musical development.
March 9, 2012: Seventh Marriage and Family Disputes
On March 9, 2012, Jerry Lee Lewis married Judith Brown, his seventh wife and the ex-wife of his former brother-in-law. The very next day, he severed business ties with his daughter and manager, Phoebe Lewis-Loftin, revoking her power of attorney.
May 2013: Lewis Opens Beale Street Club
In May 2013, Jerry Lee Lewis further cemented his ties to Memphis by opening a new club on the iconic Beale Street.
2013: "Southern Roots: The Original Sessions" Released
In 2013, "Southern Roots: The Original Sessions" was reissued, offering fans a glimpse into the recording process and Lewis's volatile behavior during the sessions.
2013: Elton John Acknowledges Lewis's Influence
In a 2013 interview, Elton John recalled the impact of Jerry Lee Lewis's energetic piano playing, particularly in "Great Balls of Fire," which inspired him to approach the instrument with a similar intensity.
2014: Publication of Authorized Biography
Rick Bragg's authorized biography of Jerry Lee Lewis, "Jerry Lee Lewis: His Own Story," was published in 2014, offering insights into Lewis's life and career, including his account of the 1976 Graceland incident.
2014: Lewis Reveals Early Influence of Paul Whitehead
Jerry Lee Lewis revealed to biographer Rich Bragg in 2014 that Paul Whitehead, a blind pianist from Meadville, Mississippi, had been a key influence on his piano playing during his early days performing in clubs.
2014: Rick Bragg Publishes Lewis Biography
Rick Bragg's authorized biography of Jerry Lee Lewis was published in 2014, providing insights into Lewis's life and career, including his struggles during the recording of "Southern Roots."
2017: Lewis Honored at CMT Skyville Live
In 2017, Country Music Television's Skyville Live dedicated a special episode to Jerry Lee Lewis, with various artists performing his music in tribute.
2017: Lawsuit Against Daughter
In 2017, Jerry Lee Lewis, along with his wife Judith and son Jerry Lee Lewis III, sued Phoebe Lewis-Loftin and her husband Zeke, alleging that she owed him money and that they defamed them on Facebook.
February 28, 2019: Lewis Suffers Stroke
On February 28, 2019, Jerry Lee Lewis experienced a stroke, leading to the cancellation of his scheduled performances while he recuperated.
April 2019: Ruling on Family Lawsuit
In April 2019, U.S. District Judge Neal Biggers dismissed most of the claims in the lawsuit between Jerry Lee Lewis and his daughter, citing a three-year statute of limitations. However, the defamation claims were allowed to proceed.
December 2019: Mississippi Country Music Trail Marker
In December 2019, a Mississippi Country Music Trail marker was placed at Jerry Lee Lewis's ranch in Nesbit, Mississippi, honoring his significant contributions to country music.
March 2020: Lewis Begins Recording Gospel Album
In March 2020, Jerry Lee Lewis returned to the studio for the first time since his stroke to work on a gospel album with producer T-Bone Burnett and guitarist James Burton.
October 27, 2020: Jerry Lee Lewis's 85th Birthday Livestream
On October 27, 2020, Jerry Lee Lewis celebrated his 85th birthday with a livestream special titled "Whole Lotta Celebratin' Goin' On." The event was broadcasted on YouTube, Facebook, and his official website, featuring appearances and performances by notable artists such as Willie Nelson, Elton John, Mike Love, Priscilla Presley, and Joe Walsh, with John Stamos as the host.
May 2022: Country Music Hall of Fame Induction Announcement
Jerry Lee Lewis was announced as a member-elect to the Country Music Hall of Fame in May 2022. Sarah Trahern, CMA chief executive officer, recognized Lewis's unique path and lasting impact on the country music industry.
October 2022: Country Music Hall of Fame Induction
Jerry Lee Lewis was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in October 2022. During an event earlier that year, Lewis expressed his gratitude for the honor and reflected on the importance of treating people right.
October 28, 2022: Death of Jerry Lee Lewis
Jerry Lee Lewis, known as "The Killer" and a pioneer of rock and roll and rockabilly, passed away on October 28, 2022.
November 5, 2022: Funeral in Ferriday
Jerry Lee Lewis's funeral was held on November 5, 2022, in his Louisiana hometown of Ferriday. His cousin, the televangelist Jimmy Swaggart, and Swaggart's son officiated the service.
2022: Release of Documentary and Gospel Album
In 2022, a documentary about Jerry Lee Lewis, "Jerry Lee Lewis: Trouble in Mind," directed by Ethan Coen, was released. The same year, Lewis collaborated with his cousin, Jimmy Swaggart, on a gospel album titled "The Boys from Ferriday."
2022: Induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame
Jerry Lee Lewis received one of country music's highest honors in 2022 when he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, solidifying his influential legacy across multiple genres.
2023: Status of Gospel Album Unknown
As of 2023, the status of the gospel album Jerry Lee Lewis began recording in 2020 with T-Bone Burnett and James Burton remains unclear. Lewis later recorded a separate gospel album with his cousin Jimmy Swaggart.