Jerry Lee Lewis.

Born 29 Sep 1935 Ferriday, United States

Died 28 Oct 2022 United States

Citizenship United States

Would Be 91 yr If Living

16 min read

Reading time

3,032

Words

Oct 17, 2026

Published

Awards

TL;DR

Jerry Lee Lewis, born in Ferriday, Louisiana in 1935, ignited rock and roll with his piano-driven hits Whole Lotta Shakin Goin On and Great Balls of Fire. His 1958 marriage to his 13-year-old cousin Myra Brown sparked scandal that derailed his career. He rebounded as a country star in the late 1960s and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. He died in 2022 at age 87.

Identity & family.

KIN · 8

Names, aliases, and relatives of Jerry Lee Lewis — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Nicknames The Killer, The Ferriday Fireball

Aliases The Killer Himself

Spouses: Judith Brown Kerrie McCarver Shawn Stephens Jaren Elizabeth Gunn Pate Myra Lewis Jane Mitchum Dorothy Barton
Siblings: Linda Gail Lewis

At a glance.

STATS

Jerry Lee Lewis by the numbers — life, work, and family.

87 Years lived

3 Awards

7 Marriages

Who was Jerry Lee Lewis?

BIOGRAPHY

Jerry Lee Lewis — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

His parents mortgaged their farm to buy him a piano, recognizing Jerry Lee Lewis’s early talent. He grew up in an impoverished farming family in Ferriday, Louisiana, and played piano with his cousins Mickey Gilley and Jimmy Swaggart. The sounds from a black juke joint across the tracks influenced his style. At age 22, he enrolled at the Southwest Bible Institute in Texas, but was expelled for playing a boogie-woogie version of a religious song. That ended his religious education and sent him into the club circuit, cutting his first demo in 1952.

Career

In April 1957, Jerry Lee Lewis appeared on The Steve Allen Show and performed Whole Lotta Shakin Goin On, his big break. The song became a #1 hit, followed by Great Balls of Fire, Breathless, and High School Confidential. He soon eclipsed even Elvis Presley in popularity, with fans storming stages when he set a piano on fire. But his career crashed in May 1958 when the press discovered his marriage to 13-year-old Myra Gale Brown, his cousin’s daughter. He spent the rest of his Sun Records contract recording ballads. He made a comeback as a country singer in 1968 and continued performing rock and roll into his 70s. Critics rank his 1964 live album Live at the Star Club, Hamburg among the greatest rock and roll albums. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.

Personal life

Jerry Lee Lewis married Dorothy Barton at age 16 in 1952, but the union lasted only 20 months. He married Jane Mitchum in 1953, fathering his first son Jerry Lee Lewis Jr., who died in a 1973 car accident. In December 1957, he secretly married Myra Gale Brown, his 13-year-old first cousin once removed. The scandal erupted during his 1958 British tour, which was canceled after three concerts. He and Myra had two children: Steven Allen Lewis, who drowned at age three in 1962, and Phoebe Allen Lewis. They divorced in 1970. He married four more times, including a 21-year marriage to Kerrie McCarver from 1984 to 2005, with whom he had a son Jerry Lee Lewis III. His fourth wife Jaren drowned in a swimming pool in 1982. He had a severe drinking problem from the 1970s onward, nearly dying of a perforated ulcer in 1981.

Legacy

Jerry Lee Lewis’s piano style shaped rock and roll, influencing generations of musicians. Rolling Stone voted him the 24th Greatest Rock n Roll Artist of all time. In 2005, he received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2022, just 12 days before his death. A Mississippi Country Music Trail marker was unveiled at his ranch in 2019. His wild stage antics and hits like Great Balls of Fire are still remembered.

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 3

Every award, honor, and recognition received by Jerry Lee Lewis — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Notable quotes.

QUOTES · 18

A wall of memorable lines from Jerry Lee Lewis — lyrics, interviews, and off-the-cuff remarks captured over a lifetime.

If I’m Going to Hell, I’m Going There to Play on a Piano!
I Never Considered Myself the Greatest, but I’m the Best.
If the Lord Made Anything Better Than a Woman He Kept It for Himself
Either Be Hot or Cold. If You Are Lukewarm, the Lord Will Spew You Forth from His Mouth
I’ve Always Showed Up. If I Got Paid.
I’ve Learned to Be One of the Hardheadedest Cats in the World. I’ve Learned That.
I Never Set Fire to a Piano. I’d Like to Have Got Away with It, Though. I Pushed a Couple of Them in the River. They Wasn’t Any Good
When They Look Back on Me I Want ‘Em to Remember Me Not for All My Wives, Although I’ve Had a Few, and Certainly Not for Any Mansions or High Livin’ Money I Made and Spent. I Want ‘Em to Remember Me Simply for My Music.
I Am Right. I’m Always Right. One Time I Thought I Was Wrong, I Found Out I Was Right.
Other People – They Practice and They Practice… These Fingers of Mine, They Got Brains in ‘Em. You Don’t Tell Them What to Do – They Do It. God Given Talent
My Momma Always Said, ‘You and Elvis Are Pretty Good, but Y’all Ain’t No Chuck Berry.
Hippies? Why, I’m the Original.
I Wasn’t the Kind of Guy Who’d Take a Girl and Put Her up on a Hill, and Live with Her for Eight Years, and Then Just Marry Her When I Got Her Pregnant. That Was a Fact. I’m Not Mentioning Any Names. I Wouldn’t Be Talkin’ About Elvis Presley Unless I Was Talking About Elvis Presley.
I Never Drank That Much. Well, I Have Took a Few Pills in My Life, but Who Hasn’t?
Elvis Was More Rockabilly. Not Rock’n’roll. Rockabilly – Which Is Close to Hillbilly.
I Knew That, Yeah. Rock’n’roll, Blues, Boogie Woogie, You Can Look at BB King, Look at Elvis Presley, You Can Look at the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, but When It Comes Down to It, It’s Jerry Lee Lewis. His Music Is Definitely Way Ahead of Its Time.
How Can It Be the Devil’s Music? Satan Didn’t Give Me the Talent. God Gave Me the Talent, and I’ve Always Told People That.
Well, I Listened to Other People, I Liked Them, but I Could Never Find Anybody That Was Better Than Me.

Did you know?

FACTS · 48

Little-known facts about Jerry Lee Lewis — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

Lewis was a member of the Million Dollar Quartet with Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Carl Perkins, so named for their profitability at Sun Records.
He hated his ex-wife Myra Lewis’s biography Great Balls of Fire.
Lewis claimed his nickname Killer originated in childhood, when he called friends Killer and they reciprocated. It stayed with him for life.
His eldest son Jerry Lee Lewis Jr., born 1953, died in a car crash in 1973. His second son Steven Allen Lewis, born 1959, drowned at age three in 1962.
His fourth wife Jaren drowned in a swimming pool in 1982 while their divorce was being finalized. They had separated in 1974.
With Myra, he had a son Steven Allen Lewis 1959-1962 and a daughter Phoebe Allen Lewis born 1963.
At Janis Joplin’s ten-year high school reunion, Lewis commented that she wouldn’t be half-bad-looking if she stopped trying to look like her sister. Joplin slugged him, and he slugged her back, saying, If you’re gonna act like a man, I’m gonna treat you like one.
He despised the 1989 film Great Balls of Fire! based on his life.
He received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005.
With Kerrie McCarver, he had a son Jerry Lee Lewis III, born in 1987.
Rolling Stone ranked him the 24th Greatest Rock n Roll Artist of all time.
He revived his career in the late 1960s as a country singer.
He was portrayed by Dennis Quaid in Great Balls of Fire! 1989, Waylon Payne in Walk the Line 2005, and James C. Victor in Mr. Rock n Roll: The Alan Freed Story 1999.
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2008.
He was the son of Elmo Lewis and Mamie Ethel Lewis. He was a cousin of Jimmy Swaggart and Mickey Gilley. His first cousin once removed Myra Lewis was 13 when they married.
He used his middle name Lee to distinguish himself from comedian Jerry Lewis, who had a Top 10 hit in 1956. Both Jerry and Jerry Lee cited Al Jolson as an influence. The confusion is now moot as both are deceased.
He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6631 Hollywood Boulevard.
He was on the critical list in a Memphis hospital in November 1985.
He recorded What’d I Say with guitarist Hank Garland.
His siblings included Linda Gail Lewis born 1947, Frankie Jean Lewis born 1944, and Elmo Lewis Jr.
With Jane Mitchum, he had two sons: Jerry Lee Lewis Jr. 1953-1973 and Ronnie Guy Lewis born 1956.
When Jerry Lee Lewis first appeared on The Steve Allen Show in July 1957, he was already known by name due to the earlier recording success of comedian Jerry Lewis. Both had cited Al Jolson as an influence.
He performed at New York City’s Apollo Theater on September 27, 1957.
During the British Invasion, he renewed his career in Great Britain, mesmerizing fans on the TV show Ready, Steady, Go!.
In October 2004, he performed in Prague and Sofia, refusing a meeting with the Czech president and an interview with Bulgarian National Television.
He began playing piano with his cousins Mickey Gilley and Jimmy Swaggart, who later became a country singer and televangelist, respectively.
He recorded with guitarist Hank Garland.
He suffered a stroke on February 28, 2019.
His parents mortgaged their farm to purchase his first piano.
His marriage to 13-year-old Myra Gale Brown was revealed by a reporter at Heathrow Airport during his 1958 British tour. The scandal caused the tour to be canceled after three shows.
In December 2019, a Mississippi Country Music Trail marker was unveiled at his ranch in Nesbit, Mississippi.
At age 16, he married Dorothy Barton, a preacher’s daughter; the marriage lasted 20 months from February 1952 to October 1953.
His 1964 live album Live at the Star Club, Hamburg is considered one of the hardest pure rock and roll albums ever recorded.
His mother enrolled him at Southwest Bible Institute in Waxahachie, Texas, but he was expelled the same night for playing a boogie-woogie version of a religious song.
He fathered six children; two predeceased him: Steven Allen Lewis drowned at age three in 1962, and Jerry Lee Lewis Jr. died in a Jeep accident at age 19 in 1973.
His sixth marriage to Kerrie McCarver lasted 21 years, from 1984 to 2005; they had a son, Jerry Lee Lewis III, in 1987.
Lewis performed with his fists, elbows, and feet on the piano, sometimes climbing on top and setting it on fire. His style influenced generations of pianists.
He filed for bankruptcy in 1988, claiming over $3 million in debt, including $2 million owed to the IRS.
He moved to Ireland in 1993, reportedly to avoid tax issues, living in Foxrock, Dublin. He was sued by a German company for missing a Munich concert. He returned to the US in 1997 after resolving his tax problems with the help of Irish promoter Kieran Cavanagh.
On his 41st birthday in 1976, he accidentally fired a .357 Magnum that nearly killed his bass player Butch Owens.
He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame on October 16, 2022, just 12 days before his death.
He grew up in an impoverished farming family in eastern Louisiana.
His first public performance was on November 19, 1949, at a car dealership in Ferriday, where he played a cover of Drinkin’ Wine, Spo-Dee-O-Dee.
For his 85th birthday in 2020, a livestream called Whole Lotta Celebratin’ Goin’ On featured Willie Nelson, Elton John, and others, hosted by John Stamos.
His cousin Carl McVoy, along with the radio and sounds from Haney’s Big House, a juke joint across the tracks, influenced his style.
After being expelled from Southwest Bible Institute for playing worldly music at a talent show, he began playing clubs in Ferriday and Natchez, cutting his first demo in 1952 in New Orleans.
On the live album By Request, More of the Greatest Live Show on Earth, he named Moon Mullican as an inspiration.
In 1984, he underwent surgery to remove a third of his stomach due to perforated ulcers; his survival chance was 50%.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 30

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Jerry Lee Lewis.

When was Jerry Lee Lewis born?

Jerry Lee Lewis was born on September 29, 1935. He was born in Ferriday, Louisiana, to a poor religious family. This date started his career as a rock and roll legend.
Where was Jerry Lee Lewis born?

Jerry Lee Lewis was born in Ferriday, Louisiana, USA. He grew up in a poor farming family in eastern Louisiana. His birthplace is often associated with his early musical influences.
When did Jerry Lee Lewis die?

Jerry Lee Lewis died on October 28, 2022. He was 87 years old at the time of his death. He passed away in DeSoto County, Mississippi.
How old was Jerry Lee Lewis when he died?

Jerry Lee Lewis was 87 years old when he died on October 28, 2022. He was born on September 29, 1935, making him 87 at his passing.
Where did Jerry Lee Lewis die?

Jerry Lee Lewis died in DeSoto County, Mississippi, USA. He had lived in the area for many years. His death was confirmed by public statements at the time.
How did Jerry Lee Lewis die?

The cause of Jerry Lee Lewis’s death was not publicly disclosed. His family has not released further details. It is known that he had health issues in his later years.
What did Jerry Lee Lewis do for a living?

Jerry Lee Lewis was a rock and roll singer and pianist. He also occasionally worked in film and television as a performer.
What nationality was Jerry Lee Lewis?

Jerry Lee Lewis was American. He was born in the United States and held U.S. citizenship. His music career was based in America.
What language did Jerry Lee Lewis speak?

Jerry Lee Lewis spoke English as his native language. He was born and raised in the United States. His songs were primarily in English.
Who was Jerry Lee Lewis married to?

Jerry Lee Lewis was married seven times. His spouses include Dorothy Barton, Jane Mitchum, Myra Lewis, Jaren Elizabeth Gunn Pate, Shawn Stephens, Kerrie McCarver, and Judith Brown. His most controversial marriage was to Myra Gale Brown when she was 13.
Did Jerry Lee Lewis have siblings?

Yes, Jerry Lee Lewis had siblings. His sister Linda Gail Lewis is well-known as a singer. He also had other siblings: Frankie Jean Lewis and Elmo Lewis Jr.
Where did Jerry Lee Lewis go to school?

Jerry Lee Lewis attended Nelson University. He also briefly enrolled at the Southwest Bible Institute in Waxahachie, Texas, but was expelled for playing a boogie-woogie version of a religious song.
What awards did Jerry Lee Lewis win?

Jerry Lee Lewis won several major awards. He received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005 and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2022.
How many awards did Jerry Lee Lewis win?

Jerry Lee Lewis won at least three major awards. These include the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He also received other honors like the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.
What is Jerry Lee Lewis best known for?

Jerry Lee Lewis pioneered rock and roll with hits Whole Lotta Shakin Goin On and Great Balls of Fire. He was also a dynamic performer with piano playing and wild stage antics.
How tall was Jerry Lee Lewis?

Jerry Lee Lewis was 5 feet 10 inches tall, which is 1.78 meters. His height was average for a rock star of his era.
What is the origin of Jerry Lee Lewis's nickname The Killer?

Jerry Lee Lewis received the nickname Killer as a child. He used to call his friends Killer and they would return the greeting. The nickname stuck throughout his life.
Why did Jerry Lee Lewis use the alias The Killer Himself?

Jerry Lee Lewis often used the alias The Killer Himself in his performances and promotional materials. It emphasized his wild and untamed stage persona as a rock and roll rebel.
Did Jerry Lee Lewis have children?

Yes, Jerry Lee Lewis had six children with various wives. Two of his children predeceased him: Steven Allen Lewis drowned at age three in 1962, and Jerry Lee Lewis Jr. died in a car accident at age 19 in 1973.
Who were Jerry Lee Lewis's relatives?

Jerry Lee Lewis had several notable relatives. His cousins include televangelist Jimmy Swaggart and country singer Mickey Gilley. His first cousin once removed, Myra Gale Brown, became his third wife.
How many award nominations did Jerry Lee Lewis receive?

Jerry Lee Lewis received 13 award nominations in his career. These include nominations from the Grammy Awards and other music industry honors.
What were Jerry Lee Lewis's biggest hits?

Jerry Lee Lewis’s biggest hits include Whole Lotta Shakin Goin On 1957, Great Balls of Fire 1957, and High School Confidential 1958. These songs defined early rock and roll.
What was Jerry Lee Lewis's first public performance?

Jerry Lee Lewis’s first public performance was on November 19, 1949, at a car dealership in Ferriday, Louisiana. He played a cover of Drinkin’ Wine, Spo-Dee-O-Dee with a country and western band.
Was Jerry Lee Lewis part of the Million Dollar Quartet?

Yes, Jerry Lee Lewis was a member of the Million Dollar Quartet alongside Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Carl Perkins. They recorded together at Sun Records.
What caused Jerry Lee Lewis's career scandal in 1958?

In 1958, it was revealed that Jerry Lee Lewis had married his 13-year-old first cousin once removed, Myra Gale Brown. The scandal led to the cancellation of his British tour and severely damaged his career.
Did Jerry Lee Lewis have a drinking problem?

Yes, Jerry Lee Lewis developed a severe drinking problem in the 1970s following personal tragedies. This lasted about 15 years and nearly cost him his life, including a ruptured stomach in 1981.
What was Jerry Lee Lewis's relationship with Elvis Presley?

Jerry Lee Lewis was initially seen as a rival to Elvis Presley. After Elvis entered the army in 1958, Lewis was considered the top rock and roll star for a time.
Did Jerry Lee Lewis ever set a piano on fire?

Yes, in late 1957, during a performance, Jerry Lee Lewis set a piano on fire. The audience stormed the stage, and it became a legendary part of his wild showmanship.
What was Jerry Lee Lewis's role in the film industry?

Jerry Lee Lewis appeared as himself on various television shows, including The Steve Allen Show and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. He also had a cameo as himself in T. J. Hooker.
Did Jerry Lee Lewis write his own songs?

Yes, Jerry Lee Lewis wrote some of his own songs, which was unusual for rock singers of his era. He penned End of the Road in 1957. He also played piano, distinguishing him from guitar-playing contemporaries.

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If something's wrong in a profile, Daniel will find it. With 7 years of research experience, he's developed an almost unreasonable eye for inaccurate career timelines, misattributed credits, and dates that don't quite add up. He doesn't publish anything he can't verify. The profiles on Famousy are as accurate as they are largely because of work you'll never see his name on.

Published on October 17, 2026

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