Jerry Lee Lewis, a pivotal figure of 1950s American rock and roll who played a pivotal role in shaping the genre’s burgeoning sound, has passed away. He was 87 years old.
Famous for his flowing blonde locks, boisterous piano beats and excessive stage presence, the star best known for his classic “Great Balls of Fire” died of natural causes, his publicist told AP.
Lewis died at his home in Desoto County, Mississippi, with his wife Judith by his side, his publicist said.
The news came two days after the publication of a false TMZ report about his death, which was later retracted.
Lewis was the last survivor of a generation of pioneering artists, including Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry and Little Richard.
“He’s ready to leave,” his publicist quoted Judith, the artist’s wife as saying.
Born on September 29, 1935, in Ferriday, Louisiana, Lewis rose to fame in 1957 with his breakthrough hit “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” — whose provocative lyrics shocked some radio stations that initially refused to play it.
Its sequel, “Great Balls of Fire,” remains one of the best-selling singles of all time, and was also the name of a 1989 docudrama about Lewis starring actor Dennis Quaid.
By the summer of 1958, Lewis — nicknamed “The Killer” — rocketed to the top, with fans pouring into the shows, money pouring in and a third hit, “Breathless,” making its way to the charts. .
“Who would have thought it would be me?” a statement from his publicist quoted the rocker as saying in his last days.