Profile of the Day: Jerry Lee Lewis
Happy 80th birthday to Jerry Lee Lewis!
The rock and roll legend was born on September 29, 1935 in Ferriday, Louisiana. Lewis taught himself the play the piano at an early age and at 14, he made his first public performance.
He eventually headed to Memphis, Tennessee and found work with Sun Records. While working as a studio musician, Lewis had the opportunity to play his piano alongside Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley. In 1957, Lewis’ solo career skyrocketed with the release of two of his biggest hits, “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” and “Great Balls of Fire.” His dynamic and enthusiastic performances became one of his signature features and earned him the nickname “The Killer.”
In 1986, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and today, continues to perform live concerts.
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Image: Wikimedia Commons