BleedGopher
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per USA Today:
For the longest time, it seemed that if Jerry Lee Lewis wasn’t dead already, then obviously nothing could kill him. But what alcohol, painkillers, a perforated stomach ulcer, angry fathers and general recklessness couldn’t do, advancing age finally did. The seemingly indestructible rock ‘n’ roll wild man died Friday at 87 at his home in DeSoto County, Mississippi, near Memphis, his representative confirmed to USA TODAY in a statement.
Along with Little Richard and Fats Domino, Lewis established the piano as a rock ’n’ roll instrument. In 1957, his "Whole Lot of Shakin’ Going On" and "Great Balls of Fire," two of the most outrageous hits of rock ’n’ roll’s first generation, ignited the pop, country and R&B charts simultaneously.
Lewis didn’t just play the piano, he attacked it, pummeling the lower register with rock-steady left-hand lines and ripping across the keyboard with slashing glissandos. He smashed the keys with his foot; he kicked the piano stool out from under him and continued to pound away.
Go Gophers!!
For the longest time, it seemed that if Jerry Lee Lewis wasn’t dead already, then obviously nothing could kill him. But what alcohol, painkillers, a perforated stomach ulcer, angry fathers and general recklessness couldn’t do, advancing age finally did. The seemingly indestructible rock ‘n’ roll wild man died Friday at 87 at his home in DeSoto County, Mississippi, near Memphis, his representative confirmed to USA TODAY in a statement.
Along with Little Richard and Fats Domino, Lewis established the piano as a rock ’n’ roll instrument. In 1957, his "Whole Lot of Shakin’ Going On" and "Great Balls of Fire," two of the most outrageous hits of rock ’n’ roll’s first generation, ignited the pop, country and R&B charts simultaneously.
Lewis didn’t just play the piano, he attacked it, pummeling the lower register with rock-steady left-hand lines and ripping across the keyboard with slashing glissandos. He smashed the keys with his foot; he kicked the piano stool out from under him and continued to pound away.
Jerry Lee Lewis, rock 'n' roll pioneer and perpetual ball of fire, dies at 87
Outrageous rock 'n' roll pioneer Jerry Lee Lewis, famous for his rip-roaring piano playing ("Great Balls of Fire") and real-life drama, is dead at 87.
www.usatoday.com
Go Gophers!!
