Who was/is Jerry Lee Lewis ? - CDs, Vinyl LPs, DVD and more

Jerry Lee Lewis

Jerry Lee Lewis - Obituary 

The Pumping Piano Man will rock the house no more.

Jerry Lee Lewis, whose youthful wildhair ways defined rock and roll as indelibly as his leering, lascivious vocals and thundering skills on the 88s, died October 28, 2022 at the age of 87. Against all odds, he was one of the last legends standing from the days when Sam Phillips built an astonishing talent roster for his Sun Records. When Lewis appeared on his doorstep in 1956, determined to show the folks in charge precisely what he could do to a defenseless piano, the Memphis label had already bid adieu to Elvis and was riding high thanks to Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, and a posse of other raucous rockabillies. 

Still, Jerry Lee would captivate Sam—and the world--like no other, despite suffering monumental damage from a 1958 scandal involving his precocious child bride (who also happened to be his cousin) that would have ended any other performer’s career permanently. Jerry Lee, like Old Man River, just kept on rolling along, regenerating his popularity first with the rock and roll crowd and then veering into the country field with tremendous success. Long after he achieved senior citizen status (who would have ever foreseen that happening to the hard-living Lewis?), the Killer insisted on rocking as hard as his health would allow.

Born September 29, 1935 in Ferriday, Louisiana, Lewis grew up with a pair of piano-playing cousins, Mickey Gilley (who followed in Jerry Lee’s rocking footsteps) and future evangelist Jimmy Swaggart. Lewis cited country greats Jimmie Rodgers and Hank Williams as primary influences, along with a little bit of Al Jolson and some of the sweaty blues that he snuck into hear at Haney’s Big House, Ferriday’s top black juke joint. He mostly refused to admit to any pianists as role models, although his 88s-playing cousin Carl McVoy impressed him. So did sightless piano wizard Paul Whitehead when the two played together in Natchez circa 1952. A brief stint at a Texas bible college ended when Jerry Lee transformed My God Is Real into a heathenous boogie, but gospel music always remained close to his heart. 

Lewis honed his act in clubs from Natchez to Nashville prior to the auspicious trip to Memphis that landed Lewis his audition with Sun producer Jack Clement. Jack was impressed, and before long he rolled tape when Jerry Lee launched into his hot-rodded treatment of Ray Price’s recent country hit Crazy Arms. Sun pressed it up, and Lewis was on the musical map. Phillips knew he’d found someone truly special, and let tape roll whenever Jerry Lee found his way to 706 Union Avenue to pump Phillips’ studio piano. One of the many disparate songs Lewis waxed for Sun was the rip-roaring Whole Lot Of Shakin’ Going On, already waxed elsewhere by fellow piano man Roy Hall and mountainous blues belter Big Maybelle. Jerry Lee tightened up his rafter-rattling version during a long night at the Twin Gables in Blytheville, Arkansas. Then he cut it for Sun with guitarist Roland Janes, drummer J.M. Van Eaton, and Jerry Lee’s cousin, J.W. Brown, on electric bass.  

Issued as his encore single, Whole Lot Of Shakin’ was an across-the-board juggernaut during the summer of 1957. Lewis was suddenly starring on network television, headlining star-studded package shows, and raising hell wherever he went, playing pianos with his feet, kicking their benches, standing atop them and tearing them apart with the sheer ferocity of his performances. Things escalated to a fever pitch with his next Sun single, the flammable Otis Blackwell-penned smash Great Balls Of Fire. Lewis went right back to Blackwell for Breathless, another major hit. High School Confidential, the title song to the movie of the same name (in which Lewis memorably appeared on a flatbed truck under the opening credits), was on its way to similar blockbuster status when news hit of his betrothal to his 13-year-old cousin Myra Gail, bassist Brown’s daughter. Jerry Lee was instantly toxic, his career in tatters. 

Slowly but surely, he came back. Sam never gave up on him, continuing to issue a stream of Lewis platters until Jerry exited the fading label in 1963 to sign with Mercury’s Smash subsidiary. At first, Jerry Lee continued relentlessly rocking, but in ’68 he switched to country music and proved every bit as sensational as he was a decade earlier in the rock arena, posting an avalanche of hits and completing his comeback. Lewis would alternate between rock and country in decades to come, ferociously stoking his own outsized legend with seven wives, a 1989 movie based rather loosely on his life, and enough insane antics both offstage and on to fill the pages of several highly entertaining biographies. Bear Family has compiled a series of lavish boxed sets over the years covering much of the Killer’s amazing career.

No pianist ever rocked a boogie-woogie with more single-minded panache than the Killer. He was truly one of a kind.       --Bill Dahl

Copyright © Bear Family Records®. Copying, also of extracts, or any other form of reproduction, including the adaptation into electronic data bases and copying onto any data mediums, in English or in any other language is permissible only and exclusively with the written consent of Bear Family Records® GmbH.

More information about Jerry Lee Lewis on Wikipedia.org

Close filters
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
1 of 5
No results were found for the filter!
Live At The Star-Club Hamburg (LP, 180g Vinyl)
Jerry Lee Lewis: Live At The Star-Club Hamburg (LP, 180g Vinyl) Art-Nr.: BAF18006

Ready to ship today, delivery time** appr. 1-3 workdays

180-gram vinyl-lp. Gatefold sleeve. In poll after poll, this LP is hailed as one of the greatest records of all time. Quite possibly the greatest live recording ever. And now this 1964 classic makes a welcome reappearance on vinyl. Jerry...
$25.42 $28.24
Hint!
Jerry Lee Lewis At Sun Records The Collected Works (18-CD Deluxe Box Set)
Jerry Lee Lewis: Jerry Lee Lewis At Sun Records The Collected... Art-Nr.: BCD17254

Ready to ship today, delivery time** appr. 1-3 workdays

18-CD boxed set (28 x 28 x 7 cms ) with 2 hardcover clothbound books (300 total pages) in a clothbound slipcase, 623 tracks, total playing time: approx. 23 hours and 30 minutes. , -- This is it! ...... No, really, THIS IS IT! ,...
$305.51 $373.40
Jerry Lee Lewis And His Pumping Piano (LP, 10inch, Ltd.)
Jerry Lee Lewis: Jerry Lee Lewis And His Pumping Piano (LP,... Art-Nr.: BAF11008

Ready to ship today, delivery time** appr. 1-3 workdays

BEAR FAMILY Vinyl Club Exclusive - limitierte Sammleredition 1-LP 25cm (limitiert auf 500 Exemplare) 10inch LP (limited edition) Originally released as London ZAT-S.5520 (South Africa) 10 tracks. Unique 10inch in our 11000 collectors...
$22.58 $28.24
Jerry Lee Lewis - The Killer Vol.1 1963-68 by Colin Escott
Jerry Lee Lewis: Jerry Lee Lewis - The Killer Vol.1 1963-68 by... Art-Nr.: BFB10004

Ready to ship today, delivery time** appr. 1-3 workdays

Many rare pictures. Stages of his life during the years 1963/1968. Incl. complete Smash Mercury discographie Stock copies from the longtime deleted 1986 Vinyl Box Set (BFX15210). , Jerry Lee Lewis , Nicknamed 'The Killer' and one...
$5.60 $14.66
Live At The Star Club Hamburg (CD)
Jerry Lee Lewis: Live At The Star Club Hamburg (CD) Art-Nr.: BCD15467

Ready to ship today, delivery time** appr. 1-3 workdays

1-CD with 8-page booklet, 14 tracks. Playing time approx. 40 mns. In poll after poll, this album is hailed as one of the greatest records of all time and quite possibly the greatest live recording ever. And now this 1964 classic makes a...
$14.21 $18.05
Jerry Lee Lewis - Jerry Rocks (CD)
Jerry Lee Lewis: Jerry Lee Lewis - Jerry Rocks (CD) Art-Nr.: BCD16396

Ready to ship today, delivery time** appr. 1-3 workdays

1-CD Digipak (6-plated) with 40-page booklet, 33 tracks. Playing time approx. 80 mns. Inevitably, our top-selling ROCKS! series now turns to the man who literally epitomizes ROCK: Jerry Lee Lewis! There have been plenty of Jerry Lee...
$15.23 $19.18
Mercury Smashes... (10-CD Deluxe Box Set)
Jerry Lee Lewis: Mercury Smashes... (10-CD Deluxe Box Set) Art-Nr.: BCD15784

Ready to ship today, delivery time** appr. 1-3 workdays

10-CD box (LP-size) with 64-page book, 226 tracks. Playing time approx. 715 mns. Damn Good Country Songs and Jerry Lee's Rock 'n' Roll Revival Show. That was the story of the last eight years of Jerry Lee Lewis on Mercury Records...the...
$183.29 $213.83
The Locust Years (8-CD Deluxe Box Set)
Jerry Lee Lewis: The Locust Years (8-CD Deluxe Box Set) Art-Nr.: BCD15783

Ready to ship today, delivery time** appr. 1-3 workdays

8-CD box (LP-size) incl. interview cd, with 48-page book, 166 tracks. Playing time approx. 428 mns. In 1963 Jerry Lee Lewis signed with Smash Records, and battled the British Invasion, radio apathy and general neglect. The result was a...
$132.36 $158.38
The Ballads Of Jerry Lee Lewis (CD)
Jerry Lee Lewis: The Ballads Of Jerry Lee Lewis (CD) Art-Nr.: BCD17544

Item has to be restocked

1-CD (Digipak) with 24-page booklet, 27 tracks. Total playing time approx. 72 minutes. With 'Ballads' Bear Family presents the soulful and sentimental side of the Killer. 27 beautiful Rock ‘n’ Roll and Country ballads recorded between...
$19.18
Hint!
Southern Roots - The Original Sessions (2-LP)
Jerry Lee Lewis: Southern Roots - The Original Sessions (2-LP) Art-Nr.: BAF218011

Ready to ship today, delivery time** appr. 1-3 workdays

2-LP, 20 tracks. 180-gram vinyl, fold-out sleeve. Direct Metal Mastering. Manufactured by Pallas. The legendary 1974 sessions form the Trans Maximus Studios in Memphis, Tennessee featuring Jerry Lee Lewis - voc/piano, backed by Stax...
$30.51 $40.68
Old Time Religion (CD)
Jerry Lee Lewis: Old Time Religion (CD) Art-Nr.: BCD16685

Ready to ship today, delivery time** appr. 1-3 workdays

1-CD DigiPac (4-plated) with comprehensive booklet including all lyrics, 20 tracks, playing time 65:16 minutes. Recorded: December 13, 1970, Brother David's Church, Highway 61 S, Memphis, Tennessee. Originally unissued live recordings...
$14.21 $18.05
In The Beginning (LP, 180gram Vinyl)
Jerry Lee Lewis: In The Beginning (LP, 180gram Vinyl) Art-Nr.: BAF18025

Ready to ship today, delivery time** appr. 1-3 workdays

ALTERNATIVE VERSIONS - FIRST TIME ON VINYL , 1-LP, 180 gram ,Vinyl-LP, 14 tracks, Total playing time approx. 33:10 minutes. NEW to LP – never released before 12'' vinyl albums! For the first time in more than a generation: two...
$22.36 $28.24
Jerry Lee Lewis - The Killer Vol.2 1969-72 by Colin Escott
Jerry Lee Lewis: Jerry Lee Lewis - The Killer Vol.2 1969-72 by... Art-Nr.: BFB10005

Ready to ship today, delivery time** appr. 1-3 workdays

Leben/ Stationen der Jahre 1969/1972. inkl. kompl. Smash Mercury Discografie. Jerry Lee Lewis Nicknamed 'The Killer' and one of the greatest rock 'n' roll stars of all time, ol' Jerry Lee's Mercury Records career is covered here in three...
$5.60 $14.66
I Can't Seem To Say Goodbye (LP, 180gram Vinyl)
Jerry Lee Lewis: I Can't Seem To Say Goodbye (LP, 180gram Vinyl) Art-Nr.: BAF18027

Ready to ship today, delivery time** appr. 1-3 workdays

ALTERNATIVE VERSIONS - FIRST TIME ON VINYL 1-LP, 180 gram Vinyl-LP, 14 tracks, Total playing time approx. 32:25 minutes. NEW to LP – never released before 12'' vinyl albums! For the first time in more than a generation: two entirely new...
$22.36 $28.24
Jerry Lee Lewis And His Pumping Piano - Bundle (2-LP, 10inch, Ltd.)
Jerry Lee Lewis: Jerry Lee Lewis And His Pumping Piano - Bundle... Art-Nr.: BAF11008_bu

Ready to ship today, delivery time** appr. 1-3 workdays

BEAR FAMILY Vinyl Club Exclusive - 33rpm + 45rpm limited collector's edition 2 x 10inch LP (limited edition) Originally released as London ZAT-S.5520 (South Africa) 10 tracks. Unique 10inch in our 11000 collectors series Reproduction of...
$39.55 $56.47
Southern Roots – The Original Sessions (2-CD)
Jerry Lee Lewis: Southern Roots – The Original Sessions (2-CD) Art-Nr.: BCD17312

Ready to ship today, delivery time** appr. 1-3 workdays

2-CD DigiPak (6-plated) with 32-page booklet, 39 tracks. Playing time approx. 124 mns. The legendary 1974 sessions form the Trans Maximus Studios in Memphis, Tennessee featuring Jerry Lee Lewis - voc/piano, backed by Stax studio catts...
$30.51 $33.89
Southern Swagger (CD)
Jerry Lee Lewis: Southern Swagger (CD) Art-Nr.: BCD16865

Ready to ship today, delivery time** appr. 1-3 workdays

1-CD-Album with 28-page booklet, 32 tracks. Playing time approx. 73 mns. A unique collection of Jerry Lee Lewis ' most confident/sexually aggressive performances. Because sexual energy fuelled Jerry Lee Lewis' best music, 'Southern...
$14.21 $18.05
The Greatest Live Shows On Earth (CD)
Jerry Lee Lewis: The Greatest Live Shows On Earth (CD) Art-Nr.: BCD15608

Ready to ship today, delivery time** appr. 1-3 workdays

1-CD with 8-page booklet, 20 tracks. Playing time approx. 73 mns. Incredible value! Here are Jerry Lee's two American live albums from 1964 and 1966 packaged together. 20 titles that catch Jerry at his peak on his home turf. Titles...
$14.21 $18.05
Hint!
Jerry Lee Lewis And His Pumping Piano (LP, Fehlpressung, 10inch, 45rpm, Ltd.)
Jerry Lee Lewis: Jerry Lee Lewis And His Pumping Piano (LP,... Art-Nr.: BAF1100845

Ready to ship today, delivery time** appr. 1-3 workdays

Attention rarity!: This first pressing on yellow vinyl (2017) was erroneously manufactured with 45rpm and contains on side 2, track 2 instead of the 1958 Sun version of 'Down The Line' the Mercury version from 1973! Collector's...
$22.58 $28.24
Complete Sun Recordings (8-CD Deluxe Box Set)
LEWIS, Jerry Lee: Complete Sun Recordings (8-CD Deluxe Box Set) Art-Nr.: BCD15420

This article is deleted and can no longer be ordered!

8-CD boxed set (LP-size) with 36-page book, 247 tracks. Playing time: approx. 601 mns. Classic indeed! This is it. The mother of all rock 'n' roll boxed sets. It comprises all of Jerry Lee Lewis 's Sun recordings from 1956 to 1959 in...
$282.87
Mit Siebzehn am Abgrund - High School Confidential (DVD)
Jerry Lee Lewis: Mit Siebzehn am Abgrund - High School... Art-Nr.: DVD512288

Ready to ship today, delivery time** appr. 1-3 workdays

Movie - USA 1958 Sprache: German, English, Dolby Digital 2.0, Widescreen Director: Jack Arnold Darsteller: Russ Tamblyn, Jan Sterling, John Drew Barrymore, Jerry Lee Lewis, Michael Landon Original title: High School Confidential! (1958)...
$11.26 $19.18
Hint!
The Killer Rocks On (LP)
Jerry Lee Lewis: The Killer Rocks On (LP) Art-Nr.: LP826262-C

Ready to ship today, delivery time** appr. 1-3 workdays

(Polygram) 12 Tracks - original sealed new with 1cm cut on the sleeve - 1980s US reissue of the 1972 Stereo LP - Highlight !*****
$10.14 $20.31
In The Beginning & I Can't Seem To Say Goodbye (2-LP, 180gram Vinyl)
Jerry Lee Lewis: In The Beginning & I Can't Seem To Say Goodbye... Art-Nr.: BAF18025_bu

Ready to ship today, delivery time** appr. 1-3 workdays

ALTERNATIVE VERSIONS - FIRST TIME ON VINYL 1-LP, 180 gram Vinyl-LP, 14 tracks, Total playing time approx. 33:10 minutes. 1-LP, 180 gram Vinyl-LP, 14 tracks, Total playing time approx. 32:25 minutes. NEW to LP – never released before 12''...
$28.48 $56.47
Hint!
The London Sessions (CD)
Jerry Lee Lewis: The London Sessions (CD) Art-Nr.: CDMOC13279

only 1x still available
Ready to ship today, delivery time** appr. 1-3 workdays

(Phonogram) 19 tracks (76:34) 1973 Feat. Rory Gallagher, Albert Lee, Tony Ashton, Andy Bown, Delaney Bramlett, Matthew Fisher, Peter Frampton, Pete Gavin a.o.
$16.25 $18.05
The Mercury Years Vol.1 1963-1968 (2-LP, Cut-Out)
Jerry Lee Lewis: The Mercury Years Vol.1 1963-1968 (2-LP, Cut-Out) Art-Nr.: LP836935-C

Ready to ship today, delivery time** appr. 1-3 workdays

(Polygram) 24 tracks Gatefold Cover - Sealed Cut Out LP
$22.58 $33.89
1 of 5