Jerry Lee Lewis is alive and well, despite a report claiming otherwise. A representative for Lewis issued a statement on Wednesday, 27 October 2022, contradicting an earlier report from TMZ, which stated that he had died.
Jerry Lee Lewis alive and kicking despite false report: Here’s what we know
As per PageSix, news outlet TMZ falsely reported that Lewis had passed away. However, they have retracted and issued an apology for the report.
“We’re told the rock ‘n’ roll legend is alive, living in Memphis,” the outlet reported, “Earlier today we were told by someone claiming to be Lewis’ rep that he had passed. That turned out not to be the case.”
They ended the report by saying that they “regret the error.”
The correction comes days after an update posted to Lewis’ Instagram reported that the musician was “too ill with the flu to attend” celebrations of his recent induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Instead, according to the post, Lewis chose close friend Kris Kristofferson to accept the honour on his behalf.
“On Sunday, Jerry Lee Lewis was finally inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame,” the caption read, “The legendary Jerry Lee was too ill with the flu to attend the ceremony.”
Who is Jerry Lee Lewis?
Lewis was born on 29 September 1935 in Ferriday, Louisiana, US. At age nine, he started learning how to play the piano by imitating preachers and Black musicians passing through the neighbourhood, Britannica reports. In 1956, he secured a deal with Sun Records, and his career took off from there.
Lewis and Carl Perkins collaborated on a few recording sessions. He and Perkins played music with Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash while they were employees at Sun. The “Million Dollar Quartet” recorded this performance at the time, but it was not made public until later. Lewis rose to fame in 1957 thanks to his distinctive piano-driven sound. A hit on the pop, country, and R&B charts, Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On, was released.
By this time, Lewis had also perfected some of his well-known theatrical stunts, such as playing while standing up and occasionally setting a piano on fire. He performed with such vigour and zeal that he was given the moniker The Killer for the way he rendered his audiences unconscious.
In 1986, he became the first Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s inaugural class member.
This musician has been performing and recording music for almost her whole life. Lewis sang a variety of rock, blues, and country standards for the 2006 film Last Man Standing with assistance from fellow artists, including Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Willie Nelson, and Buddy Guy.
Fans react to the false report of Lewis’ death
Fans shared their thoughts on social media regarding the false report of Lewis’ death. See what they had to say below: