pioneer rocker Jerry Lee Lewis died on Friday, October 28, according to a statement from his publicist. He was 87 years old.
Singer, songwriter and pianist known to fans as ‘The Killer’, Lewis was the voice behind such staple rock n’ roll songs as ‘Great Balls of Fire’, ‘Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On’ , “Breathless” and other classics.
He also had a significant presence in the country genre, with several top-ten hits on the Billboard country chart in the 1960s and 1970s. During his career, he had 30 top-ten country hits and several number ones, including “To Make Love Sweeter For You”, “Me and Bobby McGee”, and “There Must Be More to Love Than This”.
Lewis has been a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since 1986. Days before his death, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
The singer died at his home in Mississippi with his wife, Judith Coghlan lewis, On his side. No cause of death is immediately available.
Besides his wife, he is survived by four children, a sister, a cousin and several grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Commemorative information is forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, the family requested that donations be made to The Arthritis Foundation or The Recording Academy’s MusiCares.
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