Elton John, Ringo Starr and Dennis Quaid are among the celebrities who paid tribute to Jerry Lee Lewis, who died at the age of 87.
of rock and roll starThe singer, whose biggest hits included “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” died Friday at his home in Tennessee with his wife Judith, his publicist said in a press release. Confirmed in the release. He was survived by Judith and his children Ronnie, Lori, Phoebe and Jerry Lee III.
The singer suffered a number of health issues in recent years, including a stroke in 2019, and no cause of death has been revealed. did not attend
“I wouldn’t be who I am today without Jerry Lee Lewis,” John wrote on Twitter, along with a photo of himself with Lewis.
of “Tiny Dancer” Hit Maker “He was innovative, inspiring, and shattered the piano. He was also a great singer. Thank you for all the pioneering inspiration and rock and roll memories. #RIP.”
Jerry Lee Lewis, ‘Great Balls of Fire’ singer, dies at 87
John first met Lewis when they performed at the 2015 New Orleans Jazz Fest. Jazzfest producer Quinto Davis told The Times Picayune newspaper: “Elton said he was the most nervous he’d ever been at a gig, more nervous than any gig.
David Buckley’s 2007 biography “Elton” quotes the singer as saying:
Starr tweeted.
Quade, who played louis In the 1989 film Great Balls of Fire, Jerry Lee was a Christian, an American icon, and the greatest piano player in the world.
“500 years from now people will be listening to ‘Great Balls of Fire’ and ‘Whole Lot of Shakin’. I will miss him. God bless Jerry Lee.”
“Sadly one of the pioneers of rock and roll has passed away. A rebel to the end. RIP Jerry Lee Lewis,” Gene Simmons tweeted.
Rolling Stones member Ronnie Wood wrote on Twitter, “RIP JLL the KILLER- what a man.”
Stephen King tweeted, “RIP Jerry Lee Lewis. The killer is gone. He could play that piano. I think he has to play Lewis Boogie.”
“Jerry Lee Lewis has passed away…Kill him in peace, you were the one and only… #RIP Jerry Lee‘, the Oakridge Boys wrote on Twitter.
“One of my most vivid memories of Jerry Lee was when he was a guest at the 1997 Monday Night Concerts at Ryman.” country music Association Chief Executive Sarah Traherne said in a statement:
Trahern continued, “Ricky Skaggs and Brian Setzer join Jerry Lee for a set that begins with the classic ‘Great Balls of Fire’ and ends with the moving ‘Old Rugged Cross. It was amazing to see Jerry, a true force of nature, perform live that night.”
“As one of the most talented musicians and entertainers of our time, I know he has the opportunity to accept his rightful place in hallowed halls as a member of the newest class of inductees in the Country Music Hall of Fame. My heart is warmed, and my heart goes out to Jerry Lee’s family and friends a few weeks ago.”
Many of Lewis’ colleagues and friends shared their memories of the groundbreaking artist in statements.
“I am very sad to hear that Jerry Lee Lewis has passed away. He was a stranger.” wrote Crystal Gale.
David Frizzell recalls: In the early 80’s (off night) we went to the Palamino Club to see Jerry’s show (me and his wife Joe met that night) and had the chance to meet him briefly . ”
“We had to do a lot of shows together over the next few years. We were so proud that he had just been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. ‘Say Hello to Heaven.’ ‘Jerry Lee’
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“At the beginning of the session Jerry Lee pointed his gun at the piano. Silence. They had a session… The next day the musicians came to the session and they all brought guns. It was Jerry Lee.” I have read the statement. Don McLean.
Many others shared their admiration for Lewis on social media and talked about the impact the pioneering musician had on their careers.
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