Jerry Lee Lewis , the voice behind classics like "Great Balls of Fire" and "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," passed away at the age of 87 on Friday morning, June 28th. The news was confirmed by the musician's agent, Zach Farnum . The cause of death was not revealed, but Lewis had been facing health problems.
In a statement, Farnum said Lewis died at his home in Memphis, Tennessee. The news came two days after a TMZ claimed he had passed away. The outlet later retracted the error.
Jerry Lee Lewis was born in Ferriday, Louisiana, on September 29, 1935. Nicknamed "The Killer," he was among the first musicians inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and recorded more than 40 albums.
Lewis, despite his various scandals, is considered one of the pioneers of rock and roll alongside names like Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry , and Little Richard. The hits "Great Balls of Fire" and "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" in the late 1950s propelled Lewis to enormous fame.
In 1957, the singer and pianist married his 13-year-old cousin, Myra Gale Brown . The marriage was such a massive scandal that it caused him to miss numerous concert dates and radio appearances in the United Kingdom and the United States. He had seven other marriages, including one that lasted from 1985 to 2005.
“Judith, his seventh wife, was by his side when he died at his home in Desoto County, Mississippi, south of Memphis,” the singer’s agent said in a statement. “He told her in his final days that he welcomed the future and that he was not afraid.”
Jerry Lee Lewis: Trouble in Mind , directed by Ethan Coen was released . The director's first solo production, known for his films alongside his brother Joel , recounts the musician's story.
Jerry is survived by his children Phoebe , Lori , Jerry Lee III , and Ronnie , and two sisters.
