Jerry Lee Lewis, also known as "The Killer," is a rock and roll legend who rose to fame in the 1950s. He is known for his energetic piano playing and his controversial personal life. Dorothy Barton was one of Lewis' wives, and their relationship was a tumultuous one.
Early Life
Jerry Lee Lewis was born on September 29, 1935, in Ferriday, Louisiana. He was the last of seven children, and his parents were both musical. Lewis began playing the piano at a young age, and he was largely self-taught. He was influenced by country music and gospel music, and he started playing in local clubs when he was a teenager.
Early Career
In 1956, Lewis signed with Sun Records, the same label that had launched the careers of Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. His first single, "Crazy Arms," was a hit, and he quickly became a popular performer. He released several more successful singles, including "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" and "Great Balls of Fire."
Personal Life
Jerry Lee Lewis married his first wife, Jane Mitchum, in 1952. They had two children together, but their marriage was rocky. Lewis had affairs with other women, and he eventually divorced Mitchum in 1957. In 1958, he married his second wife, Myra Gale Brown. She was his cousin, and she was only 13 years old at the time. The marriage caused a scandal, and Lewis' career suffered as a result. They divorced in 1970. Lewis married Dorothy Barton in 1971, but their marriage was also troubled. They divorced in 1982.
Later Career
Jerry Lee Lewis continued to perform and record throughout the 1960s and 1970s, but his popularity waned. He struggled with drug addiction and legal problems, and he was largely seen as a relic of the past. However, he experienced a resurgence in the 1980s, thanks in part to a popular biopic about his life. He continued to tour and record into the 21st century, and he remains a beloved figure in rock and roll history.
Legacy
Jerry Lee Lewis is considered one of the pioneers of rock and roll. His energetic piano playing and his wild stage presence inspired countless other musicians. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, and he has received numerous other honors throughout his career. Despite his controversies and his personal struggles, Jerry Lee Lewis remains a beloved and influential figure in music history.