Rock & Roll Legend Jerry Lee Lewis Dies At 87

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Just two days after TMZ incorrectly reported that Jerry Lee Lewis died, the rock legend passed away Friday at the age of 87

“Judith, his seventh wife, was by his side when he passed away at his home in Desoto County, Mississippi, south of Memphis,” read a statement from his rep Zach Farnum. “He told her, in his final days, that he welcomed the hereafter, and that he was not afraid.” 

Known as "The Killer," Lewis, whose music married blues, gospel, country, honky-tonk and more, is best known for such hits as “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole Lotta Shakin Going On," which he released in 1958 at just 22-years-old. Not long after, Lewis sparked controversy when it was revealed that he had married his 13-year-old cousin, which stymied his career.

Jerry Lee was part of the inaugural group of inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, and was actually the last living member of the first group. He also became a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame earlier this month. He also won four GRAMMYs, including a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award and two GRAMMY Hall of Fame honors.

In 1989, his life hit the big screen in the biopic “Great Balls of Fire,” which starred Dennis Quaid as the rock legend. Check out tributes to Jerry Lee Lewis here.

Source: Variety