by Wyatt
Er, ah, make that last word of the heading "Fi'-yah". That's the way Jerry Lee Lewis pronounced it in the song that most-made him famous. And never drop the "Lee" from the name, to avoid confusing him with the comedy partner in the Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin duo. Without question, Jerry Lee was the most entertaining, wild-mannered, controversial and possibly talented (take your pick), of the 50s rock and rollers. If you've forgotten just how he so ranks, I recommend you get a copy of the 1989 film, "Great Balls of Fire", starring Dennis Quaid as Jerry. The songs sung in the movie actually used recordings of Jerry, so Dennis just did a perfect job of lip-syncing, along with his portrayal of Jerry.
Jerry Lee was another one of those Southern country boys, like Elvis. Lewis did what many rock and rollers did, created songs that had a Southern black style. As the film story depicts, he began singing in black honky-tonks--pretty daring for a white boy to do such a thing, but there was no hesitation, reticence, fear or shyness in Jerry.
Lewis did not reach his goal to overtake Elvis as Number One in the music charts. Elvis earned and still reigns as "The King" of 1950s Rock and Roll. Even Ricky Nelson had more hits and admirers. But, Jerry's performing and singing style were the most unique of the Biggies of that decade. His stage act was almost out of control--jumping on the piano keys and the piano itself, knocking the piano off stage, kicking the seat over, setting the piano on fire. What a showman. Of course, such behavior was a bit too weird and crazy, but listening to his recordings are still some of the most memorable. Along with what is undoubtedly his theme song, "Great Balls of Fire,"('57), who could not have the tune and words of songs come to mind, such in "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' One" ('57) and "Breathless" ('58)?
What shocked America and caused a dive in Jerry's career was his marriage to his 13 year-old cousin. Winona Ryder plays her in the movie, doing a credible job. Still, the Jerry Lee Lewis legend lives on. He was a unique, immediately identifiable singing character, regardless of lacking the personal character necessary to be held on the highest celebrity pedestals. But, how many performing entertainers are great performers with high personal traits? Ricky Nelson, Elvis, Brian Wilson--all died under drug-related circumstances. It's a matter of love the music, ignore the person, depending on the circumstances.
To us of the late 1950s high school generation, Jerry Lee Lewis' was, "Doin' the High School Rock". "It's only music, but it sure is fun!" and it could leave us nearly "Breathless."