Early rock ‘n’ roller Jerry Lee Lewis dies at 87 | USA TODAY

Known for his piano pounding music and off-stage controversies, Jerry Lee Lewis is considered a founding father of rock 'n' roll.

RELATED: Jerry Lee Lewis: Not ready to retire

For the longest time, it seemed that if Jerry Lee Lewis wasn’t dead already, then obviously nothing could kill him. But what alcohol, painkillers, a perforated stomach ulcer, angry fathers and general recklessness couldn’t do, advancing age finally did. The seemingly indestructible rock ‘n’ roll wild man died Friday at 87 at his home in DeSoto County, Mississippi, near Memphis, his representative confirmed to USA TODAY in a statement.

Along with Little Richard and Fats Domino, Lewis established the piano as a rock ’n’ roll instrument. In 1957, his "Whole Lot of Shakin’ Going On" and "Great Balls of Fire," two of the most outrageous hits of rock ’n’ roll’s first generation, ignited the pop, country and R&B charts simultaneously.

Lewis didn’t just play the piano, he attacked it, pummeling the lower register with rock-steady left-hand lines and ripping across the keyboard with slashing glissandos. He smashed the keys with his foot; he kicked the piano stool out from under him and continued to pound away.

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27 comments

  1. RIP to The Killer.

    For many years I have said that I had one big wish, to get to see The Last Man Standing in concert before he died, but also knew it would be hard, since he only toured in the States and I haven’t been able to travel. So that was not to be. One huge legend has passed and he is one of the few celebs whos deaths has really touched me deeply.

    May you memory be honored Jerry Lee. 🌹

  2. When I first saw this headline, I was not sure if I believed it after the death hoax from a few days ago, but sadly, it is confirmed. Jerry Lee Lewis has passed away at 87. RIP Jerry Lee. Your music and legacy will live on forever.

  3. Jerry Lee was literal living history. A pioneer of rock and roll, he outlived all his contemporaries – Perkins, Elvis, Cash, Chuck Berry, Libby, Fats Domino, Little Richard, etc. Killer was truly the last man standing, and with him goes the last flame of a once glorious and historic blaze that changed the world.

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