Where to start? Sep 19, 2008
Actually, Allen Wilde's production not only focuses on the feverish music and infamous exploits of Jerry Lee Lewis (played by veteran "Killer" impersonator Andrew King) but that of his sister Linda Gail Lewis, played by dynamite country singer Leslie Avril, both first-time actors in this show. If you thought Jerry had made some rash decisions in marrying seven times, well Linda outdid him by tying the knot eight times, including getting hitched to her brother's band leader (twice. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Hit country singer to anchor entertainment Sep 17, 2008
The band cites Jerry Lee Lewis, Hank Williams Jr., Stevie Ray Vaughn among its influences. The Todd Williams Band's official Web site is. (Bainbridge Post Searchlight, GA)
Buzz Briefs: Jessica Simpson, Conan O Sep 12, 2008
The Landrums coordinated giant, writhing crowds and choreographed gyrating rockers in the biopics "The Doors" and "Great Balls of Fire," a film about 1950s rock-and-roll icon Jerry Lee Lewis. The couple also worked on several Coen brothers films, including "Barton Fink" and "The Big Lebowski," which featured a Busby Berkeley-inspired dance number set in a surreal bowling alley with Vikings, showgirls in bowling-pin hats and Saddam Hussein. (CBS News)
Memphis, Ca. Sep 11, 2008
Kimball, who plays Huey with the in-your-face eccentricity, loose-limbed physicality and folksy drawl of Jerry Lee Lewis, brings down the house with the number "Memphis Lives in Me." And Glover is a force of nature with her booming, searing vocals, particularly in the bitter ballad "Colored Woman" and "I Can Shake the Blues.". The big-cast numbers "The Music of My Soul" and "Steal Your Rock and Roll" are a wow. (North County Times)
Former Buddy Holly guitarist and Grammy Award-winner Tommy Allsup is shown playing with Johnny Rogers who performs as Buddy Holly. Sep 8, 2008
Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ricky Nelson, Johnny Cash and the Beatles are just a few of the names he salutes during his two-hour performance. Its fun, he says referring to the ever-changing list of legendary artists he performs as. (Altus Times, OK)
Beatle Week Festival brews antidote for cultural amnesiacs Sep 7, 2008
They firmly gripped their musical instruments, out of which harmonies from not only The Beatles, but also musicians who had a major influence on their music, such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard and -- of course -- Elvis Presley, burst out into the night. The 25th Beatleweek festival had arrived, and for a week from August 20 to August 26, bands from all over the world got together in a celebration paying tribute to The Beatles -- the band that paved the long and winding road of rock `n' roll... (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Features)
Rock Hall will honor music innovator Les Paul Sep 3, 2008
Jerry Lee Lewis was the first living recipient in 2007. Past recipients include Woody Guthrie, Muddy Waters and Sam Cooke. (USA Today -- Life)
Schafer won't be rushed up Aug 28, 2008
Jerry Lee Lewis at 9:43 - Best post in the last 2 years. It has left me Breathless -ah. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Your say: Are the Australian music press a bunch ofsuck-ups? Aug 13, 2008
This continues a practice begun back in the 60s with Johnny O'Keefe copying Jerry lee Lewis et al. Some of the so-called big acts in recent times are pale imitations of acts in America and the UK - Pete Murray, Kasey Chambers, Missy Higgins, Cat Empire - load of old bollocks. And yes, Silver Chair is about as nondescript as their name implies, weak as cat's piss. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Neil Diamond Is Forever Aug 12, 2008
With everyone from Jerry Lee Lewis to Tony Bennett enjoying huge success with that format, Diamond admits "I've thought about making a duets album. I wouldn't be surprised if somewhere down the line that I do one.". But for now, he says, his concentration is on the tour and the songs. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
Modesto-area based country singer, media mogul Smith dies Aug 11, 2008
The names included Marty Robbins, Del Reeves, Hank Williams Sr., Johnny Cash, Hank Thompson, Jerry Lee Lewis and even rocker Chuck Berry. Mr. Smith went on to create a media empire that stretched the length of the San Joaquin Valley and beyond. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Star singer, media man Chester Smith of Modesto dies in Bay Area Aug 9, 2008
The names included Marty Robbins, Del Reeves, Hank Williams Sr., Johnny Cash, Hank Thompson, Jerry Lee Lewis and even rocker Chuck Berry. Smith went on to create a media empire that stretched the length of the San Joaquin Valley and beyond, from Bakersfield to Oregon. (Modesto Bee, CA)
Wistful memories of music and TV Jul 26, 2008
The decade ended with the noisy, primitive sounds of songs like "Shimmy, Shimmy, Ko-Ko-Bop," and other "cool" sounds sung by a screaming Little Richard, a rau cous Bill Haley, a hop-scotching Jerry Lee Lewis and an incredible performer named Presley with amazing rubber hips who went on to become a musical legend. 1959: We were driving big, chrome-laden, gas-guzzling automobiles. (NJ.com -- Times)
Take Me Out ... Jul 25, 2008
"Take Me Out to the Ball Game" an enduring anthem. "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" an enduring anthem. (The Palm Beach Post)
Foreigner's Mick Jones says new songs on the way Jul 23, 2008
"My contemporaries from way back then would tell you the same. We all came up with the Everly Brothers, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis all those early rock guys," said Jones, who was born and raised in England. "That was what inspired a lot of people to play. I still go back and listen to the Everly Brothers and Jerry Lee. "There is a country side to me, and maybe you'll see it on the next record," he added with a laugh. __ Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material... (USA Today -- Life)
King of Clubs owner, Bob King, dies Jul 18, 2008
King ran the nightclub in Swifton for more than 50 years, playing host to country, rhythm and blues, and rock acts, including Jerry Lee Lewis, Conway Twitty and Sonny Burgess, who had five singles with Sun Records ... "He (Elvis) was friendly. Jerry Lee Lewis was the silly one," King said, laughing. (Pine Bluff Commercial, AR)
33rd ANNUAL HERITAGE FAIR: Wet, but not a washout Jul 13, 2008
The band performed in the personas of Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis, and the group s Beatles impression of course was part of the show. The smell of food, though, reached nearly everywhere. (Dundalk Eagle, MD)
Patsy Cline's Ill-Fated 1963 Plane ... Jul 13, 2008
One performance took place on March 2, 1963, in Birmingham, Alabama, with Patsy Cline, Tex Ritter and Jerry Lee Lewis headlining the affair. Following the performance, Cline and several other country music stars agreed to appear at a second concert in Kansas. (Suite101.com)
Fireworks display goes smoothly Jul 7, 2008
As Jerry Lee Lewis' "Great Balls of Fire" played from the stereo system, bright red flames shot from the ground, causing the crowd to gasp. Joe Hagan (junior-materials science and engineering) attended 4th Fest for the first time. (Daily Collegian, PA)
William Ray Gautney (1939-2008) (2) Jul 7, 2008
The Downbeats toured and shared the stage with many of the top recording stars of the day, including Jerry Lee Lewis, The Everly Brothers, Del Shannon, Conway Twitty and Buddy Holly. They played clubs and ballrooms from Chicago to Minneapolis to Des Moines. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Traditions -- fun and solemn -- mark July Fourth Jul 6, 2008
Musicians including Huey Lewis and the News and Jerry Lee Lewis were scheduled to perform. And it wouldn't be July Fourth without the annual hot-dog eating competition at Coney Island in New York. (CNN -- US)
4th concert gets an Olympian touch Jul 5, 2008
This year's concert includes appearances by iconic rocker Jerry Lee Lewis, 2006 " American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks, pop band Huey Lewis and the News, Broadway performer Brian Stokes Mitchell and classical singers Hayley Westenra, Harolyn Blackwell and Vittorio Grigolo as well as the National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Erich Kunzel ... "Huey will do 'Dancing in the Dark,' the old Springsteen song. And Jerry Lee Lewis' 'Great Balls of Fire' will almost lead right into the fireworks.". (Los Angeles Times)
On the Mall, the Show Goes On Despite the Rain Jul 5, 2008
The concert -- hosted by actor Jimmy Smits -- features American Idol Taylor Hicks, Huey Lewis and the News, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell. The concert begins at 8 p.m., with the fireworks slated to start exploding around 9:10 p.m.. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Critic's corner Jul 4, 2008
Anyhow, this year's PBS broadcast from Washington features Huey Lewis and the News (left), Taylor Hicks, and Jerry Lee Lewis. That's a lot to take in, but there will be fireworks, too, as well as a tribute to Olympic athletes. (Boston Globe)
Schedule of July 4 Special Events Around the Region Jul 4, 2008
Free concert on the West lawn of the U.S. Capitol building, hosted by Jimmy Smits, featuring Huey Lewis & The News, Taylor Hicks, Jerry Lee Lewis, Hayley Westenra, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Harolyn Blackwell and the National Symphony Orchestra. Dale City 4th. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Fireworks, Great Concert -- And It's Free Jul 4, 2008
Jimmy Smits, star of The West Wing, will MC. Jerry Lee Lewis, Huey Lewis and the News and the National Syphony Orchestra will also play. There's a full dress rehearsal that is open to the public at 7:30 on July 3. (W-USA News, DC)
Signature only the beginningRock 'n' roll theme park '$850 million shy of breaking ground' Jul 2, 2008
It will be divided into decades of rock 'n' roll with historic overviews and rides like Jerry Lee Lewis' "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" roller coaster in the 1950s, John Fogerty and Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Green River" rapids ride in the 1960s, the Eagles' "Hotel California" log flume ride in the 1970s and Pink Floyd's "The Wall" dark ride (under the park) in the 1980s. Promoters believe the park, which is to include a luxury hotel, restaurants and retail shops, will create jobs and... (Casa Grande Valley Newspapers, AZ)
Classic cars fill Seymour streets Jul 1, 2008
The Jerry Lee Lewis tribute act performed a Great Balls of Fire show that drew high praise from those in attendance. Proceeds from the event will be used to purchase additional equipment to complete a playground at Gaiser Park, designed for physically challenged children. (Brownstown Jackson County Banner, IN)
Today in Entertainment History Jun 30, 2008
In 1981, Jerry Lee Lewis was hospitalized in Memphis because of a stomach ulcer. After two operations, doctors gave him less than a 50-50 chance of recovering. (WCAX.com, VT)
The evolution of Ben Stein Jun 29, 2008
I'd be a rockabilly star like Jerry Lee Lewis. He had the absolutely best job in the world. (Toronto Star)
Theme park official promises decades of fun Jun 26, 2008
The 1950s area would include rides like Bill Haley omets' "Rock Around the Clock" Ferris wheel, Ritchie Valens' "La Bamba" carousel, Jerry Lee Lewis' "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" roller coaster and Danny uniors' "At the Hop" overview ride. The 1960s area would include The Beach Boys' "Little Deuce Coupe" miniature cars, John Fogerty and Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Green River" rapids ride, Jimi Hendrix' "Are You Experienced" tour of the '60s in miniature yellow submarines and The Doors'... (Casa Grande Valley Newspapers, AZ)
Cruise In at Marquand Jun 25, 2008
They will sing songs of the 1950s and 60s with songs by Jerry Lee Lewis, Dion and The Belmonts, Fats Domino, Johnny Rivers, Sam Cooke, Wilson Pickett, Richie Valens, The Isley Brothers, Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Ben E. King, Chubby Checker, Aretha Franklin, Ottis Redding and many others. Homan s Hall was built in 1927 and provided early Vaudeville, silent movies, talkies and community theater performances. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
July 4th performers have chops, good looks Jun 18, 2008
"I wanted to play like Jerry Lee Lewis," he said. "So I quit the lessons and taught myself. Then I realized I couldn't carry a piano around to parties and gigs, so I bought a guitar and started playing that.". (Bainbridge Post Searchlight, GA)
Skynyrd, Williams Jr., keep it 'Rowdy' Jun 16, 2008
There were surprises, too: Jerry Lee Lewis' Whole Lot of Shakin' Going On, Waylon Jennings' Dukes of Hazzard theme and Aerosmith's Walk This Way. At times, he just did snippets of songs, which made it hard to figure where he was going. (Florida Times-Union)
Infotainment Jun 13, 2008
1989 Jerry Lee Lewis gets a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 1965 Susie Maxwell wins LPGA.. (Daily Times, Pakistan)
Dreaming of a better Coliseum Authority Jun 13, 2008
In reference to last week's query about the architects of rock 'n' roll, here are some of the submissions I received: Red Foley, Bill Haley and the Comets (that one came up a couple of times), Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley (of course), Johnny and Dorsey Burnette, Louis Jordan, and Glenn Miller, although I still don't buy the assertion there that In the Mood is a rock song. Reach Steven Uhles at (706) 823-3626 or. (The Augusta Chronicle)
2008 Greater Boston Area Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest and Festival Jun 12, 2008
On Saturday night the festival pays tribute to the legend's fellow pioneer of rock with "The King and the Killer," a show starring Elvis (Donny Edwards, top right) and Jerry Lee Lewis (Lance Lipinsky). Tonight the celebration kicks off with Velvet Elvis, a local Elvis tribute band. (Boston Globe)
Bo Diddley given rocking send-off Jun 9, 2008
Singer Eric Burdon of The Animals paid tribute, while George Thorogood, Tom Petty and Jerry Lee Lewis sent flowers. Diddley, regarded as one of the fathers of rock 'n' roll, died on Monday. (BBC News -- Entertainment)
Four-hour, rock 'n' roll funeral for Bo Diddley Jun 9, 2008
Jerry Lee Lewis, Tom Petty among musicians who sent flowers ... Eric Burdon, leader of the rock group the Animals, attended the service, and flowers were sent from musicians including Jerry Lee Lewis, Tom Petty, George Thorogood and others. (CNN -- Showbiz)
Who are the real founders of rock? Jun 6, 2008
So while Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis and the near-beatified Elvis are often cited as the wellspring from which all rock flows, they were merely talented musicians who recognized a good thing. This raises a contentious question -- my very favorite kind. (The Augusta Chronicle)
He built rock 'n' roll from scratch Jun 3, 2008
In the 1950s, Diddley -- along with Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis and a few others -- helped reshape the sound of popular music worldwide, building it on the templates of blues, southern gospel and rhythm and blues. His original style of Ruenced generations of musicians. (News & Observer)
Cannes Snores Through Che Biopic May 28, 2008
" To everyone familiar with the real Che Guevara it's abundantly clear that Soderbergh directed masterfully. He was not giving us Jerry Lee Lewis or John Belushi. No honest and educated reviewer can deny him massive kudus for so expertly transmitting this insufferable dork's personality and presence to a soon snoring audience.Soderbergh and Benicio Del Toro, who stars as Che and shares production credits, actually had an intriguing and immensely amusing theme if only they'd known how to plumb... (Human Events Online)
Events listings May 18, 2008
6/14: 8 p.m. The King and the Killer - A Tribute to Elvis Presley & Jerry Lee Lewis starring Donny Edwards & Lance Lipinsky. $27-$37, $22 groups. (Boston Globe)
CRAZY, an Award-Winning Film Inspired by the Life of Guitar Legend Hank Garland, is an Official Selection at Hawaii's Big Island Film Festival, Screening Saturday, May 17, 7:30PM May 17, 2008
Waylon Payne, acclaimed for his debut film role as Jerry Lee Lewis in the Oscar-winning film Walk The Line, stars as Hank Garland. LA.com recently wrote of his performance, "The brash and brilliant musician is well played by charismatic actor Waylon Payne." In addition to acting, Payne is a country artist with deep musical roots. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Film Festival opens with 'Crazy' May 17, 2008
Garland, who played with greats such as Patsy Cline, Roy Orbison and Elvis, is convincingly portrayed by the charismatic Waylon Payne, who played Jerry Lee Lewis in "Walk the Line.". But despite a much leaner budget and the absence of well-known celebrities, with the exception of Ali Larter, "Crazy" trumps the Johnny Cash biopic. (Jacksonville Business Journal, FL)
Story of Hank Garland is a guitar-love affair May 15, 2008
He is clearly the real deal - though his only other significant credit was playing Jerry Lee Lewis in Walk the Line, the Johnny Cash biopic. Which brings us to one of Crazy's shortcomings: As a rise-and-fall story of a brilliant musician, set in the 1950s, it begs comparison to both Walk the Line and Ray - and it can't compare. (Florida Times-Union)
Elaine Dundy, 86; novelist had stormy marriage with critic May 8, 2008
Researching Presley led her to her next book, "Ferriday, Louisiana," about the small Louisiana town that spawned an inordinate number of celebrities, including singer Jerry Lee Lewis, World War II general Claire Chennault, and evangelist Jimmy Swaggart. None of those efforts reaped as much attention as her memoir "Life Itself!" with its frothy anecdotes about her glamorous public life, such as the time photographer Richard Avedon flew her and Tynan to New York, nailed them inside large crates,... (Boston Globe)
'Take me out to the Ballgame' May 8, 2008
The song has been recorded by over 500 musicians in every conceivable genre, from jazz and blues to ragtime and classical to rap and rock, by artists including Jerry Lee Lewis, Aretha Franklin, Carly Simon, The Andrews Sisters, LL Cool J, The Boston Pops, Jimmy Buffett, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Harpo Marx, and many more. The original manuscript of Take Me Out to the Ball Game is located in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. (Thomaston Times, GA)
Silva strums a simpler chord May 8, 2008
Their influences include Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Velvet Underground and other lesser-known artists. We play songs from the 50s and 60s, and a lot of them weren t played on the radio, not top 40, he says. (Pearland Journal, TX)
Zast: Applying 'American Idol' to the Derby May 2, 2008
Suddenly, the dour horseman with the Jerry Lee Lewis haircut has a whole lotta shakin goin on. Hell be trying to end his 0 for 19 Kentucky Derby losing streak with two last-minute qualifiers. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Gigs: The Hands Apr 21, 2008
Raised in Adelaide ("not exactly a haven for soul music in the '80s," Clayton Doley says), the brothers abandoned classical piano lessons as kids, inspired instead to learn by ear the sounds of Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard. Clayton spent his youth trying to put a name to the rich, fat organ sound he heard playing on Booker T and the MGs' hit instrumental Green Onions. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
The Boss votes Apr 20, 2008
Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis and Hank Williams, he later said, 'told the story of the secret America. It was this America, containing the lost and the forgotten, in which Springsteen felt at home. (Guardian Unlimited)
Music review: Tom Petty resurrects Mudcrutch Apr 19, 2008
He dropped in a few agreeable covers - a couple of Dylan tunes, including "Rainy Day Women #12 which brought out a hundred joints), Dave Dudley's truck-driving "Six Days on the Road" (standard fare for L.A. country-rockers such as the Flying Burrito Brothers), and an encore of '50s rock 'n' roll songs: Eddie Cochran's "Summertime Blues," Little Richard's "Rip It Up" and Jerry Lee Lewis' "High School Confidential. " Campbell brought out the mandolin for the Bill Monroe bluegrass tune "Love Please... (San Francisco Chronicle)
PRISON TEACHES KILLER A HARD (PIANO) LESSON Apr 18, 2008
It's part Jerry Lee Lewis and part Glenn Gould. In German, with English subtitles. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
What's On: Stage Apr 18, 2008
1/2) , the rock gospel musical drama by Paul Ledoux and David Young, was inspired by the lives of rocker Jerry Lee Lewis and his televangelist cousin Jimmy Swaggart. Set in the 1950s and 1980s, it offers a "tangled tale of love, greed and ambition" through the story of two God-fearing brothers from the deep South. (Toronto Star)
Back to the future Apr 18, 2008
The group's concert repertoire will focus on newly minted Mudcrutch originals and such classics as Dave Dudley's Six Days on the Road, bluegrass pioneer Bill Monroe's Won't You Come Home and the Jerry Lee Lewis chestnut High School Confidential. We're on our 10th day of rehearsals and the first gig is Saturday, so we may come up with more stuff, Tench said last Wednesday from Los Angeles. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Hits from the hip: Tom Jones jammin' onstage with friends Apr 16, 2008
But it's the duets that steal the shows, whether comfortable (Jones with the ever-relaxed Bennett), compatible (an enraptured Jones with his idol Jerry Lee Lewis) or downright odd (that would be the sublimely weird Cocker, sharing "Delta Lady" with the host). Joplin gives the most joyous televised performance of her short career (she would be dead within a year), shouting and strutting with Jones on the soul classic "Raise Your Hand.". (International Herald Tribune)
Pete Doherty: From Romantic Hero To Self-Parody Apr 9, 2008
When people listen to Great Balls Of Fire they don't care that Jerry Lee Lewis was sleeping with 13-year-old girls. Ultimately the only person who can sort out his drug problem is Pete - and I don't know if he's had that moment of clarity yet. (Sky News)
Peabody Awards recognize 35 winners Apr 3, 2008
" The Peabodys also recognized electronic media that created change. A Peabody went to "mtvU: Half of Us," a public service campaign and Web site for college students struggling with depression. "Univision's Ya Es Hora," a public service campaign that taught legal Hispanic immigrants how to apply for American citizenship, was another recipient. Also recognized was Pittsburgh's WTAE-TV for a legal battle to get public records from a state-run student loan program, a battle which pushed the state... (Athens Banner-Herald)
67th Annual Peabody Awards Winners Announced Apr 3, 2008
A red-hot retrospective of rockabilly music, this 10-part series distributed by Public Radio International blended rare interviews, archival radio broadcasts and foot-stomping tunes by obscure practitioners as well as legends such as Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. White Horse BBC World News America, BBC America, BBC World. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Review: 5 Browns piano quintet hit all the right notes Apr 2, 2008
The audience picked a Jerry Lee Lewis rock-like classical number in which Gregory even played with his foot on the keyboard. The 5 Browns are cute, funny, wholesome and all-American. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
A pair of performances that burn up the stage Mar 30, 2008
Inspired by the true story of cousins Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart, David Young and Paul Ledoux's Fire was a Canadian hit 20 years ago, an early jukebox musical that mixed rockabilly hits like Great Balls of Fire and Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On with traditional country and gospel tunes like Angel Band and Old Time Religion. The first half follows Cale Blackwell (Dykstra of 2 Hands, 4 Pianos fame, returning to the role he won a Dora Award for in 1989), who learns piano at his father's... (Globe and Mail)
From Grand Prix to grand pianos Mar 16, 2008
Ken nurtured much of his biking talent as well as bringing the music of Ray Charles and Jerry Lee Lewis into his life. He was also schizophrenic and when James was only 15, in 1996, committed suicide in the family's garage. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Making music and memories in Memphis and Little Rock Mar 15, 2008
Check out this site for live cuts of Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, etc. - FedExForum. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Concert tribute to Buddy Holly coming to Rhinelander Mar 15, 2008
Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Ricky Nelson are just a few of the names he salutes during his two-hour performance. Its fun, he says referring to the ever-changing list of legendary artists he performs as. (Rhinelander Daily News, WI)
