Hospitalized with pneumonia in 2001.
Is portrayed by Dennis Quaid in Great Balls of Fire! (1989), by Waylon Payne in Walk the Line (2005), and James C. Victor in Mr. Rock 'n' Roll: The Alan Freed Story (1999) (TV).
Parents' names were Elmo Lewis and Mamie Ethel.
Recorded his song "What'd I Say" with guitarist Hank Garland.
Recorded with legendary Nashville session guitarist Hank Garland.
Revitalized his career in the late 1960s as a country singer.
Siblings: Linda Gail Lewis (b. 1947), Frankie Jean Lewis (b. 1944) and Elmo Lewis Jr.
The use of his middle name Lee, helped the record buying public as well as record distributors distinguish him from comedian Jerry Lewis, who in 1957 had a Top 10 recording with "Rock-a-Bye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody" and a best selling album.
Was in the process of finalizing a divorce from his fourth wife, Jaren, when she drowned in a swimming pool in 1982. They had separated in 1974.
Was on the critical list in a Memphis hospital in November 1985.