A first year inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Almost died from a ruptured stomach in 1981.
Along with Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins, Lewis was a member of the celebrated "Million Dollar Quartet", so named because they were money-makers for Sam Phillips' Sun Records label.
At her ten-year high school reunion, Janis Joplin introduced her younger sister to Lewis, who was a guest. Lewis commented to her that "you wouldn't be half-bad-looking if you weren't trying to look like your sister." Janis slugged Lewis for the comment. Lewis slugged her back, saying, "If you're gonna act like a man, I'm gonna treat you like one!".
By the time of The British Invasion (1964) in The US, there was a keen interest in American rock stars in Great Britain. Jerry Lee appeared to have renewed his career on that side of the Atlantic. He appeared on "Ready Steady Go" a TV pop show, and the fans were mesmerized by his performance.
Contrary to public assumption, Lewis said that he actually had the nickname "Killer" ever since childhood. As a boy, he had the habit of calling acquaintances and friends "Killer," and they would return the greeting. The nickname has stuck with him since.
Cousin of Jimmy Swaggart and Mickey Gilley.
Father, with Jane Mitchum, of two boys named Jerry Lee Lewis Jr (1953-1973) and Ronnie Guy Lewis (b. 1956).
Father, with Kerri McCarver, of a boy named Jerry Lee Lewis III (b. 1987).
Father, with Myra, of a boy named Steven Allen Lewis (1959-1962) and a girl named Phoebe Allen Lewis (b. 1963).
Hated his ex-wife Myra Lewis' biographical book about his life entitled "Great Balls of Fire".
Hated the film based on his life, Great Balls of Fire! (1989).
He currently lives in Booneville, Mississippi, USA. [2005]
He got his star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame 13 June 1989.
He received a lifetime achievement award from the Grammys in 2005.
He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 6631 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.
He was voted the 24th Greatest Rock 'n' Roll Artist of all time by Rolling Stone.
His 1964 album "Live at the Star Club, Hamburg" has been widely hailed as the hardest, pure rock 'n' roll ever recorded.
His eldest son, Jerry Lee Lewis Jr. (b. 1953), was killed in an auto accident in 1973. His second son, Steven Allen Lewis (b. 1959), drowned, at age three, in 1962.
His first cousin, once removed Myra Lewis was 13 years old when they married.