Rock 'n' roll musician Jerry Lee Lewis has passed away at the age of 87.
Zach Farnum, publicist for Jerry Lee Lewis, said in a statement: “Lewis, perhaps the last true, great icon of the birth of rock ‘n’ roll, whose marriage of blues, gospel, country, honky-tonk and raw, pounding stage performances so threatened a young Elvis Presley that it made him cry, has died.
“He was there at the beginning, with Elvis, Johnny Cash, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Carl Perkins, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly, and the rest, and watched them fade away one by one till it was him alone to bear witness, and sing of the birth of rock ‘n’ roll.”
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The pianist is best known for his hit song 'Great Balls of Fire', which proved to be a monster hit in the late 50s.
Today's audience will be familiar with the song as it was famously performed by Miles Teller's character in Top Gun: Maverick.
Paying tribute to Jerry Lee Lewis, the Country Music Association tweeted: “It is with great sadness we’ve learned about the passing of Jerry Lee Lewis, who was just inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame this month.
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“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Following his death, additional tributes have been pouring in, with one person writing: "RIP JERRY LEE LEWIS.
"One of the original trailblazing Rock n Rollers, who more than earned his nickname ‘THE KILLER.’
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"Here he is in 1957 bashing the piano keys to GREAT BALLS OF FIRE."
Another person added: "Really sad, I loved his music. I had the pleasure to see him play at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Mo a few years back. Wonder perform."
A third commented: "Rest in Peace Jerry Lee Lewis, we will remember your music and your legacy."
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Nicknamed as 'The Killer', the controversial figure drew widespread criticism after he married his 13-year-old cousin at the age of 22.
The marriage was his third of seven.
One user tweeted: "Jerry Lee Lewis married his 13 year old cousin. Yes, he was a talented musician, but I've always found that fact shocking. What was he thinking?
Someone else said: "Several decades ago, Jerry Lee Lewis caused outrage in this country because of his marriage to his 13 year old cousin, & it nearly cost him his career."
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Anish Vij