Talk about a sad day in the music world.
Rock ‘n’ roll icon Jerry Lee Lewis has passed away at the age of 87.
After suffering through years of various illnesses and injuries that physicians say should’ve taken him out years ago after years of putting his body through so much at a young age, he’s passed on after fighting as long as he could.
His wife, Judith, said he was ready to pass on:
“He is ready to leave. He said he was ready to be with Jesus.”
Lewis is widely known to be one of the first ever “rockstars,” with smash hits like “Whole Lot of Shakin’ Going On,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Breathless,” and “High School Confidential.”
He was also known for his close friendships with Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Carl Perkins, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly, and everybody who played a role in the emergence of rock ‘n’ roll in the ’50s.
Lewis also had quite the successful career in the country realm as well, with more than 30 songs reaching the Billboard Top 10, including “Another Place, Another Time,” “To Make Love Sweeter For You,” and “Would You Take Another Chance On Me.”
Last week, Lewis wasn’t able to attend his Country Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony because he was battling the flu, but his longtime buddy Kris Kristofferson accepted the induction on his behalf.
In a Facebook post, the caption read:
On Sunday, Jerry Lee Lewis was finally inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. The legendary Jerry Lee was too ill with the flu to attend the ceremony.
His longtime dear friend Kris Kristofferson accepted in his honor from Hank Williams Jr. and Kris and his wife Lisa were nice enough to drive down to Memphis and present it to Jerry Lee in person.”
Lewis also shared a message to his fans:
It is with heartfelt sadness and disappointment that I write to you today from my sick bed, rather than be able to share my thoughts in person.
I tried everything I could to build up the strength to come today – I’ve looked so forward to it since I found out about it earlier this year. My sincerest apologies to all of you for missing this fine event, but I hope to see you all soon.”
TMZ also erroneously reported that Lewis had passed away on Wednesday, but a rep for Lewis said the tip was not true:
“He’s alive. TMZ reported erroneously off of a bullsh*t anonymous tip.”
RIP to arguably the greatest to ever do it.
Ol’ Jerry Lee said it best in his 2014 biography:
“I’ve had an interesting life, haven’t I?”