|
Yvette Joulian of France (right) gets a photo signed by Jerry at his 66th birthday party. Kerrie - Jerry's wife gave him a 1986 white Zimmer car with a burgundy interior. |
 |
Kyle says "Jerry was looking really well and was in great form. He did many requests and played for 3 hours 5 mins! It was a great honour to be at Jerry's party". |
Jerry Lee's 66th Birthday Party in Memphis
The following story by Michael Donahue appeared in the Memphis Commercial Appeal
Party Line: When Jerry Lee turns 66, fans cross globe to come
A sign read "God Bless America" at the Holiday Inn, Memphis. Inside, an American legend was having a birthday party. Jerry Lee Lewis celebrated his 66th birthday Saturday with a daylong party that included a brunch buffet, dinner, lots of music and an autograph session. Asked about his greatest accomplishment, Jerry Lee said, "My greatest accomplishment? Signing these autographs."
As soon as the Killer entered the ballroom, fans converged toward him with presents and to get his autograph. Kathleen Pearson, who lives in Slidell, La., was attending her 3rd Jerry Lee birthday party. "He's so incredibly talented," she said. "I love to hear him play. He has a tremendous musical sensibility and has so much heart in his expression. He lives the songs." Jay Ryan, 29, a country rock singer from Lyon, France, said he loves "everything" about Jerry Lee. "I love the way he sings country, rock and roll," he said. Elaine Orlando from Los Angeles said her ex-husband, Tony Orlando, used to perform with Jerry Lee. Their son, Jon Orlando, is a stand-up comedian. Elaine was one of the first presidents of Jerry Lee's fan club. "Whether you like him or not, you've got to respect the man's honesty," she said. "He's true to himself."
Shortly after the brunch, the tables were moved to clear the floor for dancing. The Guns from Booneville, Miss., where Jerry Lee and his wife, Kerrie Lewis, recently bought an 85-year-old home, got the music going. The Guns are Weylon Michael, Jamie Michael, Dale Michael, Greg Michael and Marty Lewis. The Michael brothers' dad, Wayne Michael, is mayor of Booneville. He attended the party, too.
Laura Grisham baked the yellow, baby grand-shaped birthday cake. The piano stool, which also was a cake, had 66 candles in it. The piano was a butter cake with butter icing, Laura said. For the cake, which she said is the equivalent of 22 standard-size cakes, Laura used 18 pounds of butter, 30 pounds of sugar and 12 dozen eggs.
Lulu Dawes, a fan from Telford, Shropshire, England, said she made a grand piano cake for her husband's 60th birthday. She got the idea from the piano cake at last year's Jerry Lee birthday celebration. "I used licorice for the notes," she said. "To top it off, I got a doll and dressed it like Jerry Lee and put it on top of the piano."
Stephen Ackles, a singer from Norway, led the crowd in singing Happy Birthday. So what does a legendary singer get for his birthday? Kerrie said she got him a white 1986 Zimmer with burgundy interior. It took her two years to find it, she said. "He wanted it last year." She finally found one in Connecticut.
Thanks to Tim Congdon - a long-time fan and friend of Jerry for forwarding this playlist of all 60 songs Jerry performed at the party
Hello Killer fans, I had a great time at the convention. It was wonderful. It was great to see you all that attended. There were alot of events at the convention, but I will concentrate on the highlight: Jerry Lee and his rocking all star band, led by Kenny Lovelace, and featuring BB Cunningham and Robert Hall gave a spectacular 3 hour concert performance at Jerry's September 29th birthday bash. Jerry's original Sun Studio band members and honored guests Jimmy Van Eaton and J.W. Brown took a turn on the drums and bass respectively, and showed that they still have their chops. For those of you who were there, and also for those unable to make it, here is Jerry's playlist:
1. Just a Closer Walk with Thee 2. Over the Rainbow 3. Rockin' my Life Away 4. You Win Again 5. What Made Milwaukee Famous 6. In the Mood [ which segued to] 7. Boogie Woogie Man from Tennessee 8. Lucille 9. Crazy Arms 10. CC Rider 11. You Belong To Me 12. Good Golly Miss Molly 13. Lewis Boogie 14. Little Queenie 15. Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On 16. Can't Rock No More [vocal performed by Mack Vickery] 17. Meat Man [abbreviated-Mack and Jerry vocals] 18. Will the Circle Be Unbroken [abbreviated-Mack and Jerry vocals] 19. Wine Spodeeodee 20. Matchbox 21. Chantilly Lace 22. You're the only Star in My Blue Heaven 23. What I Say 24. Another Place, Another Time 25. Mexicali Rose 26. Great Balls of Fire 27. Middle Age Crazy 28. Will the Circle Be Unbroken 29. Ubangi Stomp 30. I'll Sail My Ship Alone 31. Lovin' Up a Storm 32. Green Green Grass of Home 33. Me and Bobbly Magee 34. End of the Road 35. Mr. Sandman 36. Autumn Leaves [slow and then to a boogie] 37. Trouble in Mind 38. Swet Little Sixteen 39. Sweet Georgia Brown 40. Before the Night is Over We'll be in Love 41. Hadacol Boogie 42. Swanee River [abbreviated] 43. You are my Sunshine 44. Georgia 45. On the Jericho Road 46. I Am What I Am 47. Carry me Back to Old Virginia 48. Deep Elem Blues 49. Old Black Joe 50. Don't Be Cruel 51. Sixty Minute Man 52. San Antonio Rose 53. Who's Gonna Play this Old Piano 54. Milkcow Blues 55. Mona Lisa 56. Crawdad Song 57. Railway to Heaven 58. Don't Put No Headstone on my Grave 59. Jambalaya 60. Memphis 61. My Babe [Kenny Lovelace -after the Killer left the stage]
Thanks Tim for all this information!