Jerry Lee Lewis has undoubtedly been my biggest influence in music. Sadly the general public only knows Jerry Lee by two hit records, "Great Balls Of Fire" and "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On." Most people don't realise the huge repertoire that Jerry Lee has recorded and performed.

A lot of people ask me, 'how did you come to be a big fan of Jerry Lee?' Here is how it happened. I have been playing piano since I was about 3 years old. We always had a piano in the house and for as long as I can remember I always would be sitting at it and working out melodies and chords.

The first tune I remember learning was 'Coulters Candy' an old Scottish lullaby. I had heard Mum and Dad perform this in variety shows many times. By the time I was five I could play 'Coulters Candy' in every key.

When I was eight years old I bought a keyboard with money I'd saved from picking berries on a farm in my school holidays. I learned popular melodies, old ballads and even a few church hymns I'd heard at school!

When I was about 11 years old I was wanted to make the piano sound 'more exciting' as I liked listening to rock bands, which are mainly guitar, based. I wondered could this be done on a piano. I was experimenting with different things and eventually worked out a left hand riff which had a rock beat to it.

My Dad said to me, "Have you heard of 'The Killer', Jerry Lee Lewis?" I had heard of him but didn't really know anything about him. My Dad said,' You might like this,' he had a double cassette of Jerry Lee and he played it for me. The first track was 'Great Balls Of Fire.' When it came to the piano solo I said, 'that's exactly what I've been trying to do!' I played the tapes over and over listening to Jerry's' unique piano style and getting influence from his piano solos. So that's how I became a fan of Jerry Lee.

I wanted to buy all the records he had recorded and set out trying to find them. I couldn't believe the variety of songs he had recorded. Everything from his famous rock 'n' roll to country hits, down to earth blues, live gospel shows in churches and old standards like Al Jolson's songs.

When I was 15 years old I attended a Jerry Lee Lewis Convention in Newport, Wales. This was when I first met Jerry Lees' sister, Frankie Jean Lewis. She runs a museum for Jerry (that I subsequently visited) in her hometown where Jerry was born, Ferriday, Lousiana. After meeting Frankie Jean, I have become friends with Jerry Lees' other sister, Linda Gail. Linda also plays piano and sings and I have performed in shows with her in the UK, Norway and Holland.

I have met Jerry Lee at his shows in England but the best occasion was being at his 65th birthday party in Memphis, TN. Jerry has never received the recognition he deserved. His contribution to 20th century music is immense. He was the first person inducted into the 'Rock 'n' Roll Hall Of Fame.' Jerry Lee has directly influenced almost everyone since he rose to fame in the 1950's. The Beatles and the Rolling Stones are all big fans. Countless other 'big' stars are also fans such as, Tom Jones, Elton John and Bruce Springsteen. When John Lennon first met Jerry he dropped to the floor and kissed his feet! Not a bad compliment!

I believe, as so do many in the business, that Jerry Lee would have been the biggest entertainer that the world had ever seen had it not been for the press ruining his career in 1958. I'm sure you all know what happened. Jerry did not regain chart positions until 1968 when he changed his image from 'wild rock 'n' roller' to a 'clean cut; country artiste. Jerry recorded some great songs during this time and topped the country charts with songs like, 'Another Place Another Time', 'What's Made Milwaukee Famous' and 'Me and Bobby McGee'.

Sadly Jerry has had many personal tragedies, losing two sons, two wives and many other setbacks, which would surely have killed anyone except Jerry Lee. Nothing has taken away the raw talent that he possesses. This is what attracts me to Jerry Lee's music. He doesn't need a big 'production' or hype to sound good. He can just walk into a room, sit down at a piano and amaze everyone. He is unique. Few modern stars can perform well live without the assistance of orchestras and electronic wizardry. Jerry Lee can hold an audience with just his voice and his piano playing.

No other artiste has inspired me like Jerry Lee. It is the combination of his performing talents that amazes me. He is a great piano player, a great singer, a great entertainer, and overall the greatest.

Jerry Lee has toured all over the world in his 45 years in show business and never complains about the hectic schedules. When he is off stage, he will sit and play the piano for hours to entertain himself or any fans/friends that are around. This is what makes Jerry a very natural and unique talent. His music will live on forever.

When people hear Jerry's full output and not just "Great Balls Of Fire" and "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" they usually go on to become big fans of his music. I will always remain grateful for the inspiration that Jerry Lee Lewis has been to me. Jerry was once asked, "Do you think there will ever be anyone else like you?" "I certainly hope so," he replied. "Why?" The Killer paused for a moment, then said, "Just think what a dull world this would be without a Jerry Lee Lewis in it."

RETURN TO START PAGE