Jerry Lee Lewis, the iconic rock ‘n' roll pioneer who recently passed away at the age of 87, had a tumultuous love life that included seven marriages.
However, it was his third marriage to his 13-year-old cousin, Myra Gale Brown, when he was 22 years old, that significantly impacted his career.
The scandal surrounding their relationship resulted in music boycotts, venue blacklisting, and a drastic decline in appearance fees from $10,000 to $250 per night.
In December 1957, Lewis, famous for hits like “Great Balls of Fire,” tied the knot with Brown, who was nine years younger than him and still believed in Santa Claus at the time.
Shockingly, Lewis even moved in with his young bride's parents following their wedding.
During their trip to England for Lewis' first European tour, he misrepresented Brown's age to the British press, claiming she was 15.
Once the truth emerged, the media in the UK labeled him as a “cradle robber” and “baby snatcher,” with suggestions of deportation.
The scandal continued to haunt Lewis upon his return to the US.
Additionally, it was revealed that his second marriage to Jane Mitchum was not legally dissolved before marrying Brown.
Consequently, they had to remarry in a separate ceremony on June 4, 1958.
In an attempt to legitimize their relationship, Lewis published an open letter in Billboard addressing the public's concerns.
Despite the controversy, Lewis expressed his bewilderment at the uproar, simply stating, “I plumb married the girl, didn't I?”
The couple went on to have two children, Steve and Phoebe, but their marriage was far from harmonious.
In 1970, Brown filed for divorce, citing adultery and abuse, alleging she had endured various forms of physical and mental mistreatment.
Following his turbulent relationship with Brown, the rock legend embarked on four more marriages.
In 2012, he exchanged vows for the seventh and final time with Judith Lewis, who interestingly was the former wife of Brown's brother.
Lewis' personal life was as tumultuous and controversial as his legendary music career, leaving a legacy marked by both triumphs and tribulations.
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