Jerry Lee Lewis: The Controversial Rock ‘n’ Roll Pioneer

Jerry Lee Lewis, the rock ‘n' roll legend known for hits like “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On,” passed away at the age of 87.

His public memorial service will be held today at Hernando Funeral Home in Hernando, with his final resting place in Ferriday, Louisiana.

One of the most scandalous aspects of Lewis's life was his marriage to his second cousin once removed, Myra Williams.

At just 13 years old, Williams tied the knot with the 22-year-old singer in 1957.

The revelation of their marriage during a tour of England caused an uproar and led to boycotts of Lewis's music.

Williams, now 78 and residing in Atlanta, reflected on her life with Lewis, whom they nicknamed “the Killer.”

She revealed that it was Lewis's incredible talent as a pianist that initially captivated her.

However, their relationship faced numerous challenges due to the controversy surrounding their marriage.

The marriage remained hidden from Williams's parents for several days until she could no longer bear the secret.

Her father, J.W.

Brown, was furious upon discovering the marriage and even threatened Lewis with a gun.

However, Sam Phillips, the owner of Sun Records, managed to calm Brown down and convince him to accept the situation.

The news of Lewis's marriage to Williams became public during their tour of England, leading to a backlash from the press and fans alike.

The British media labeled him a “cradle robber” and called for his deportation.

Lewis's career suffered greatly, with radio stations refusing to play his records and concert bookings drying up.

Despite the turmoil, Lewis never blamed Williams for his downfall.

He remained determined and eventually made a comeback as a country singer in the late 1960s and 70s.

His perseverance and undeniable talent allowed him to regain his popularity and top the music charts once again.

Throughout their tumultuous marriage, Williams endured various forms of abuse from Lewis, both physically and mentally.

They divorced in 1970, marking the end of their turbulent relationship.

Although Williams's connection to Lewis brought unwanted attention, she managed to rebuild her life.

She found happiness with her current husband, Richard Williams, and pursued a successful career in real estate.

Williams published her memoir, “The Spark That Survived,” in 2016, sharing her side of the story and how she overcame the scandal.

Despite the challenges they faced, Williams believes that Lewis was a sweet man who never truly grew up.

She cherishes the memories of their time together, including a funny incident during a trip to Louisiana.

Jerry Lee Lewis will always be remembered as a larger-than-life figure in the music industry.

His legacy as a rock ‘n' roll pioneer continues to inspire generations of musicians.