Jerry Lee Lewis: Legendary Great Balls of Fire rocker dies aged 87

Legendary US singer Jerry Lee Lewis has died aged of 87, his publicist announced on Friday.

The larger than life rocker, whose wild piano style merged the blues with country, was one of the founding fathers of rock ‘n’ roll.

Louisiana-born Lewis was one of handful of names signed to Sun Records including Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash who set the template for popular music.

He and Perkins famously jammed with Presley and Cash in a session that would later be referred to as being played by the “Million Dollar Quartet”.

The music was recorded at the time, but it was not released until much later.

Zach Farnum said in a statement: “Lewis, perhaps the last true, great icon of the birth of rock ‘n’ roll, whose marriage of blues, gospel, country, honky-tonk and raw, pounding stage performances so threatened a young Elvis Presley that it made him cry, has died.

“He was there at the beginning, with Elvis, Johnny Cash, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Carl Perkins, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly, and the rest, and watched them fade away one by one till it was him alone to bear witness, and sing of the birth of rock ‘n’ roll.”

Sir Elton John remembered Lewis’s “trailblazing inspiration” following his death.

The veteran musician, who has previously cited Lewis as an influence for his love of the piano, shared a photo of them together on his Instagram.

He wrote: “Without Jerry Lee Lewis, I wouldn’t have become who I am today.

“He was groundbreaking and exciting, and he pulverised the piano.

“A brilliant singer too. Thank you for your trailblazing inspiration and all the rock ‘n’ roll memories.”

Among the tributes coming in to the star was one from Public Enemy’s Chuck D who said he “always dug” Jerry Lee Lewis.

Lewis, whose hits include Great Balls of Fire and Breathless, was a major star in the 1950s and was on a triumphant tour of the UK when his career collapsed as it emerged he had married his 13-year-old cousin.

The story was brought to the big screen in a 1989 biopic Great Balls of Fire! with Dennis Quaid playing the fiery performer.

Also paying tribute was Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood who posted pictures of himself with the musician, saying “RIP JLL the KILLER”.

Lewis was well known for his stage antics, such as kicking away his piano stool and playing standing up and even setting the occasional piano on fire.

His career saw a resurgence as he moved into country music but he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s first class in 1986 and a few years later in 1989, he was honoured for his contribution to the recording industry with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The Country Music Association tweeted: “It is with great sadness we’ve learned about the passing of Jerry Lee Lewis, who was just inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame this month. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”