I said this before, but imagine being 14 years old and seeing this for the first time... the old folks were mad, but the kids were all wide eyed. We got our money's worth.
I heard Jerry Lee in concert when he was 80 years old. He shuffled onto the stage and I thought, "Well, this is going to be a bummer." He sat down at the piano and proceeded to TEAR IT UP!!! He did all his old hits and the audience was rocking just as this audience was. The last song he did was " Great Balls of Fire." At the end he stood up and bumped his chair over with his butt. Everybody went crazy. I was very close to the front of the stage and my friend screamed, " I love you, Jerry Lee." He heard her, smiled, winked at her and said, " I love you, too, baby!" The crowd went nuts again. He waved goodbye and shuffled off the stage. IT WAS A FABULOUS CONCERT!!!!
Thanks for sharing your story. I remember my parents watching him on TV when I was very young, but he was probably in his 50's then. He was an awesome performer/pianist.
@@octavius8562 , If you're refering to Whole Lotta Shakin' goin' on. he did make it his own ,with his own stamp on it !! --- as re. Great Balls of fire , this song was written for him. ---
As a pre- teen in 1957 I heard this performance and noticed the huge difference between rock and roll and the folk songs from the earlier 1950’s. This was so animated, so energetic, so invigorating. What a beginning to a fantastic period of music. I still remember all the lyrics so it must have made an impression on this young girl! ❤
Jerry Lee was great but he capitalized on black music like Elvis & never gave credit to the true pioneers & originators that really started it. Boogie woogie was around & recorded since 1928.
@@winggullseagull1230 Except he did give credit to others who influenced him when asked. He often talked about past performers that he liked. He said that he "collected a lot of her records" when asked about Sister Rosetta Tharp for instance, he also talked about Meade Lux Lewis, and other boogie/blues artists. But he was also hugely influenced by white country/blues Jimmie Rodgers and Hank Williams, and the pianist Moon Mullican, whom he mentioned a lot too. This myth that guys like Elvis and Jerry Lee "never gave credit" to others who came before them is complete BS.
@@TheHeater90 Jerry Lee never once mentioned the boogie pioneers like Clarence Pinetop Smith, Jimmy Yancey or Meade Lux Lewis.. In the 1940's Harry the Hipster Gibson was a popular white boogie woogie player he used to stand up & got wild & Maurice Rocco was a popular black boogie player he also stood up & kicked a piano stool behind him. Look them up, Ok he's credited Sister Rosetta Tharp so did Elvis Little Richard & Chuck Berry they all praised her. Jerry Lee said the only originators besides himself were Al Jolson, Jimmy Rodgers & Hank Williams. He said Jimmy Rodgers was the true king but I disagree Jimmy Rodgers was mixing blues & country before anyone else. He's the father of country music he was the first icon. But his music had nothing to do with rock n roll. That's where the black artists are needed he never mentioned the boogie woogie guys. That played a crucial role in rock n roll in the 50's before it got quickly phased out & tooken over by guitars.
@@winggullseagull1230, Jerry Lee Lewis mixed Rock ' n ' Roll / Rhythm & Blues ,Country ' n ' Blues ,Boogie Woogie & his Gospel roots ---- All Rolled into one Great ,as he said --- Jerry Lee Lewis music !! ------ * he has made references in Interviews to the Black music & musicians !!
i just watched the killers funeral from his hometown of faraday louisiana,today,on his website,elton john sent his condolences,RIP jerry lee, for a lifetime of great music
He was a force! That looks like the Steve Allen show. I saw him in 1985 and he could still pound that piano! He was one of the first of the great rock and rollers. Thanks, Fil. I feel lucky to have lived at the advent of Rock and Roll!
Well done Fil for highlighting the context in which Jerry and Little Richard also, threw a bomb under the bus of convention at this time. It is impossible for youngsters nowadays to appreciate how revolutionary this stuff was back then. Elvis, Chuck, Jerry and Richard changed the world, with Buddy, Eddie and the Everleys close on their heels.
@ Broonzied , you forgot to mention the Great Fats Domino who was long before them starting in 1949 --- The Fat Man. Plus many hits before the term Rock ' n ' Roll came about. --- * It was called Race music ----- Rhythm & Blues ----- * It was Alan Freed who called ( renamed it ) Rock ' n ' Roll ---
I'm giving away my age, but I remember seeing Jerry Lee Lewis doing these types of performances on TV when I was a little kid. Although I wish Iwas a little younger, the upside is I got to see the evolution of Rock and Roll as it happened.
Thanks for doing this tribute to Jerry Lee Lewis who we recently lost. He was one of the more flamboyant & wilder rock & roll singers of the time in the 50's-60's. He was nicknamed "The Killer". His piano playing & showmanship were legendary. He had a lot of hits such as "Great Balls Of Fire", "Breathless", "High School Confidential", "What'd I Say", "Another Place, Another Time" etc. His career faltered for a time when he married his 13-year-old cousin.
Dagmar S. One thing I think about, when watching Jerry's performances over the years, was how much he was influenced by how many southern preachers would act when giving their church sermons (animated in their speech, with their arms waving all over). Jerry's cousin, Jimmy Swaggart, actually became a preacher (an infamous one, at that LOL).
I saw Jerry Lee Lewis in 1971 with my parents at a show in Pennsylvania. He played just like he did in his heyday by kicking the piano stool and jumping and yelling. He was on a country bill with Ray Price and while he played his late 60’s and early 70’s country hits the audience freaked out with joy and he banged away on his piano playing the 50’s rock and roll hits. He said of his country record career that he played country to support the records on country radio but always played his 1950’s rock and roll hits live.
Love Jerry Lee! And Lewis was so grateful to Steve Allen for giving him his big TV break, he named his son Steve Allen Lewis. Lewis subsequently appeared two more times on the show; he performed Whole Lotta Shakin again and it's a scorcher (furniture flying across the stage and so forth.)
I used to listen tp my mother's 45 rpm copy of "Whole Lotta Shakin.'" Around the early 1980s, I saw Jerry Lee Lewis perform on American Bandstand.The host Dick Clark told him that he still had that magic touch. At the time, I'd been taking piano lessons for 2-3 years and thought, "I want to be able to play the piano like him" as I had to agree with him--Jerry Lee had the Midas touch when it came to performing. Thanks very much for your wonderful tribute to one of rock n' roll's founding fathers. Jerry Lee Lewis will be remembered fondly for his contributions to music as well as the talent he brought in his performances.
Fil, no one is better than you in analyzing and bringing out the performance that is presented to us. Jerry Lee, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Eddie Cochran, Elvis, Fats Domino, Bo Diddley, Everly Brothers, all Originals, all The Fathers of Rock ‘n’ Roll……SanJoséBob
Host Steve Allen was also a pianist. I was 13 at thtime and stayed up late to watch this. The Tonight Show. Before Johnny Carson and Jack Paar..A great time.
Great analysis and live performance by Jerry Lee Lewis. Back in the 1950's along with Elvis no one had ever seen or heard anything like this. It was Rock and Roll and I must say both had a whole lot of shakin' going on!
No sorry but you're wrong you're giving Elvis & Jerry Lee way too much credit. Rock n Roll didn't start in the 1950's it was going on way before. Boogie woogie was first recorded in 1928 & popularized & exposed to white audiences in 1938 starting the boogie woogie craze lasting til 1952 boogie woogie was already mainstream all thru the 1940's it was so popular that all the top swing band leaders embraced it because their was so much demand for it. Albert Ammons & Pete Johnson & Meade Lux Lewis first exposed it to white people at Carnagie Hall in 1938. In 1941 The Andrew sisters recorded "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" & the Will Bradley Orchestra recorded "Beat Me Daddy 8 To The Bar" both were huge hits in 1941 there's more examples Tommy Dorsey's swing band covered "Pinetop's Boogie Woogie also in 1941 the list goes on. Jerry Lee Lewis & Little Richard are not originators or pioneers they were not the first to do it. They both got it from Harry the "Hipster" Gibson & Maurice Rocco their virtually forgotten now but in the 1940's they were very popular. So look them up & you'll see exactly where they got it from. Jerry was not the first to kick a piano bench Maurice Rocco did that in the 1940's & Little Richard wasn't the first to play standing up he got it from Maurice Rocco. It''s all been done before Jerry Lee wasn't the first to do anything nothing he does on the piano is his he got it from all the black boogie woogie players in the 1930's & 40's when boogie woogie was at the height of mainstream popularity. Neither was Little Richard he wasn't the originator he claimed to be Because Lewis & Richard had such big ego's they never gave credit to the pioneers & originators that really started it. In 1957 Fat's Domino was asked how rock n roll got started & he said "what's called rock n roll now was called rhythm & blues & I've been playing it for 15 years since 1942. In 1958 Big Joe Turner said "rock n roll is just a new name for the music I've been singing all my life" & he goes back to the 1930's & also in 1958 Elvis said while in the army "Rock n Roll has been around for a long time but only in the last 5 years it's gotten very popular" So he's referring to Bill Haley in 1953 "Crazy Man Crazy" their first big hit but it didn't start with Bill Haley as I said rock n roll goes back further.
@@winggullseagull1230 I can give as much credit as I want to any artist I feel like. I see you tried to make your point elsewhere as we are all entitled to our opinions. This was my opinion and by the way "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" is one of my favorites not by the Andrew Sisters but by the Andrews Sisters.
@@lindadescafano3749 It's not just my opinion it's the true facts. In 1978 I was18 & I admit I was knocked out when I first heard "Whole Lotta Shakin" but I was naive & I didn't know any better. I first listened to Elvis after he died I've listened to all of them & I was blown away I bought all their records & watched old film footage of them live & I was impacted because it was new to me. But I wanted to know who they listened to & where they got it from. So I started buying boogie woogie records to see where Jerry Lee & Little Richard got it from & I could see the line. The reason I have knowledge is because I'm a pianist & it's my business to know music & history. I've studied music thru the years & I realized the origins of rock n roll have never been told correctly & accurately. John Lennon said before Elvis there was nothing well that's not true. There was a lot going on before the 50's. Boogie Woogie is older then Jerry Lee Lewis & Little Richard & for Richard to say he was the originator is laughable he's not. I'm not slamming Elvis & Jerry Lee & Little Richard they were my mentors at one time before I started digging deeper into their musical heritage. that their not as original as they seem. Fat's Domino was playing boogie woogie since 1942 before Little Richard he never said he started it. Chuck Berry was also respectful to his mentors. Chuck Berry has given credit to T-Bone Walker & Charlie Christian & Elmore James & Nat King Cole. He said even the Chuck Berry guitar intro is not his he first heard it in 1948 on a Louis Jordan record. Chuck Berry & Fat's Domino were more humble didn't have ego's & told the truth.
@@winggullseagull1230The didn’t play rock n roll though it was RnB! It was never called RnR it was never a big thing until Elvis did it! He took these genres of county, RnB and Gospel and made a new sound. How could it be like anything from before when it was mixed up! I wish people would stop bring the race card into things. We can all go back and forth about who was before, people get inspiration from what been before them but when someone puts the own stamp on things and creates a new sound and style it becomes something else! No,artiste attributed to teens until Elvis came along and all these other artistes playing were their parents music. He created a style for the younger generation to stand up and be counted. He created an art style and that’s all well and good, but he was also very talented and knew how to sell his art!
When Jerry Lee played, it was all energy. He WAS “tha killer” of rock-n-roll. When he kicked the piano stool back and played the piano with his feet?! It WAS on a totally different level!
Boogie woogie was first recorded in 1928 & popularized & exposed to white people since 1938. Jerry Lee is a thief & a continuation he was not the first to do anything on the 88's nothing was his. He stole it from black boogie woogie players in the 1940's.He was not the first to kick a piano bench he stole it from Maurice Rocco in the 1940's look it up if you think I'm lying. Rock n Roll was going on way before the 1950's.
As you mention this performance come from the Steve Allen, for those who don't know who Steve Allen was, he was a multi-talented man an American television personality, musician, composer, actor, comedian, writer and co-creator and first host of The Tonight Show,
There was a forerunner of of the tonight show called Broadway Open House. It was on NBC for just over a year from May of 1950 to August of 1951. It was hosted by Jerry Lester. Steve Allan started the Tonight Show in September of 1954. I was just seven so I never saw the show or Jack Parr for that matter. It was a while before I saw the early Carson shows as well. I really missed a lot of good comedy. I woud watch every Carson show if there was a Carson net work. I know they show Carson reruns. But I think they tend to show the same ones and not in order. When they first started showig the on either Antenna TV ( I believe) I watched nearly every night. It was still funny so many years later. The monologue was a bit dated but stil pretty funny
Jerry Lee Lewis was one of the most exciting rockers ever. He was a tremendous singer and an amazing pianist but the way he pulverised the keyboard was unique to him. He's exciting because you're always waiting for him to explode. Great stuff.
The answer is simple: You couldn't get excited by his performance unless you were both blind and deaf and even I'm not sure of that. Jerry Lee Lewis captivated audiences via means of talent and high level magnetic energy. I saw him perform on "American Bandstand" in the early 1980s. I'd been taking piano lessons for about 2-3 years and was fascinated by his performance--I thought, "I want to play the piano like Jerry Lee Lewis." After his performance, Dick Clark told him that he still had that magic touch. Jerry Lee will be missed yet fondly remembered.
Great tribute analysis on Jerry Lee Lewis he was one of the last pioneers of rock n' roll to pass on. it's hard to just sit still while Jerry is rockin' out on the piano. Rest in Peace in the afterlife Jerry Jee Lewis September 29, 1935 - October 28, 2022
@@katiezee2 Pretty much the last one standing. If you have never seen it you should see Million Dollar Quartet if it ever tours again. I am surprised this is not on film
@@sanford943 I was JUST going to bring up MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET!! I saw it live on stage twice, it while it was here in Cleveland, it was FANTASTIC and the actor playing JERRY LEE LEWIS had him DOWN PAT, completely!!! So did ALL the actors playing Elvis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash in the show. The MUSIC was ROCKING!! The show is based on a real impromptu jam session that the 4 performers had in 1956. In fact, the stage show ended with the actors froze in a pose that mimics an actual photo that was taken at the time of that jam session. I agree with "sanford sklansky's" comment that he is SURPRISED that they have not made a FILM of this stage show. It was one of the most ENJOYABLE stage shows I have EVER SEEN.
That was a terrific performance! There was definitely a whole lot of shaken going on every time we heard one of his songs play. He was an amazing singer/pianist, a true legend indeed! May Jerry Lee Lewis RIP! Thanks Fil for the great tribute analysis!
Back in the late 90's, I had occasion to MC a Jerry Lee Lewis concert at Billy Bob's Texas in Ft. Worth, Texas. I was working at the local classic hits radio station at the time. Before the show, JLL was in a great mood. He came out of the green room to chat and joke with us. I was a bit surprised because I had heard that he could be...uh...difficult, at times. Certainly not the case that night. He was affable and quite pleasant, and talked to us as if he'd known us for years. During the show, I noticed that, although he had lost some intensity in the ensuing 40 years, he still sounded pretty good. His set was a bit 'loose' in that, it didn't seem as though the band knew exactly which song he was going to play next. Jerry Lee would just start playing a song alone, and the band would join in almost immediately afterward. When it was time to end a song, Jerry Lee would, sort of, give the 'cut' signal, and the song would end, even if it wasn't the actual end of the song! Clearly, there was but one boss on that stage. Love this clip. Steve Allen famously hated rock and roll. It must have taken some convincing for him to have Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis, or any rock and roller on his show. I wonder what he was really thinking at the end of this performance. Keep up the great work, Fil.
Jerry Lee aka "The Killer" because he was so good he "killed it" with his great high energy "bang the piano hard" performances. And Elvis, Johnny Cash, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, Carl Perkins, Wanda Jackson...These were the great pioneers of Rock and Roll music. And except Wanda, all are now gone. Rest in peace Jerry Lee and thanks for your great contributions to Rock and Roll.
I really love these Sun Records artists. Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison and Carl Perkins are amazing. Thanks for sharing this analysis video. It's high energy rock and roll. May Jerry Lee Lewis rest in peace. Cheers, Fil! ✌️
The Memphis, TN music scene was truly hot in the 50's and early 60's. It gave us not only Jerry Lee Lewis, but Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, some guy called Elvis Presley, BB King, Roy Orbison, Al Green, and many others.
When I watched this live at the time with my parents in the same room, they said that I would be disowned if I bought his records. He and Little Richards scared a whole generation of parents.
Recently discovered your channel and as a middle-aged white woman, who has traveled a lot, I'm really enjoying your intelligent tack on all these classics
Jerry Lee, Little Richard, Elvis, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, and arguably a few others started playing that "devil music" and I've been privileged to see it. Rock on.
@@jean-christophedibatista1893He played more than a few chords mate! He in fact lead the rhythm it was his playing that made up for the sound of the drums. When they first started there was no drummer. That 68 special would not have been so good if Elvis hadn’t played the lead. He definitely livened it up! He could also play piano beautifully he played bass too! Had a go at the drums He would have a go at a lot of instruments! Never one to shy away, he could do a lot of things. Even waterskiing i know this is of topic but it goes to show how quick he was at picking things up! Learning songs in foreign languages also! You are just someone that likes to put him down. The others were not as versatile as him. They didn’t have voice that could be fine tuned like an instrument. A voice is an instrument you know. It doesn’t have to an inanimate object just to classed as an instrument that is a foolish notion! You will see quotes from more expertise than yourself that actually do state this! He did more in 23 years than what JLL, CB and LR did in all these years. They lived more than twice as long and still cannot match him! Go and chew on that why don’t you! You have to realise that opinions are not facts. I have stated facts! Lesson over.
@@AJ-jc1ye You are so right. Elvis was the whole package deal & by 1957 when we are seeing JLL performing here, Elvis had already been an International Sensation since 1956 when he was 21 years old. No more need be said!
@@jean-christophedibatista1893. You obviously don’t know a whole lot, do you? Elvis played rhythm guitar, which has been reviewed by Fil twice, because some idiot kept saying Elvis was faking playing guitar, which was totally disproved by Fil ….. check out Fil’s 1960s & you will see Elvis in his 68 Comeback Special playing Scotty’s guitar & playing it very well. Go on over, & see for yourself, if you don’t mind see how misinformed you actually are. Elvis also played piano well … Fil also spoke about that too. Elvis also had a jamming session with the Beatles when they visited with him on the American tour, playing bass guitar. Elvis himself never said he played guitar well, but as Fil said, Elvis played it well enough for what he wanted. He played piano better, & played it while singing certain songs in concert.
Hey P I remember watching my older brother and sister watching this performance on tv and they were glued to the screen much to the dismay of my parents.... I new some was up only to find out later on what it was!!!
Ha Fil! I was just listening to "Last Man Standing" this morning. Amazing album, everyone. I had no idea he passed. (That's my psychic stuff, the other news network..) Oh Jerry! RIP. ONE OF A KIND🙏
There was something else that added to the picture of a wild man at the piano. It was Jerry Lee's longish, unkempt hair. In the 1950s, which I'm old enough to remember, men wore their hair short. Really enjoyed the video. Thanks.
I was watching this clip with my dad the night he died, before I knew he had passed away. We often did Jerry Lee Lewis covers with me on piano and my dad singing, his tunes are always such a hit with audience. His tunes aren’t the most complicated to play but they never fail to impress the audience. I love this performance so much and his showmanship
Thanks Fil. I wish you would analyze one of his country songs. "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" would be great. I saw him many times in concert. He played just as hard for 100 fans as he did for thousands. Great yodeler. Could play rock and roll, country, gospel, gut bucket blues. He took requests, never had a set list. His sidekick Kenneth Lovelace was with him for over 60 years. RIP Jerry Lee.
I was just watching his last interview yesterday so cool you are doing this. He was a talented fireball🔥50's music showcased musicians well. Thanks Fil 😊🎹🎼🎵🍻
I remember long ago telling my friend in Art class at school that he played the piano with his foot. She was a bit confused so I gave a quick demonstration on the edge of the table,to the amusement of our teacher who was standing in the doorway. We often listened to the That'll be the Day album while working.
Great analysis Fil. Jerry Lee was a fantastic showman who had the talent to entertain. A pioneer of rock. His cousin Mickey Gilley is also a fantastic entertainer and piano player.
Thanks Fil for another good analysis. I saw Jerry Lee in concert at a "Legends of Rock" concert in 1989 and he was fantastic even in his middle age. Rock 'n' Roll heaven has gained another member.
Listening to your analysis is that I realize stuff I understand but can't put into words while you do it so easily, thank you and kudos for the nitpicking of these performances.
This has always been one of your strong suits. Doing eulogies for fallen musicians to capture their influence and to showcase them for newer audiences that might not have known their musical heritage. Jerry Lee was not a shy personality. He might not have been technically great, but I'm sure there are many musicians that appreciate that Jerry opened doors for them...or should I say kicked them down?
Good God man, this was an exceptionally well presented analysis that basically blows every other reaction/analysis on UA-cam off the planet and platform. Holy smokes - this is the first time I've caught your videos and I hit the bullseye on this one. Supremely well done Sir! Thank you! Superb. Your intellect, voice, enthusiasm - all of it. Thank you very much from New York City!
Fun fact: Dick Clark said that Jerry Lee Lewis was one of only a couple of acts that actually played and sang live on American Bandstand. All the others were lip-syncing to their records. As for kicking the chair back, that actually was not an accident. There's a video where Carl Perkins tells how he and Johnny Cash had told Jerry that he needed to do that to spice up his act. Jerry acknowledges that it was Carl and Johnny's idea in the interview. Carl also said that after Jerry first did that in a live show and the crowd went absolutely crazy, Carl turned and looked at Johnny while they were watching from backstage and said, "I don't know Johnny, maybe we shouldn't have told him to do that after all" 😀 Actually, is my favorite part of this aside from the "Killer's" performance is when Steve Allen throws the chair that Jerry kicked away when he stood up, back across the stage at the bottom of the screen. You know that just added to the wildness of that performance.
I was 10 years old in 1957 and my parents did NOT like him when we watched this Steve Allen show, my family watched Steve Allen all the time. He had such a FANTASTIC LAUGH, and could have you in stitches!! My dad's laugh was very similar to "Steverino"!!
Thank you, I love this Man's talent For Years! Incredible performer, Singer, and piano player! I love for you to do this for his UNICEF performence Rome Italy 88! He plays the piano with his foot, and more!
I saw him in concert back when I was a teenager. He rocked the house down. He had on a sequin jacket he stood on the piano and threw it out in the audience and they tore
I saw him once, way back in the sixties. Wildest thing I've ever seen! You know, Jerry Lee, Mickey Gilly and Jimmy Swaggart (disgraced TV preacher) were all cousins.
This was cool Fil. JLL was a real show man. He was a rock and roll rebel. He was punk rock before there was punk rock. He hit you hard, fast, and loose and didn’t give a f**k about society’s opinion on his personal choices in life. He probably went into rock n’ roll heaven with very little regrets. Thanks Fil for honoring an American legend. Much love 🖤🤘🏿🤘🏿
Elton did handstands on the piano ! While playing... He was inspired by Killer, sure, t'was a thrill to see 'Hercules' John do his stuff live in the 70s
@@tangogrrl , *at a show in London in 1980' s. Elton John kicked back the Piano stool & it went into the audience. However ,it didn't cause damage to the young woman . Elton sent Flowers to her. ---- It's a shame that he didn't get lessons from Rocking Jerry Lee Lewis as to how to kick the stool back !!
Hey Fil, thank you for the tribute to the great Jerry Lee Lewis. My mother loved him and so did I. I saw your analysis of Jerry a few years ago and it was awesome. He had a very interesting career with many scandals and controversies. So did Elvis. You are my favorite Rock and Roll analyst coming from USA. Keep it coming.
Sent my condolences to his son, Jerry Lee III and the Lewis family (also to the Gilley and Swaggart families) on the passing of Jerry Lee. Fil you nailed it when it's not perfect. Rock and Roll was and is meant to be MESSY. I did miss Roland Janes guitar and solo in this performance. My sister brought this record home in 1957, the piano got to me and was the spark of me wanting to play piano. I was at the Lewis Ranch in Nesbit, MS 4 years ago - humbled to play (hack) Jerry's piano. Check out the original recording by Big Maybelle, a Blues shouter on OKeh records from 1955. A very young 22 year old by the name of Quincy Jones was the arranger of the R&B band that backed her. Another great analysis.
Greetings and Love from Germany 💚 thank you for this tribute to Jerry Lee R.I.P. great reaction, buddy. Some didn't agree with 'He opened the door..' well, i wanna tell them something. Listen, in 1938 there was maybe a door to some kind of RocknRoll. But in 1957, Jerry Lee got the balls and became the very first dude on TV with long hair. The haters wanted to beat him up and called him 'faggot' and worst. And i'm sure he invented 'Headbanging', did you see his hair bouncing as he began bumping his head.? Together with these double meaning, nasty lyrics..he defently opened that door to the real 'RocknRoll' as we know it. Sad that his unfortune thing with Myra broke his neck for a long time. And Elvis, he took Priscilla and she was 14 years young. Well, all hail, Southern America. 👌 However, stay safe & PEACE, my friend
Great analysis Fil. I watched your previous video about Jerry Lee and have the dvd of Don't Knock The Rock London 1964, from which your previous clip came. I've always loved the Killer. Always had disagreements with my Dad about him back in the day....Dad preferred Bill Hayley. Bill Haley was comfortable and had a friendly face. Jerry Lee was sexuality personified and definitely dangerous. I was lucky enough to see Jerry Lee Lewis and Chuck Berry twice. The first time was at the London Arena in 2000 and the second time was at the Brighton Centre in 2004. Both fantastic concerts. No young ones now with that level of magnetism.
In earlier video you showed a direct example of this piano playin' style and influence of JL Lewis on cousin M Gilley's performance. In this performance one can see the origins and derivatives in later music of the tempo and his spirited style.
My daughter took a music appreciation class at a university. The professor said that Jerry Lee Lewis took the piano and made it a hard rock instrument. For the day that was hard rock. And he had a persona that would be, in the context of the day, comparable to performers that are viewed as being threatening by the mainstream today.
Superb analysis as usual ..The message that night wasn't about perfection but performance. .. the contradictory art of such as the nature of rock music in general, and the energy and magnetism drawing in the crowd Such as influenced generations since. Jerry was before my time per se but this retro performance combined with your analysis brought me to tears my music genre being all over the map particularly in between. Thank you once again. (y)
![Full Time Musician REACTS to Early Jerry Lee Lewis [ANALYSIS]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/5oKEl-nEW3o/mqdefault.jpg)
I said this before, but imagine being 14 years old and seeing this for the first time... the old folks were mad, but the kids were all wide eyed. We got our money's worth.
I heard Jerry Lee in concert when he was 80 years old. He shuffled onto the stage and I thought, "Well, this is going to be a bummer." He sat down at the piano and proceeded to TEAR IT UP!!! He did all his old hits and the audience was rocking just as this audience was. The last song he did was " Great Balls of Fire." At the end he stood up and bumped his chair over with his butt. Everybody went crazy. I was very close to the front of the stage and my friend screamed, " I love you, Jerry Lee." He heard her, smiled, winked at her and said, " I love you, too, baby!" The crowd went nuts again. He waved goodbye and shuffled off the stage. IT WAS A FABULOUS CONCERT!!!!
Thanks for sharing your story. I remember my parents watching him on TV when I was very young, but he was probably in his 50's then. He was an awesome performer/pianist.
That's so great! Fab!
I had the exact same experience.
Oh.. to have been there! !!
@@sharonroyal1410 My friend and I had a great time. We'll never forget it!
No wild costume. No pyrotechnics. No scantily-clad dancers. Just a man and his band with a great tune giving it everything.
And his lil' ol' cousin lol
Just kidding! Tried to go to his club a few times when I lived in Memphis in the 80s, but he was sick at the time
Amen!!! Well said
Amen to that! Jerry Lee Lewis proved that talent mattered. Additionally, he made the piano an instrument of rock n' roll.
@@octavius8562 , Jerry Lee Lewis was a FANTASTIC Pianist Showman and a SUPERB Rock ' n ' Roll , Country ' n ' Blues Singer & his stage act WOW !! ----
@@octavius8562 , If you're refering to Whole Lotta Shakin' goin' on. he did make it his own ,with his own stamp on it !! --- as re. Great Balls of fire , this song was written for him. ---
One of the BEST rock and roll performances of all time!
He was just 21 years old here. Impressive skills!
So glad we have videos from the 50’s to watch and appreciate:)
As a pre- teen in 1957 I heard this performance and noticed the huge difference between rock and roll and the folk songs from the earlier 1950’s. This was so animated, so energetic, so invigorating. What a beginning to a fantastic period of music. I still remember all the lyrics so it must have made an impression on this young girl! ❤
Jerry was a wildman and he can play the piano like no one else!
I wasn’t a big Jerry Lee Lewis fan. But his performances definitely woke you up, and kept you occupied. May he rest in peace
Me either but sad to hear he passed away.
Jerry Lee was great but he capitalized on black music like Elvis & never gave
credit to the true pioneers & originators that really started it. Boogie woogie was around
& recorded since 1928.
@@winggullseagull1230 Except he did give credit to others who influenced him when asked. He often talked about past performers that he liked. He said that he "collected a lot of her records" when asked about Sister Rosetta Tharp for instance, he also talked about Meade Lux Lewis, and other boogie/blues artists. But he was also hugely influenced by white country/blues Jimmie Rodgers and Hank Williams, and the pianist Moon Mullican, whom he mentioned a lot too. This myth that guys like Elvis and Jerry Lee "never gave credit" to others who came before them is complete BS.
@@TheHeater90 Jerry Lee never once mentioned the boogie pioneers
like Clarence Pinetop Smith, Jimmy Yancey or Meade Lux Lewis.. In the 1940's Harry the Hipster Gibson was a popular white boogie woogie player he used to stand up & got wild & Maurice Rocco was a popular black boogie player he also stood up & kicked a piano stool behind him. Look them up,
Ok he's credited Sister Rosetta Tharp so did Elvis Little Richard & Chuck Berry they all praised her. Jerry Lee said the only originators besides himself were Al Jolson, Jimmy Rodgers & Hank Williams. He said Jimmy Rodgers was the true king but I disagree Jimmy Rodgers was mixing blues & country before anyone else. He's the father of country music he was the first icon. But his music had nothing to do with rock n roll.
That's where the black artists are needed he never mentioned the boogie woogie guys. That played a crucial role in rock n roll in the 50's before it got quickly phased out & tooken over by guitars.
@@winggullseagull1230, Jerry Lee Lewis mixed Rock ' n ' Roll / Rhythm & Blues ,Country ' n ' Blues ,Boogie Woogie & his Gospel roots ---- All Rolled into one Great ,as he said --- Jerry Lee Lewis music !! ------ * he has made references in Interviews to the Black music & musicians !!
i just watched the killers funeral from his hometown of faraday louisiana,today,on his website,elton john sent his condolences,RIP jerry lee, for a lifetime of great music
He was a force! That looks like the Steve Allen show. I saw him in 1985 and he could still pound that piano! He was one of the first of the great rock and rollers. Thanks, Fil. I feel lucky to have lived at the advent of Rock and Roll!
He was a trip , it was wild watching him perform. RIP Jerry
Well done Fil for highlighting the context in which Jerry and Little Richard also, threw a bomb under the bus of convention at this time. It is impossible for youngsters nowadays to appreciate how revolutionary this stuff was back then. Elvis, Chuck, Jerry and Richard changed the world, with Buddy, Eddie and the Everleys close on their heels.
@ Broonzied , you forgot to mention the Great Fats Domino who was long before them starting in 1949 --- The Fat Man. Plus many hits before the term Rock ' n ' Roll came about. --- * It was called Race music ----- Rhythm & Blues ----- * It was Alan Freed who called ( renamed it ) Rock ' n ' Roll ---
Love this! Whole Lotta Energy and Talent goin' on here!
I'm giving away my age, but I remember seeing Jerry Lee Lewis doing these types of performances on TV when I was a little kid. Although I wish Iwas a little younger, the upside is I got to see the evolution of Rock and Roll as it happened.
Thanks for doing this tribute to Jerry Lee Lewis who we recently lost. He was one of the more flamboyant & wilder rock & roll singers of the time in the 50's-60's. He was nicknamed "The Killer". His piano playing & showmanship were legendary. He had a lot of hits such as "Great Balls Of Fire", "Breathless", "High School Confidential", "What'd I Say", "Another Place, Another Time" etc. His career faltered for a time when he married his 13-year-old cousin.
Actually for a pretty long time
Dagmar S. One thing I think about, when watching Jerry's performances over the years, was how much he was influenced by how many southern preachers would act when giving their church sermons (animated in their speech, with their arms waving all over). Jerry's cousin, Jimmy Swaggart, actually became a preacher (an infamous one, at that LOL).
I saw Jerry Lee Lewis in 1971 with my parents at a show in Pennsylvania. He played just like he did in his heyday by kicking the piano stool and jumping and yelling. He was on a country bill with Ray Price and while he played his late 60’s and early 70’s country hits the audience freaked out with joy and he banged away on his piano playing the 50’s rock and roll hits. He said of his country record career that he played country to support the records on country radio but always played his 1950’s rock and roll hits live.
Love Jerry Lee! And Lewis was so grateful to Steve Allen for giving him his big TV break, he named his son Steve Allen Lewis. Lewis subsequently appeared two more times on the show; he performed Whole Lotta Shakin again and it's a scorcher (furniture flying across the stage and so forth.)
Who can sit still listening to this!! A bit before my time! But if you love music you know who Jerry Lee Lewis is! ✌️❤️🎶
I used to listen tp my mother's 45 rpm copy of "Whole Lotta Shakin.'" Around the early 1980s, I saw Jerry Lee Lewis perform on American Bandstand.The host Dick Clark told him that he still had that magic touch. At the time, I'd been taking piano lessons for 2-3 years and thought, "I want to be able to play the piano like him" as I had to agree with him--Jerry Lee had the Midas touch when it came to performing. Thanks very much for your wonderful tribute to one of rock n' roll's founding fathers. Jerry Lee Lewis will be remembered fondly for his contributions to music as well as the talent he brought in his performances.
Fil, no one is better than you in analyzing and bringing out the performance that is presented to us. Jerry Lee, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Eddie Cochran, Elvis, Fats Domino, Bo Diddley, Everly Brothers, all Originals, all The Fathers of Rock ‘n’ Roll……SanJoséBob
Host Steve Allen was also a pianist. I was 13 at thtime and stayed up late to watch this. The Tonight Show. Before Johnny Carson and Jack Paar..A great time.
Great analysis and live performance by Jerry Lee Lewis. Back in the 1950's along with Elvis no one had ever seen or heard anything like this. It was Rock and Roll and I must say both had a whole lot of shakin' going on!
No sorry but you're wrong you're giving Elvis & Jerry Lee way too much credit.
Rock n Roll didn't start in the 1950's it was going on way before. Boogie woogie was first recorded in 1928 & popularized & exposed to white audiences in 1938
starting the boogie woogie craze lasting til 1952 boogie woogie was already mainstream all thru the 1940's it was so popular that all the top swing band leaders embraced it because their was so much demand for it.
Albert Ammons & Pete Johnson & Meade Lux Lewis first exposed it to white people at Carnagie Hall in 1938. In 1941 The Andrew sisters recorded "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" & the Will Bradley Orchestra recorded "Beat Me Daddy 8 To The Bar" both were huge hits in 1941 there's more examples Tommy Dorsey's
swing band covered "Pinetop's Boogie Woogie also in 1941 the list goes on.
Jerry Lee Lewis & Little Richard are not originators or pioneers they were not the first to do it. They both got it from Harry the "Hipster" Gibson & Maurice Rocco their virtually forgotten now but in the 1940's they were very popular. So look them up & you'll see exactly where they got it from.
Jerry was not the first to kick a piano bench Maurice Rocco did that in the 1940's & Little Richard wasn't the first to play standing up he got it from Maurice Rocco.
It''s all been done before Jerry Lee wasn't the first to do anything nothing he does on the
piano is his he got it from all the black boogie woogie players in the 1930's & 40's when boogie woogie was at the height of mainstream popularity.
Neither was Little Richard he wasn't the originator he claimed to be
Because Lewis & Richard had such big ego's they never gave credit to the pioneers & originators that really started it.
In 1957 Fat's Domino was asked how rock n roll got started & he said "what's called
rock n roll now was called rhythm & blues & I've been playing it for 15 years since 1942. In 1958 Big Joe Turner said "rock n roll is just a new name for the music I've been singing all my life" & he goes back to the 1930's & also in 1958 Elvis said while in the army
"Rock n Roll has been around for a long time but only in the last 5 years it's gotten very popular" So he's referring to Bill Haley in 1953 "Crazy Man Crazy" their first big hit but it didn't start with Bill Haley as I said rock n roll goes back further.
@@winggullseagull1230 I can give as much credit as I want to any artist I feel like. I see you tried to make your point elsewhere as we are all entitled to our opinions. This was my opinion and by the way "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" is one of my favorites not by the Andrew Sisters but by the Andrews Sisters.
@@lindadescafano3749 It's not just my opinion it's the true facts.
In 1978 I was18 & I admit I was knocked out when I first heard "Whole Lotta Shakin" but I was naive & I didn't know any better. I first listened to Elvis after he died I've listened to all of them & I was blown away I bought all their records & watched old film footage of them live & I was impacted because it was new to me.
But I wanted to know who they listened to & where they got it from. So I started buying boogie woogie records to see where Jerry Lee & Little Richard got it from & I could see the line.
The reason I have knowledge is because I'm a pianist & it's my business to know music & history. I've studied music thru the years & I realized the origins of rock n roll have never been told correctly & accurately.
John Lennon said before Elvis there was nothing well that's not true.
There was a lot going on before the 50's.
Boogie Woogie is older then Jerry Lee Lewis & Little Richard & for Richard to say he was the originator is laughable he's not.
I'm not slamming Elvis & Jerry Lee & Little Richard they were my mentors at one time before I started digging deeper into their musical heritage.
that their not as original as they seem.
Fat's Domino was playing boogie woogie since 1942 before Little Richard he never said he started it. Chuck Berry was also respectful to his mentors. Chuck Berry has given credit to T-Bone Walker & Charlie Christian & Elmore James & Nat King Cole. He said even the Chuck Berry guitar intro is not his he first heard it in 1948 on a Louis Jordan record.
Chuck Berry & Fat's Domino were more humble didn't have ego's &
told the truth.
@@winggullseagull1230 Long Live Rock n Roll 🎵
@@winggullseagull1230The didn’t play rock n roll though it was RnB! It was never called RnR it was never a big thing until Elvis did it! He took these genres of county, RnB and Gospel and made a new sound. How could it be like anything from before when it was mixed up! I wish people would stop bring the race card into things. We can all go back and forth about who was before, people get inspiration from what been before them but when someone puts the own stamp on things and creates a new sound and style it becomes something else! No,artiste attributed to teens until Elvis came along and all these other artistes playing were their parents music. He created a style for the younger generation to stand up and be counted. He created an art style and that’s all well and good, but he was also very talented and knew how to sell his art!
When Jerry Lee played, it was all energy. He WAS “tha killer” of rock-n-roll. When he kicked the piano stool back and played the piano with his feet?! It WAS on a totally different level!
Boogie woogie was first recorded in 1928 & popularized & exposed to white people since 1938. Jerry Lee is a thief & a continuation he was not the first to do anything on the
88's nothing was his. He stole it from black boogie woogie players in the 1940's.He was not the first to kick a piano bench he stole it from Maurice Rocco in the 1940's look it up if you think I'm lying. Rock n Roll was going on way before the 1950's.
As you mention this performance come from the Steve Allen, for those who don't know who Steve Allen was, he was a multi-talented man an American television personality, musician, composer, actor, comedian, writer and co-creator and first host of The Tonight Show,
Steve Allen Show.
Steverino!
There was a forerunner of of the tonight show called Broadway Open House. It was on NBC for just over a year from May of 1950 to August of 1951. It was hosted by Jerry Lester. Steve Allan started the Tonight Show in September of 1954. I was just seven so I never saw the show or Jack Parr for that matter. It was a while before I saw the early Carson shows as well. I really missed a lot of good comedy. I woud watch every Carson show if there was a Carson net work. I know they show Carson reruns. But I think they tend to show the same ones and not in order. When they first started showig the on either Antenna TV ( I believe) I watched nearly every night. It was still funny so many years later. The monologue was a bit dated but stil pretty funny
Love Steverino!!!
Allen wasn't a big fan of rock and roll either. But he was a great businessman who knew what his audience wanted.
Jerry Lee Lewis was one of the most exciting rockers ever. He was a tremendous singer and an amazing pianist but the way he pulverised the keyboard was unique to him. He's exciting because you're always waiting for him to explode. Great stuff.
Great reaction. Don't forget that he is also dancing.
"The Killer" was a trailblazer. How could you not get excited by his performances?
The answer is simple: You couldn't get excited by his performance unless you were both blind and deaf and even I'm not sure of that. Jerry Lee Lewis captivated audiences via means of talent and high level magnetic energy. I saw him perform on "American Bandstand" in the early 1980s. I'd been taking piano lessons for about 2-3 years and was fascinated by his performance--I thought, "I want to play the piano like Jerry Lee Lewis." After his performance, Dick Clark told him that he still had that magic touch. Jerry Lee will be missed yet fondly remembered.
Great tribute analysis on Jerry Lee Lewis he was one of the last pioneers of rock n' roll to pass on. it's hard to just sit still while Jerry is rockin' out on the piano. Rest in Peace in the afterlife Jerry Jee Lewis September 29, 1935 - October 28, 2022
Who would have thought he'd be one of the last ones standing from that time. . .
@@katiezee2 Pretty much the last one standing. If you have never seen it you should see Million Dollar Quartet if it ever tours again. I am surprised this is not on film
@@sanford943 I was JUST going to bring up MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET!! I saw it live on stage twice, it while it was here in Cleveland, it was FANTASTIC and the actor playing JERRY LEE LEWIS had him DOWN PAT, completely!!! So did ALL the actors playing Elvis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash in the show. The MUSIC was ROCKING!! The show is based on a real impromptu jam session that the 4 performers had in 1956. In fact, the stage show ended with the actors froze in a pose that mimics an actual photo that was taken at the time of that jam session. I agree with "sanford sklansky's" comment that he is SURPRISED that they have not made a FILM of this stage show. It was one of the most ENJOYABLE stage shows I have EVER SEEN.
W
@@patticrichton1135 we saw the show in Milwaukee some years ago. The show is playing again in a couple of weeks
The last of THE GREATS!!! So sad to lose him/them. But they will live on forever with their recordings and vids. THANK YOU JERRY LEE...
That was a terrific performance! There was definitely a whole lot of shaken going on every time we heard one of his songs play. He was an amazing singer/pianist, a true legend indeed! May Jerry Lee Lewis RIP! Thanks Fil for the great tribute analysis!
@@jennifursun3303 I sure dont. I'll try to find out and I'll let you know. 🙂
@@jennifursun3303 It was Jimmy Van Eaton.
Back in the late 90's, I had occasion to MC a Jerry Lee Lewis concert at Billy Bob's Texas in Ft. Worth, Texas. I was working at the local classic hits radio station at the time. Before the show, JLL was in a great mood. He came out of the green room to chat and joke with us. I was a bit surprised because I had heard that he could be...uh...difficult, at times. Certainly not the case that night. He was affable and quite pleasant, and talked to us as if he'd known us for years. During the show, I noticed that, although he had lost some intensity in the ensuing 40 years, he still sounded pretty good. His set was a bit 'loose' in that, it didn't seem as though the band knew exactly which song he was going to play next. Jerry Lee would just start playing a song alone, and the band would join in almost immediately afterward. When it was time to end a song, Jerry Lee would, sort of, give the 'cut' signal, and the song would end, even if it wasn't the actual end of the song! Clearly, there was but one boss on that stage. Love this clip. Steve Allen famously hated rock and roll. It must have taken some convincing for him to have Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis, or any rock and roller on his show. I wonder what he was really thinking at the end of this performance. Keep up the great work, Fil.
After he passed I saw someone say “When Jerry Lee played the piano even the wrong notes were right.” Indeed. R.I.P. Killer.
Now that is Rock n Roll!!!
Jerry Lee aka "The Killer" because he was so good he "killed it" with his great high energy "bang the piano hard" performances. And Elvis, Johnny Cash, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, Carl Perkins, Wanda Jackson...These were the great pioneers of Rock and Roll music. And except Wanda, all are now gone. Rest in peace Jerry Lee and thanks for your great contributions to Rock and Roll.
I really love these Sun Records artists. Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison and Carl Perkins are amazing. Thanks for sharing this analysis video. It's high energy rock and roll. May Jerry Lee Lewis rest in peace. Cheers, Fil! ✌️
@Dwayne Wladyka , Don't forget Sonny Burgess , he also was VERY good!! ---
Another rock architect of the 50's has left us. Thanks Fil.
The Memphis, TN music scene was truly hot in the 50's and early 60's. It gave us not only Jerry Lee Lewis, but Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, some guy called Elvis Presley, BB King, Roy Orbison, Al Green, and many others.
hes the best. love him
When I watched this live at the time with my parents in the same room, they said that I would be disowned if I bought his records. He and Little Richards scared a whole generation of parents.
@Philosophy_First bought it, kept it in the basement when parents were around.
They were very suggestive lyrics for the time!
Recently discovered your channel and as a middle-aged white woman, who has traveled a lot, I'm really enjoying your intelligent tack on all these classics
Jerry Lee, Little Richard, Elvis, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, and arguably a few others started playing that "devil music" and I've been privileged to see it. Rock on.
Elvis played nothing except à few chords (it was scotty moore and James burton )
Never a solo never an intro....
@@jean-christophedibatista1893He played more than a few chords mate! He in fact lead the rhythm it was his playing that made up for the sound of the drums. When they first started there was no drummer. That 68 special would not have been so good if Elvis hadn’t played the lead. He definitely livened it up! He could also play piano beautifully he played bass too! Had a go at the drums He would have a go at a lot of instruments! Never one to shy away, he could do a lot of things. Even waterskiing i know this is of topic but it goes to show how quick he was at picking things up! Learning songs in foreign languages also! You are just someone that likes to put him down. The others were not as versatile as him. They didn’t have voice that could be fine tuned like an instrument. A voice is an instrument you know. It doesn’t have to an inanimate object just to classed as an instrument that is a foolish notion! You will see quotes from more expertise than yourself that actually do state this!
He did more in 23 years than what JLL, CB and LR did in all these years. They lived more than twice as long and still cannot match him! Go and chew on that why don’t you! You have to realise that opinions are not facts. I have stated facts! Lesson over.
@@AJ-jc1ye You are so right. Elvis was the whole package deal & by 1957 when we are seeing JLL performing here, Elvis had already been an International Sensation since 1956 when he was 21 years old. No more need be said!
@@jean-christophedibatista1893. You obviously don’t know a whole lot, do you? Elvis played rhythm guitar, which has been reviewed by Fil twice, because some idiot kept saying Elvis was faking playing guitar, which was totally disproved by Fil ….. check out Fil’s 1960s & you will see Elvis in his 68 Comeback Special playing Scotty’s guitar & playing it very well. Go on over, & see for yourself, if you don’t mind see how misinformed you actually are. Elvis also played piano well … Fil also spoke about that too. Elvis also had a jamming session with the Beatles when they visited with him on the American tour, playing bass guitar. Elvis himself never said he played guitar well, but as Fil said, Elvis played it well enough for what he wanted. He played piano better, & played it while singing certain songs in concert.
Hey P
I remember watching my older brother and sister watching this performance on tv and they were glued to the screen much to the dismay of my parents.... I new some was up only to find out later on what it was!!!
I remember seeing this video for the first time in 1957.It blew me away and showed me what real 'rock'n'roll was all about.I was in my 16th year.
Dear Fil, you're the best!
Ha Fil! I was just listening to "Last Man Standing" this morning. Amazing album, everyone. I had no idea he passed. (That's my psychic stuff, the other news network..)
Oh Jerry! RIP. ONE OF A KIND🙏
He were always my favorite rock'n roller from back then. "Breathless" is my favorite song by him.
There was something else that added to the picture of a wild man at the piano. It was Jerry Lee's longish, unkempt hair. In the 1950s, which I'm old enough to remember, men wore their hair short. Really enjoyed the video. Thanks.
This video puts across the electric excitement of that time, a new sound for a new generation.
Thank you sir for the tribute for Jerry Lee.
I was watching this clip with my dad the night he died, before I knew he had passed away. We often did Jerry Lee Lewis covers with me on piano and my dad singing, his tunes are always such a hit with audience. His tunes aren’t the most complicated to play but they never fail to impress the audience. I love this performance so much and his showmanship
Thanks Fil. I wish you would analyze one of his country songs. "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" would be great. I saw him many times in concert. He played just as hard for 100 fans as he did for thousands. Great yodeler. Could play rock and roll, country, gospel, gut bucket blues. He took requests, never had a set list. His sidekick Kenneth Lovelace was with him for over 60 years. RIP Jerry Lee.
A wildly and entertaining artist for sure. Thank you Fil for bringing him on.
The last of the originators of rock and roll 💜🎼
Up until just before he died, fans could go and visit him if they made an appointment with his wife
I was just watching his last interview yesterday so cool you are doing this. He was a talented fireball🔥50's music showcased musicians well. Thanks Fil 😊🎹🎼🎵🍻
I remember long ago telling my friend in Art class at school that he played the piano with his foot. She was a bit confused so I gave a quick demonstration on the edge of the table,to the amusement of our teacher who was standing in the doorway. We often listened to the That'll be the Day album while working.
Thank you! Fil, he was definitely one of the first punk rockers my goodness. God bless my friend stay well.
Anticipation of good vibrations ☄️
He was about 22 here. I thought he was great and still do. It`s fun to watch someone go nuts.
Great analysis Fil. Jerry Lee was a fantastic showman who had the talent to entertain. A pioneer of rock. His cousin Mickey Gilley is also a fantastic entertainer and piano player.
@@jennifursun3303 and a grifter
Thanks Fil for another good analysis. I saw Jerry Lee in concert at a "Legends of Rock" concert in 1989 and he was fantastic even in his middle age.
Rock 'n' Roll heaven has gained another member.
Listening to your analysis is that I realize stuff I understand but can't put into words while you do it so easily, thank you and kudos for the nitpicking of these performances.
many have played the rebel......jerry lee was the rebel.....RIP killer!!
This has always been one of your strong suits. Doing eulogies for fallen musicians to capture their influence and to showcase them for newer audiences that might not have known their musical heritage. Jerry Lee was not a shy personality. He might not have been technically great, but I'm sure there are many musicians that appreciate that Jerry opened doors for them...or should I say kicked them down?
Good God man, this was an exceptionally well presented analysis that basically blows every other reaction/analysis on UA-cam off the planet and platform. Holy smokes - this is the first time I've caught your videos and I hit the bullseye on this one. Supremely well done Sir! Thank you! Superb. Your intellect, voice, enthusiasm - all of it. Thank you very much from New York City!
Fun fact: Dick Clark said that Jerry Lee Lewis was one of only a couple of acts that actually played and sang live on American Bandstand. All the others were lip-syncing to their records. As for kicking the chair back, that actually was not an accident. There's a video where Carl Perkins tells how he and Johnny Cash had told Jerry that he needed to do that to spice up his act. Jerry acknowledges that it was Carl and Johnny's idea in the interview. Carl also said that after Jerry first did that in a live show and the crowd went absolutely crazy, Carl turned and looked at Johnny while they were watching from backstage and said, "I don't know Johnny, maybe we shouldn't have told him to do that after all" 😀 Actually, is my favorite part of this aside from the "Killer's" performance is when Steve Allen throws the chair that Jerry kicked away when he stood up, back across the stage at the bottom of the screen. You know that just added to the wildness of that performance.
I haven’t seen this before and I love it. What a great era of music.
Love your show. So great we get to breakdown artists and appreciate 🤙
Now that's entertainment! 1957, 1967, 1977 or 2027..
Being on the Steve Allen Show was the chance of a lifetime and Jerry Lee knew it. He was hungry.
Thank you for this video. Jerry Lee was my early inspiration (I was 8 years old in 1957). He was and still is The Man.
I was 10 years old in 1957 and my parents did NOT like him when we watched this Steve Allen show, my family watched Steve Allen all the time. He had such a FANTASTIC LAUGH, and could have you in stitches!! My dad's laugh was very similar to "Steverino"!!
Jerry the genius modern piano player🎉🎉🎉🎉
Outstanding was amazing talent
It's obvious why he's called The Killer, he never glance at the clape of piano. Great Man 💥🤘
Thank you, I love this Man's talent For Years! Incredible performer, Singer, and piano player! I love for you to do this for his UNICEF performence Rome Italy 88! He plays the piano with his foot, and more!
I really enjoyed this analysis, thank you.
Great entertainer ☮️💜
I love rockabilly!
Last of The Original Rock Pioneers Gone: R.I.P. Killer
I saw him in concert back when I was a teenager. He rocked the house down. He had on a sequin jacket he stood on the piano and threw it out in the audience and they tore
I saw him once, way back in the sixties. Wildest thing I've ever seen! You know, Jerry Lee, Mickey Gilly and Jimmy Swaggart (disgraced TV preacher) were all cousins.
talented family
🎶🎹💥 That hair! 🤩💜
The pride of Ferriday Louisiana.
This was cool Fil. JLL was a real show man. He was a rock and roll rebel. He was punk rock before there was punk rock. He hit you hard, fast, and loose and didn’t give a f**k about society’s opinion on his personal choices in life. He probably went into rock n’ roll heaven with very little regrets. Thanks Fil for honoring an American legend. Much love 🖤🤘🏿🤘🏿
GREAT JOB AGAIN FIL!!!!
Chicago has a piano player...
The band has a piano player...
Elton John is a piano player...
Than there is the killer....
Elton did handstands on the piano ! While playing... He was inspired by Killer, sure, t'was a thrill to see 'Hercules' John do his stuff live in the 70s
@@tangogrrl elton is a technically super gifted piano player
@@tangogrrl , *at a show in London in 1980' s. Elton John kicked back the Piano stool & it went into the audience. However ,it didn't cause damage to the young woman . Elton sent Flowers to her. ---- It's a shame that he didn't get lessons from Rocking Jerry Lee Lewis as to how to kick the stool back !!
@@mikemcf33, Elton John ,However , NOT as gifted as Rocking Jerry Lee Lewis ----
thank you, i didn't know he was on the Steve Allen show. Guess you learn new things all the time.
Hey Fil, thank you for the tribute to the great Jerry Lee Lewis. My mother loved him and so did I. I saw your analysis of Jerry a few years ago and it was awesome. He had a very interesting career with many scandals and controversies. So did Elvis. You are my favorite Rock and Roll analyst coming from USA. Keep it coming.
Wildman Jerry's music was groundbreaking.
Sent my condolences to his son, Jerry Lee III and the Lewis family (also to the Gilley and Swaggart families) on the passing of Jerry Lee. Fil you nailed it when it's not perfect. Rock and Roll was and is meant to be MESSY. I did miss Roland Janes guitar and solo in this performance. My sister brought this record home in 1957, the piano got to me and was the spark of me wanting to play piano. I was at the Lewis Ranch in Nesbit, MS 4 years ago - humbled to play (hack) Jerry's piano. Check out the original recording by Big Maybelle, a Blues shouter on OKeh records from 1955. A very young 22 year old by the name of Quincy Jones was the arranger of the R&B band that backed her. Another great analysis.
IMHO, The Killer’s country recordings of a few years later are where he really shines.
Greetings and Love from Germany 💚 thank you for this tribute to Jerry Lee R.I.P.
great reaction, buddy. Some didn't agree with 'He opened the door..' well, i wanna tell them something.
Listen, in 1938 there was maybe a door to some kind of RocknRoll. But in 1957, Jerry Lee got the balls and became the very first dude on TV with long hair. The haters wanted to beat him up and called him 'faggot' and worst. And i'm sure he invented 'Headbanging', did you see his hair bouncing as he began bumping his head.? Together with these double meaning, nasty lyrics..he defently opened that door to the real 'RocknRoll' as we know it. Sad that his unfortune thing with Myra broke his neck for a long time. And Elvis, he took Priscilla and she was 14 years young. Well, all hail, Southern America. 👌
However, stay safe & PEACE, my friend
Great analysis Fil. I watched your previous video about Jerry Lee and have the dvd of Don't Knock The Rock London 1964, from which your previous clip came. I've always loved the Killer. Always had disagreements with my Dad about him back in the day....Dad preferred Bill Hayley. Bill Haley was comfortable and had a friendly face. Jerry Lee was sexuality personified and definitely dangerous. I was lucky enough to see Jerry Lee Lewis and Chuck Berry twice. The first time was at the London Arena in 2000 and the second time was at the Brighton Centre in 2004. Both fantastic concerts. No young ones now with that level of magnetism.
beautiful tribute.Thank you Fil from Eve G.
Shake it baby ! Alright !!!
I'm gonna watch it again !
In earlier video you showed a direct example of this piano playin' style and influence of JL Lewis on cousin M Gilley's performance.
In this performance one can see the origins and derivatives in later music of the tempo and his spirited style.
(on cousin J Swaggart’s as well)
Ol' Steve trying to Boogie Woogie at the end was classic !!!
Thank you, Fil!
My daughter took a music appreciation class at a university. The professor said that Jerry Lee Lewis took the piano and made it a hard rock instrument. For the day that was hard rock. And he had a persona that would be, in the context of the day, comparable to performers that are viewed as being threatening by the mainstream today.
Superb analysis as usual ..The message that night wasn't about perfection but performance. .. the contradictory art of such as the nature of rock music in general, and the energy and magnetism drawing in the crowd Such as influenced generations since. Jerry was before my time per se but this retro performance combined with your analysis brought me to tears my music genre being all over the map particularly in between. Thank you once again. (y)