Musical Snobbery at it’s finest

51 Years ago today, Jerry Lee Lewis performed on television for the first time.

Jerry Lee had already begun to make a name for himself having sold 300,000 copies of “Crazy Arms” for Sam Phillips’ Sun Records. His piano can also be heard on “Matchbox”, and “Your True Love” by Carl Perkins. During this time he also backed Billy Riley and his Little Green Men on their rockabilly classic, “Flying Saucer Rock and Roll”

His band consisting of his cousin J.W. Brown on bass, Jimmy Van Eaton on drums, and Roland James on guitar recorded “Whole Lot of Shakin Goin On”. His bio has been a matter of discussion for years and how his outspokenness and fiery disposition got him in a lot more trouble then he deserved. At the same time, one could argue that “the killer” would be that if it was not for that same attitude.

Steve Allen never hid his dislike for Rock and Roll and would never pass up a chance to poke fun at it. (see Elvis singing “Hound Dog” to a basset hound) At the same time, he was smart enough to know that it brought ratings. Jerry Lee named one of his sons Steve Allen Lewis in honor of the show host.

Anyway…the clip above shows Jerry Lee in all of his fiery glory….enjoy.