TMZ falsely reported Wednesday afternoon that rock ‘n’ roll music icon Jerry Lee Lewis, singer of “Great Balls of Fire”, died at his home in Memphis, Tennessee.
Lewis, 87, is a legendary piano player known for delivering electrifying performances, where he would sometimes play with his feet.
“Jerry Lee Lewis is not dead … as we previously reported,” TMZ reported. “We’re told the rock n’ roll legend is alive, living in Memphis. Earlier today we were told by someone claiming to be Lewis’ rep that he had passed. That turned out not to be the case.”
“TMZ regrets the error,” the publication added.
“He’s alive,” a representative for Lewis said in a statement. “TMZ reported erroneously off of a bulls–t anonymous tip.”
Lewis’ sister, Linda Gail Lewis, posted to Facebook Tuesday: “Please pray for my dear brother, he’s going thru a hard time and needs our prayers and positive thoughts right now. Thank you so much.”
Known as “The Killer,” some of Lewis’ top hits included “Great Balls of Fire,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “High School Confidential,” “Mean Woman Blues,” “Breathless,” “Boogie Woogie Country Man,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “John Henry,” “Lovin’ Up a Storm,” “Livin’ Lovin’ Wreck,” and “I’m on Fire.”
Lewis wrote to fans on his Facebook account last week from a hospital bed in Memphis while battling the flu after he missed being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
“I tried everything I could to build up the strength to come today – I’ve looked so forward to it since I found out about it earlier this year. My sincerest apologies to all of you for missing this fine event, but I hope to see you all soon,” he wrote. “To be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame is the highest honor in Country music.”
“Through over 60 years singing music professionally, country has always been the genre where I felt the most at home – between my fellow artists, the radio and the industry players — some of them anyway,” he continued. “I am honored to be going into that Hall of Fame rotunda with some of my heroes – Hank Williams Sr., Jimmie Rodgers and the like – not to mention so many amazing friends who have been so good to me through the years.”
“Thank you all for your support and love and for electing me into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and most of all, thanks to God for allowing me to experience this honor while I am still here,” he continued. “Since I could not be in-person with you today, I have asked one of my closest and dearest friends to accept this great honor for me – and he’s no stranger to this process: the legendary, Kris Kristofferson.”