Special End of Year Blog 2007

 

When I sat down to write this blog it was hard to believe that we are just a few weeks away from another Christmas.  I guess it is true that time really does fly when you are having fun…or if you are busy doing what you love doing.  Believe me, over the past few months, there certainly has been no lull in the Lewis schedule or the demand for my Daddy’s time.  We have also made the decision to get involved with a number of meaningful projects where we hope our participation will make a positive difference in the lives of many.  More about this later.

Since my last blog entry, we have completed and released a unbelievable new film entitled Jerry Lee Lewis: Killer Piano; performed at the famed Apollo theater in Harlem at the request of former President Bill Clinton; visited the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland where “The Killer” was honored through the prestigious American Music Masters program; and as many of you have been reading, we just returned from a special visit to the 9th Ward in New Orleans where my Daddy appeared with Brad Pitt and performed in support of the Make It Right project.

Awhile back, Alfred Publishing, the world’s largest producer of music instructional videos and music education products spoke with my business people and wanted to find out if my Daddy would be  interested in a project that would feature him playing the piano and answering questions about what he does at the keyboard.  As you can imagine, when he first heard the words “instructional video” Jerry Lee Lewis was skeptical to say the least. His first comment was “no one can do what I can do at the piano.”  Over time however he warmed to the idea and in late May, at Sam Phillips Studio here in Memphis, the Lewis family got together to record what turned out to be a memorable and moving interview.  My Daddy was feeling more and more comfortable with the format and very quickly it became apparent that history was being captured on film as he reflected on his life and demonstrated his personal and innovative technique through the songs that he has always loved to play.  Honestly, he would not have behaved any differently had he been in our living room with friends and family.  The end result is a testament to the simple genius of Jerry Lee Lewis and will prove to be a documentary milestone that will be referenced by generations of piano students and music aficionados. (You can purchase this great video by clicking here.)

On September 29, my Daddy and I traveled to New York City and the Apollo Theater to be a part of a special concert in support of youth activism through the Clinton Global Initiative, a non-partisan catalyst for action that brings together concerned people to develop and implement solutions to some of life’s challenges.  Along with our good friend Solomon Burke, my Daddy opened the show with an amazing musical collaboration.  With former President Bill Clinton in the house, we also enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate Jerry Lee’s 72nd birthday with a hip new generation of enthusiastic young people who represent the leadership of tomorrow.  President Clinton came out on stage and said "All my life I wanted to perform at the Apollo," and mentioned the countless invites he received to play his horn on “amateur night.”  We had to chuckle when he admitted that over the years, he tried (unsuccessfully) to convince several musicians to join him so that “he wouldn't get booed.”   Well, imagine that, Jerry Lee Lewis and Bill Clinton sharing a stage.  We had a terrific time performing at the Apollo and by the thunderous applause at the end of my Daddy’s set; I think that the audience truly enjoyed witnessing a genuine American icon still making a difference through music.

On November 10, my Daddy and I flew to Cleveland to attend the American Music Masters tribute held in his honor in conjunction with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Case Western Reserve University.  The American Music Masters series celebrates the lives and careers of artists who changed the shape and sound of American culture.  Begun in 1996 with a 10-day tribute to the life and legacy of Woody Guthrie, the AMM series has honored people like Jimmie Rodgers and Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters and Hank Williams and Sam Cooke to name just a few.  As with many things in his career, Jerry Lee Lewis was the first living artist ever to receive this tribute.  Many years of planning came to fruition on a very moving late autumn night at the State Theater in Cleveland.  Suffice it to say that my Daddy was honored to receive this recognition which affirms his place in music history and his influence as an artist and as a human being.  As many of you might have heard, he was not scheduled to perform that evening but could not resist Kris Kristofferson’s suggestion that one song would be a fitting way to close the show.  I have to admit, when he sat down at the piano and started to play “Over the Rainbow,” you could have knocked me over with a feather.  It was one of the most soulful performances of that song I have ever heard him deliver.  Many thanks to Michael Blitzer and Brasstacks Alliance, Terry Stewart, Warren Zanes, Todd Mesek, John Goehrke and the many performers and friends who made this important and special event possible. (You can read all about that night by clicking here)

On December 3, we were in New Orleans with Brad Pitt and his lovely wife Angelina Jolie to help launch and promote a national fundraising campaign to help the city recover from the lasting devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina.  Through a partnership spearheaded by Brad and our good friend Steve Bing, 150 affordable and sustainable homes will be built starting in the Lower 9th Ward, an area that was completely leveled by this vicious storm.  As it has been widely reported in the press, Brad and Steve announced at the Clinton Global Initiative that they each would match $5 million in contributions to the houses, for a total of $10 million in matching funds, and challenged others to join them in rebuilding New Orleans.  For those of you that have been a fan of Jerry Lee Lewis for any length of time know that the city of New Orleans is a very special place to the entire Lewis family.  My Daddy volunteered to perform at the benefit concert to help create awareness about this incredibly worthwhile initiative.  Personally, I hope each and everyone of you will visit the web site of the Make It Right Foundation (http://www.makeitrightnola.org) and find it in your heart to do whatever you can to help.

My Daddy and I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge a very special lady, Kay Martin.  Kay is a good friend and a lifetime fan of Jerry Lee Lewis.  In fact, Kay started the first fan club back in the 1950’s and is celebrating her 50 year anniversary.  Kay, thank you for being so good to my Daddy and for being unshakably loyal.  Let me also offer a personal note of thanks to the countless Jerry Lee Lewis fans – young and old – from all over the globe.  I hope you know that my Daddy and I value your support and look forward in 2008 and beyond to more exciting projects we trust you will embrace and enjoy .

Merry Christmas to one and all and if you are in the area, stop by on New Years eve at the Gold Strike Casino and Resort in Tunica, MS.  Trust me, it will be one heck of a performance as we have much to celebrate after a truly blessed 2007.

Phoebe Lewis

and of course Topaz!

Comments

[Charles Hoover]

I am 5 years older than Jerry, but he was my inspiration for learning to play piano. I'm still out playing and have written a song called "To Jerry Lee" talking about events in his life, etc. It would be a great thrill if I knew that he got to hear it. It is on Youtube at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NquPmyOISPg

[Sheila]

I am 15 have not been on ur site 4 a long time but I watch ur cousin Jimmy Swaggert on Sunday mornings and just got off of his site and felt like coming to this site for some reason and I found out about Dottie, I never heard of him but will keep his family in my thoughts and prayers, I use to listen to ur music when i was 13 and 14 and went to see one of ur concerts in Ky. when I got the tickets for my b-day before I got saved last January. I am also Penecostal. I will continue to keep you and Phoebe in my thoughts and prayers, and add Dottie to my prayer list, I didn't know that you and Jimmy both performed at the amm at the same day that is pretty cool, I wish I could have seen it do u know if there is a link to were I can watch it or if it is on a dvd. Would u care to live it on ur site or email it to me I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you. You all are in my thought and prayers. God Bless you. Thank you for taking the time to read my comment.

[niek]

hey Phoebe

Wanted to post this reply to your most recent 2008 blog, but couldn't find a way to post replies there.

Anyway, thanks for the update, always great to read your messages. Great pic as well, Jerry lee does look great, love that suit!

Looking forward to see ya'll in Europe in november.

Niek (from Holland, Europe)

[Nora Marie]

Hi,
I just want to say that I am a new Jerry Lee Lewis admirer, less than 3 hrs ago I saw Great Balls of Fire, then went on the internet to see, hear and read that Jerry really is a true and sweet soul with music that is on fire! I thank you for the fire and inspiration I received in such a short time. I can't wait to see and hear more. I gotta a lot of catching up to do.
xoxo,
Nora from Philly

PS Phoebe, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Thank you for this blog.

[ted claybrook]

I paid $300 to attend jerry lee,s birthday party that was cancel because of his domestic problems. I was notified to return my receit in registered mail, which I did, but never received my refund back. I am still waiting

[Beki Brindle]

Hey, Phoebe! Love this blog.. and Jerry will be in NYC next week.. we want to see you guys .. remember me, I played a few gigs with the Killer in the 90's! Would love to catch up with you after the show and say HELLO! If you guys still remember me.. I DID write a song "Jerry Lee Is King!" I still mean it .. Glad you are taking care of dad! you both ROCK!
Love,
Beki in NYC

[Scott Merrell]

I'm really looking forward to seeing and hearing Jerry Lee at Town Hall in NYC on March 27th. I recently purhcased the Killer Piano DVD. It is fantastic to listen to Jerry play in what is like a living room atmosphere. Like Phoebe, I am a big fan of her Dad's country music. Jerry Lee Lewis is the one of the greatest country artists of all time, and I would love for his next CD to be all country. I heard that Jerry Lee also recorded a Gospel album since the Last Man Standing Sessions. Will that be released any time soon?

- Scott

[Carol Durham]

yes sir,

I have an old 8 track tape of Jerry Lee & friends and would like to get a copy of this on a cd. It has Elvis Presley and Carl Perkins singing and playing with Mr. Lewis. Where can I get one? I have searched everywhere.
Also, how do I get tickets to Mr. Lewis's birthday party in Sept.
Thank you and take care.

Truly,
Carol Durham

[John McCaul]

The other night I had the great pleasure to meet Mr. Lewis at a small fundraiser in London Ontario Canada. I got to dance with my partner to "Great Balls of Fire" and others...shared a cigarette with him in the parking lot..and while I was bursting with questions, all I could do was thank him for still rockin and rollin..and for taking the time to play or such a small but wildly enthusiastic crowd. Thank you Jerry.. and to the Taxi driver that took him to the concert all the way from Hunstville. We need more people like Jerry Lee Lewis to show us how we will " never say never" and never give up hope.

[Heather Harwood]

I watched the movie the other day "Great Balls of Fire." Jerry Lee Lewis married his 13 year old cousin. What ever happened to that relationship? Are they still together? Do they have any children together? I loved the movie, I think it was wonderful how in love they were and how he would do anything for her :)

[Ms. Pilgrim]

JERRY LEE LEWIS...WOW, I just watched you this evening on the 2008 Grammy Awards perform with John Fogerty and Little Richard; I WAS SO EXCITED, I CAUGHT MY SELF DANCING IN MY LIVING ROOM! Great Performance! I was listening to your music back in the 50's in my parents home, and it now plays in my home in the year 2008! YOU ARE STILL ROCKING & ROLLING AFTER ALL THESE YEARS! YOU ARE A LEGEND TO ROCK & ROLL AND THE FANTASIC MUSIC YOU HAVE GIVEN TO YOUR FANS OVER THE YEARS, THANKS! THANKS! I hope if you "ever" perform in Oklahoma City or somewhere close to here, I will be able to get tickets and see you perform in person!!!! Take good care of yourself, and know that many people love the sounds you have given us all these years! God bless you and yours always!!
Sue H. :)

[Dave Timmons]

Hi Phoebe,
I love the new blog...sounds like you and your Father have been very busy! Last Man Standing is AWESOME!!! When are you going to get back on Myspace??? See you in Norman, OK on Feb 2nd...can't wait! Thank you Jerry Lee for coming back to Oklahoma...WE LOVE THE KILLER!!!

Dave Timmons

[jack lee hancock]

I always loved your music back in my parents day and now.It is an honer to know that we can post a comment.My mother-n -law is from France over forty years ago listening you and Elvis.When could not speak english understand the sound of the day.