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Lewis, Jerry Lee

Lewis, Jerry Lee, 1935–, American singer and composer, b. Ferriday, La. Combining country music elements with an energetic performance style, he was an early star of rock music. His songs include “Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On” and “Great Balls of Fire.” Hailed as an innovator and a rowdy old master of rock, he continues to perform and record.

See biography by N. Tosches (1982, repr. 1998).

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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