THE BEST OF JERRY LEE LEWIS: Live At Gilley's 1981-1988

Jerry Lee Lewis broadcast five live shows from his cousin, Mickey Gilley’s gin joint in the 1980’s (Stinky writes).  Jerry Lee was struggling with drugs & alcohol when most of these recordings were made.   He’d been hospitalized due to ulcers in 1981 & 1985, and several artists (like the late Kris Kristofferson) went to see “The Killer” to pay their last respects.  Jerry went to The Betty Ford Center in 1986, and one Gilley’s broadcast represented here is from 1988.  Yet there isn’t a huge difference in his lucidity on these tracks.  

In my opinion, in an altered state or not, JLL could always put on an amazing show.  It was only in between the songs that you realized he was high enough to punch pelicans; when he leered at women in the audience, or salaciously slurred stories.  He also had a tendency to bark orders at the band during the songs when he’d been imbibing.  “Pick it up, son!”

Lewis is on his best behavior as he runs through songs that were in his live sets since the days of his legendary 1964 live album, Live At The Star Club: Great Balls Of Fire, Whole Lotta Shakin’, and High School Confidential as well as his later favorites No Headstone On My Grave, Chantilly Lace, and Who Will The Next Fool Be?  

Some songs are here more than once — because it was too difficult to choose between the versions included — as in the case of the only SLOW version of Great Balls Of Fire that I’ve heard him play, or one of the faster ones.

I own more Jerry Lee Lewis albums than any other solo artist, so it’d seem cruel to make you wait to download this piping-hot comp.  But I’d appreciate it if you’d answer the following question.

I saw four of the early rock & rollers live: Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Link Wray and Jerry Lee.  Who are the earliest rock & roll pioneers that you’ve seen live, and under what circumstances?

ELSEWHERE ON THE BLOG: Stinky's tributes to Link Wray and Otis Blackwell (who wrote Great Balls Of Fire as well as Breathless).  Plus more Chuck Berry covers than you can shake, rattle and roll a stick at.