ON THIS PAGE I'LL INCLUDE A LIST & DESCRIPTION OF SOME OF THE MOST 
ESSENTIAL JERRY LEE PERFORMANCES TO ANY COLLECTION.SOME WILL BE 
EASILY RECOGNISABLE HITS,OTHERS WILL BE JERRY LEE'S VERSIONS OF 
WELL-ESTABLISHED STANDARDS (AND OF COURSE,THE DEFINIFIVE VERSIONS) 
& OTHERS WILL BE THE RAREST OF PERFORMANCES: 

'I DON'T HURT ANYMORE' & 'IF I EVER NEEDED YOU I NEED YOU NOW'(1954) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Even on his very first recordings,Jerry Lee was an unbeatable artist. 
With a vocal style with the control,ability & class of Frank Sinatra & 
piano style of never ending inspiration,Lewis sings these 2 hits of the 
day in a bluesy,soulful style that is thoroughly satisfying. 

'CRAZY ARMS'(1956) 
------------------ 
Jerry Lee's first ever Sun performance & it fully shows his ability as 
a blues-influenced country singer.This song dates back to 1949 & was a 
big hit for Ray Price also in 1956. 

'END OF THE ROAD'(1956) 
----------------------- 
Jerry Lee's first ever composition - a fine ragtime-blues-boogie that 
remains a big favorite with many Jerry Lee fans.One of Jerry Lee's 
first cuts at Sun & sure proof that Jerry Lee's a great songwriter when 
he wants. 

'YOU'RE THE ONLY STAR IN MY BLUE HEAVEN'(1956) 
---------------------------------------------- 
Like 'Crazy arms',Jerry Lee takes a country ballad (this time a Gene 
Autry hit) & adds a blues & boogie touch to create a stunning performance. 

'BORN TO LOSE'(1956) 
-------------------- 
This time,Jerry Lee does a pure country performance - this sort of style 
would help him make a comeback in 1968. 

'SILVER THREADS AMONG THE GOLD'(1956) 
------------------------------------- 
Another country song from Jerry's youth,sung with a solid blues feel. 

'I'M THROWING RICE'(1956) 
------------------------- 
Eddy Arnold was one of the first to cross over from the country market 
to the pop market with a country song.Jerry Lee turns in a pure country 
version of this early Arnold song in 1956. 

'I LOVE YOU SO MUCH IT HURTS'(1956) 
----------------------------------- 
An old Floyd Tillman hit,that showed Tillman's Bing Crosby influences. 
Jerry Lee feels right at home on this type of Western swing standard. 

'DEEP ELEM BLUES'(1956) 
----------------------- 
Written in the 1930s,Jerry Lee turns in 2 excellent versions of this old 
blues & hillbilly standard.Jerry Lee's interpretations of this are among 
the best recordings that he ever made.Truly amazing - the energy of boogie 
& the intenseness of the blues combined with the earthiness of country. 

'GOODNIGHT IRENE'(1956) 
----------------------- 
Originally a blues hit for Leadbelly,this has since become a country 
standard.Jerry Lee probably grew up listening to many versions of this: 
Moon Mullican,Ernest Tubb & many others had versions out in the '40s & '50s. 

'HONEY HUSH'(1956) 
------------------ 
Big Joe Turner was one of the few older generation bluesmen to have hits 
in the rock 'n' roll era.Jerry Lee turns in a powerful version of this 
Turner blues at Sun in 1956 & would do so again many times in the future. 

'CRAWDAD SONG'(1956) 
-------------------- 
Straight out of the Mississippi Delta or the Louisiana Swamps came this 
blues.Jerry Lee could have learned this from Big Joe Turner again.It was 
also done by Big Bill Broonzy & many others. 

'DIXIE' & 'MARINE'S HYMN'(1956) 
------------------------------- 
Jerry Lee could also turn in excellent instrumentals of old standard in 
a blues boogie fashion.These 2 are among the earliest he did on Sun. 

'THAT LUCKY OLD SUN'(1956) 
-------------------------- 
You can see from even his first few years recording that Jerry Lee can 
tackle any type of song.Already,he has done country,blues,Swing,boogie 
& R&B & now he turns in an excellent version of this old spiritual. 

'HAND ME DOWN MY WALKING CANE'(1956) 
------------------------------------ 
A traditional gospel & blues standard (that has also been derived as 
'Look at the yonder wall'),Jerry Lee tears through it at a ferocious 
pace & adding to verses to suit 1956 better. 

'LEWIS BOOGIE'(1956) 
-------------------- 
This is one of many songs that define Jerry Lee (written by,for & about 
Jerry Lee) & is in the great tradition of boogie blues. 

'I LOVE YOU BECAUSE'(1957) 
-------------------------- 
Most will be familiar with this as a Jim Reeves hit in the early '60s. 
Jerry Lee's version predates it & Jerry Lee either acquired it from its 
writer Leon Payne or Ernest Tubb,who both had it out in the late '40s. 

'I CAN'T HELP IT' & 'COLD COLD HEART'(1957) 
------------------------------------------- 
Jerry Lee has always loved the music of Hank Williams & these are 2 
early examples of his excellent Hank interpretations.Both are pure 
country in style. 

'SHAME ON YOU'(1957) 
-------------------- 
A Western Swing standard written by Spade Cooley & also done by Bob Wills, 
Jerry Lee turns in a fine bluesy version of it on Sun in 1957. 

'I'LL KEEP ON LOVING YOU'(1957) 
------------------------------- 
Another version of an old country-swing standard,this shows Jerry Lee's 
great knowledge of the songs of his times. 

'YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE'(1957) 
--------------------------- 
Written by Jimmie Davis & recorded by both him & Gene Autry,this was a 
song destined for various markets.Jerry Lee's Sun versions retain its 
country roots,but his 1970 & Palomino Club versions are blues drenched 
as were both Ray Charles' & Gene Vincent's versions. 

'TOMORROW NIGHT'(1957) 
---------------------- 
An old Lonnie Johnson blues ballad from 1948,this shows Jerry Lee's blues 
singing at its greatest.The song was also revived by LaVern Baker in the 
'50s. 

'60 MINUTE MAN'(1957) 
--------------------- 
Another excellent version of an R&B hit - this time Billy Ward & the 
Dominoes '60 minute man'.Jerry Lee's version is bluesier & more macho 
than the original & is of course far superior. 

'I DON'T LOVE NOBODY'(1957) 
--------------------------- 
A nice version of a traditional song with jazz,blues & Western Swing 
stylistics. 

'WHOLE LOTTA SHAKIN' GOIN' ON'(1957) 
------------------------------------ 
Jerry Lee's first big international hit & one of 2 songs forever to be 
associated.The record is the perfect rock 'n' roll song (an old rewrite 
of a blues standard sung & played with the ferocity of boogie & the soul 
of the blues.It was acceptable as a Western Swing,R&B,Boogie,Blues & Rock 
& Roll record alike & hit big everywhere). 

'IT'LL BE ME'(1957) 
------------------- 
The B-side to 'Shakin' is this blues (written for Jerry by Jack Clement). 
Another piece of really exciting music. 

'OLE PAL OF YESTERDAY'(1957) 
---------------------------- 
Lewis' great ability to sing old style country was really in view while 
he was on Sun,especially in 1956 & 1957.This is another superb example. 

'YOU WIN AGAIN'(1957) 
--------------------- 
The U.S B-side of 'Great balls of fire' was 'You win again',a standout 
Hank Williams song that may well be Jerry's greatest ever country 
performance.He recorded it slow & fast at Sun & would turn to it time & 
time again in the future. 

'LOVE LETTERS IN THE SAND'(1957) 
-------------------------------- 
Pat Boone scored a huge hit with this around the same time as Jerry Lee 
cut this.However,both versions are entirely different & are sure proof 
of how the same song can be interpreted differently.Jerry's country 
version is quite simply excellent & definitive,compared to Boone's pop 
soaked hit version. 

'LITTLE GREEN VALLEY'(1957) 
--------------------------- 
This is another example to oldtime country music at its best.Jerry Lee 
has always kept an oldtime feel in his country music even on new songs 
written for him in the '60s. 

'PUMPIN' PIANO ROCK'(1957) 
-------------------------- 
Like 'Lewis boogie',this is a blues based piano rocker that has Jerry Lee 
Lewis written all over it.Excellent songs,written by the Killer himself. 

'ALL NIGHT LONG'(1957) 
---------------------- 
This R&B type song represents the formation of the Lewis rock 'n' roll 
style & was a stepping stone to hits like 'Great balls of fire','Breathless' 
& 'Highschool confidential' later. 

'OLD TIME RELIGION'(1957) 
------------------------- 
Like many bluesmen before him,Jerry Lee could sing raunch & then do a 
religious performance directly afterwards.The beat of 'All night long' 
& 'Old time Religion' have a lot in common & this kind of gospel material 
is very like rock apart from the lyrics. 

'WHEN THE SAINTS GO MARCHIN' IN'(1957) 
-------------------------------------- 
Ditto with the last song.Another old gospel standard done by many older 
bluesmen including Sleepy John Estes.It has also become a jazz standard 
after Louis Armstrong recorded it.It was also a hit for Bill Haley. 

'CAROLINA SUNSHINE GIRL'(1957) 
------------------------------ 
An old Jimmie Rodgers standard & what a performance.Is this country or 
blues?Actually in Jerry's it's both as he lets his vocals & piano switch 
effortlessly from blues to country & back again. 

'LONG GONE LONESOME BLUES'(1957) 
-------------------------------- 
Hank Williams was also one damn good bluesman & this song is sure proof. 
He wrote this as a follow-up to 'Lovesick blues' & it became a massive 
hit.Jerry Lee's version is another excellent version,that opts for a 
straight blues leaving out the yodels that were on Hank's original. 

'DRINKIN' WINE SPODEE ODEE'(1957) 
--------------------------------- 
It was a shame that this excellent performance wasn't released at the time. 
An old Stick Mc Ghee blues hit from 1949,it was covered by many people 
from Western Swing,Rockabilly & Blues fields of music.This could easily 
have been another 'Whole lotta shakin' had it been released in 1957 or 
1958.The wildnes Lewis injects into this blues was enough to satisfy any 
rock 'n' roll,R&B, or Western Swing market.Jerry's 1973 version was a top 
20 country hit. 

'SINGING THE BLUES'(1957) 
------------------------- 
Marty Robbins' 1956 hit - a standout country-blues track.Jerry Lee turns in an 
excellent version a year later.As on 'Long gone lonesome blues',Jerry 
leaves out the yodels that were on the original.The 1973 Jerry Lee version of 
'Singin' the blues' includes the yodelling on 'Cry over you'. 

'ROCKIN' WITH RED'(1957) 
------------------------ 
Blues pianist Willie Perryman (better known as Piano Red & later Dr. 
Feelgood) had a big R&B hit with this boogie in 1950.This is truly Jerry 
Lee's type of song & is the sort of material that he loved when he was 
growing up. 

'MATCHBOX BLUES'(1957) 
---------------------- 
One of the oldest blues around.Blind Lemon Jefferson originally cut it 
in the 1920s.Carl Perkins cut it at Sun in 1956 with Lewis on piano. 
Jerry Lee was thus aware of Perkins' version but also knew it from Haney's 
Big House.The Killer does 2 great versions on Sun:One based on Perkins' 
rockabilly version,the other on black blues.Also cut live by Jerry at the 
'Star Club' in Hamburg in 1964. 

'UBANGI STOMP'(1957) 
-------------------- 
Another excellent rocker from the Killer & an ode to the origins of rock 
'n' roll & boogie woogie in Africa. 

'ROCK 'N' ROLL RUBY(1957) 
------------------------- 
Written by Johnny Cash,a great country artist who always had a feel for 
the blues.This bluesy rockabilly-type song suits Jerry Lee very much & 
demonstrates some tough blues vocals & piano. 

'SO LONG I'M GONE'(1957) 
------------------------ 
Written by Roy Orbison long before his 'Pretty woman' & 'Only the lonely' 
days.This is an excellent song that allows Jerry Lee to use his bluesy 
vocal style to full advantage. 

'OOBY DOOBY'(1957) 
------------------ 
Roy Orbison actually started out as a pure rockabilly artist & had a 
local hit with this blues.Apparently,Orbison always had a preference for 
ballads but Sam Phillips told him to 'rock'.Again,this is a song that is 
right up Jerry Lee's street & Jerry Lee indeed cut 2 powerful versions 
on Sun. 

'I FORGOT TO REMEMBER TO FORGET'(1957) 
-------------------------------------- 
This is one of the very few occasions that Jerry Lee has covered an Elvis 
Presley original.Written by Stan Kessler & Charlie Feathers,Elvis probably 
had it originally,as the b-side to his 'Mystery train'.This sort of pure 
country song suited Jerry Lee far more than it did Presley & thus Jerry 
Lee turns in the definitive version,with nice boogie piano backing it. 

'I'M FEELING SORRY'(1957) 
------------------------- 
An uptempo country number in the style of Slim Whitman's 'China Doll', 
written by Jack Clement.Jerry Lee recorded many excellent versions of 
it in 1957. 

'MEAN WOMAN BLUES'(1957) 
------------------------ 
An old blues idea dating back to the 1940s,which Jerry Lee turns into 
a great 'Whole lotta shakin'-like blues boogie.It was the b-side for 
'Great balls of fire' in the U.K & was a big concert favorite with the 
Killer in the '60s & '70s.It received cover versions by Roy Orbison & 
Carl Perkins. 

'TURN AROUND'(1957) 
------------------- 
Carl Perkins' first ever record was this self-written country ballad.It 
was released on Sun over 2 years before Lewis cut it & is sure proof of 
the influence of Hank Williams on both artists,as both are comfortable 
doing this sort of country. 

'WHY SHOULD I CRY OVER YOU'(1957) 
--------------------------------- 
Frank Sinatra recorded this Swing song in his early years & Jerry Lee 
turns in an excellent version of it at Sun in 1957. 

'GREAT BALLS OF FIRE'(1957) 
--------------------------- 
Mention the name JERRY LEE LEWIS & it will evoke images of this song - 
one that topped all charts & sold millions back in 1957 & 1958.Jerry Lee 
sings & plays it in a wild boogie style & creates a style never heard 
elsewhere in rock 'n' roll. 

'DOWN THE LINE'(1958) 
--------------------- 
A Roy Orbison composition that is further evidence of the kind of bluesy 
material that Orbison started out with.Jerry Lee cut many excellent versions 
on Sun & also later in his career.The Sun master was the b-side of his 
big hit 'Breathless'. 

'I'M SORRY I'M NOT SORRY'(1958) 
------------------------------- 
Another great country performance.This song was also done by Carl Perkins 
at Sun in the '50s. 

'COOL COOL WAYS'(1958) 
---------------------- 
This is one of 3 derivatives of the Hank Ballard R&B hit 'Sexy ways' 
that Jerry Lee cut.This version called it 'Cool Cool ways' & the style 
was a Delta blues boogie & was designed as a follow-up to 'Whole lotta 
shakin'. 

'HIT THE ROAD JACK'(1963) 
-------------------------- 
The very first thing that Jerry Lee did at Mercury was re-recordings of 
his Sun hits.He also did this Ray Charles R&B hit at these sessions.Jerry 
hoped that this would be as successful as the last Ray Charles hit he had 
covered - 'What'd I say'.It wasn't,but it certainly deserved to be more 
successful than it was. 

'JUST BECAUSE'(1963) 
--------------------- 
Jerry Lee turns in an excellent version of this old Hillbilly blues.His 
source was probably the Shelton Brothers,who also did 'Deep Elem blues', 
which the Killer cut a Sun. 

'WEDDING BELLS'(1963) 
----------------------- 
A very old country song originally done by Bill Carlisle.Jerry Lee 
probably learned it from Hank Williams,who also covered it.This song 
wasn't released until 1967 & on the blues-orientated 'Soul my way' 
album of all places!! 

'HE TOOK IT LIKE A MAN'(1963) 
------------------------------ 
This track also went unreleased until 1967s 'Soul my way'.It is a far more 
typical track on that album - an excellent self-written uptempo blues with 
a gospel theme. 

'HALLELUJA I LOVE HER SO'(1964) 
------------------------------- 
Ray Charles wrote & recorded this jazzy piece of R&B in the '50s & had 
a big R&B hit with it.Jerry Lee turns in an equally brilliant version 
that could well have been a hit,too. 

'YOU WENT BACK ON YOUR WORD'(1964) 
----------------------------------- 
Brook Benton R&B/Pop hit.Jerry Lee turns in an exceptional version of 
it for the 'Return of rock' album. 

'PEN & PAPER'(1964) 
--------------------- 
There are many who believe that Jerry Lee should have concentrated on 
the country side of his music way earlier than he did.This performance 
of a pure country original became a minor C&W hit,while other singles 
with a blues,soul,rock or R&B theme (like 'I'm on fire','The hole he 
said he'd dig for me','It's a hang-up baby') flopped. 

'THE HOLE HE SAID HE'D DIG FOR ME'(1964) 
----------------------------------------- 
This bluesy number is one of the finest things that Jerry Lee ever recorded. 
Why it was not a big hit is a mystery - this is an A1 performance with 
both blues & country appeal. 

'I'M ON FIRE'(1964) 
-------------------- 
This was one of the finest pieces of rock 'n' roll ever made & if it had 
been recorded in the 1950s,it would have been a bigger hit than it was 
for Jerry Lee in 1964. 

'SHE WAS MY BABY (HE WAS MY FRIEND)(1964) 
-------------------------------------------- 
The song was designed as a pop-rocker for Jerry Lee - but Jerry Lee turns 
it into an excellent soul-drenched blues. 

'BREAD & BUTTER MAN'(1964) 
--------------------------- 
The B-side of 'I'm on fire' was this excellent blues.At the height of 
the so-called British invasion,many great records like this couldn't 
even dent the charts.However,Jerry Lee's singles that he released in 
this era were far superior to anything then on the charts. 

'I BET YOU'RE GONNA LIKE IT'(1964) 
------------------------------------- 
A great,wild gutbucket blues.This is the sort of material that should 
have been dominating the charts (but wasn't) in the '60s. 

'JENNY JENNY','MEMPHIS','LONG TALL SALLY'(1964) 
--------------------------------------------------- 
Jerry Lee recorded the excellent 'Greatest Live Show on Earth' album in 
Birmingham,Alabama in 1964.'Jenny Jenny' & 'Long tall Sally' are 2 manic 
versions of Little Richard hits,while 'Memphis' is a boogified rendition 
of Chuck Berry's classic. 

'WHO WILL THE NEXT FOOL BE'(1964) 
----------------------------------- 
As well as rocking at this concert,the Killer cut fine slower numbers. 
This version of Charlie Rich's composition is Jerry Lee's bluesy soul 
style at its best. 

'HI HEEL SNEAKERS'(1964) 
-------------------------- 
At the same time as 'Greatest live show on Earth',Tommy Tucker had an 
R&B hit with this.Jerry Lee does a powerful live rendition,showing us 
his blues potential at its greatest.This remained a big favorite with 
Jerry,who cut many excellent versions in the future as well. 

'NO PARTICULAR PLACE TO GO'(1964) 
----------------------------------- 
Jerry Lee then turns in a powerful,blues-soaked live version of this 
then-recent Chuck Berry classic,with fine barrelhouse piano. 

'TOGETHER AGAIN'(1964) 
----------------------- 
Another then-recent hit,Jerry Lee turns in an excellent version of this 
Buck Owens country classic live in concert.Other songs from the 'Greatest 
live show' were Jerry's Sun hits & other rock classics he had previously 
recorded. 

'WHITE CHRISTMAS'(1964) 
------------------------ 
Around this time,Jerry Lee cut a great version of this Christmas hit 
for radio,doing it as both a fast & slow version,basing it on The 
Drifters' version. 

'GOT YOU ON MY MIND','MATHILDA'(1965) 
--------------------------------------- 
'Got you on my mind' was a blues ballad that was an R&B hit for Big 
John Greer.Jerry Lee turned in a powerful soulful version for his 
'Return of rock' album. 
'Mathilda' is an equally effective Lewis interpretation of a soulful 
blues ballad. 

'CORRINE,CORRINA'(1965) 
------------------------ 
An old blues standard dating back to versions by people like Frankie 
Jaxon,Blind Boy Fuller,Sleepy John Estes & the like in the '20s & '30s. 
The song was a country hit for white blues-boogie-country singer/pianist 
Merrill E. Moore in the early '50s.In 1956,Big Joe Turner had a big hit 
with it for the R&B market.Jerry was probably most aware of the song 
through Moore's & Turner's versions. 

'SEXY WAYS'(1965) 
------------------ 
This was the 3rd time Lewis visited this Hank Ballard hit.At Sun,he 
called it 'Cool cool ways' & 'Carry on',but for the 'Return of rock' 
version,he used the original (suggestive name).Also,this version was 
more in line with Soul & R&B than the Delta Blues-orientated Sun 
versions.Gene Vincent would cut this for his 2nd last album. 

'FLIP,FLOP & FLY'(1965) 
------------------------ 
A big R&B hit for Big Joe Turner.Jerry Lee always had a love for Big 
Joe's music & could give Turner's music a new lease of life.This is one 
of Lewis' finest Big Joe interpretations. 

'DON'T LET GO'(1965) 
--------------------- 
Written by Jesse Stone (who also wrote 'Flip,flop & fly' (under the 
name Charles Calhoun)).R&B/Pop singer Roy Hamilton turned in a big R&B 
hit version of this song in the '50s.Jerry Lee's 1965 version is 
melodic R&B but a 1979 version for Elektra adopts a fullblown gutbucket 
blues style. 

'MAYBELLINE','ROLL OVER BEETHOVEN'(1965) 
------------------------------------------ 
Definitive versions of 2 of Chuck Berry's finest compositions. 

'JUST IN TIME'(1965) 
--------------------- 
Not a version of the Swing standard but a fine original country song & 
a signal for the style that would ignite Jerry's career in 1968.Smash/ 
Mercury left this unreleased at the time. 

'I BELIEVE IN YOU','BABY HOLD ME CLOSE'(1965) 
----------------------------------------------- 
Jerry Lee was the finest Soul Singer around between 1964 & 1967.He was 
more fiery than James Brown,more emotional than Ray Charles & more 
dynamic than Jackie Wilson.These 2 performances are 2 of the finest 
examples. 
'I believe in you' echoed Ray Charles,while 'Baby hold me close' is 
is a blues with similarities to 'Whole lotta shakin' in structure. 

'HERMAN THE HERMIT'(1965) 
--------------------------- 
A fine Chuck Berry-type R&B rocker. 

'SKID ROW'(1965) 
------------------ 
Another excellent performance & like 'Just in time',one that remained 
unreleased for years.In style,this is gospel orientated blues & it 
echoes Bessie Smith's style.Written by Mae Axton. 

'THIS MUST BE THE PLACE'(1965) 
-------------------------------- 
Another great boogified rocker from the Killer.This was a part of a 
single with "Rockin' pneumonia". 

'ROCKIN' PNEUMONIA & THE BOOGIE WOOGIE FLU'(1965) 
-------------------------------------------------- 
Jerry Lee turns in a definitive version of this New Orleans blues 
standard.Others to have cut this include Professor Longhair,Huey 
Smith (who had the hit & originated it) & James Booker. 

'BIG BOSS MAN'(1965) 
--------------------- 
Jerry Lee turned in 2 excellent versions of this blues,1 for 'Memphis 
beat' in 1965 & the other for 'The Session' 8 years later.This stomping 
boogie-influenced blues was a big R&B hit for harmonica player & singer 
Jimmy Reed in the early '60s & it became something of an R&B standard 
(also recorded (at Sun) by Frank Frost).The song became a country standard 
too after Jerry Lee introduced it to that audience:Charlie Rich had a 
hit with it & Marty Robbins recorded it live. 

'TOO YOUNG'(1965) 
------------------ 
Jerry Lee was right up there with Frank Sinatra or Bing Crosby as a 
swing singer.This Jerry Lee version of an oldtime pop standard is one 
of the many that prove so. 

'DANNY BOY'(1965) 
------------------ 
Then,for something entirely different - an excellent country version 
of an Irish/Scottish standard.Lewis was one of many American singers 
to sing this.Others to have done a version include Conway Twitty, 
Jackie Wilson & Bing Crosby. 

'CITY LIGHTS'(1965) 
-------------------- 
Part of the "Country songs for city folks" album,this was one of the 
purer country songs from the album & a song that Mickey Gilley would 
turn into a major hit a few years later. 

'FUNNY HOW TIME SLIPS AWAY'(1965) 
----------------------------------- 
A tough gutbucket blues in the Lewis tradition,you could be forgiven 
for thinking that this was 'an old R&B standard'.It was in fact 
written by Willie Nelson in 1961 (Willie is often considered country, 
but like Lewis,he was also a convincing blues singer & writer) & has 
been everywhere since:Jerry Lee did it as a blues,Billy Walker did it 
as country,Jimmy Elledge did a pop version & Willie Nelson himself did 
a swing version for his 1994 "Healing hands of time" album. 

'RING OF FIRE'(1965) 
-------------------- 
Excellent version of Johnny Cash's most famous hit. 

'BABY YOU GOT WHAT IT TAKES'(1965) 
------------------------------------ 
Linda Gail duets with Jerry Lee on this tough blues. 

'GREEN GREEN GRASS OF HOME'(1965) 
--------------------------------- 
Now,here's the track that basically made Jerry Lee relevent again.Not 
only was it a precursor to the style that made Jerry a country legend 
in 1968 with the similar "Another place another time",but it was 
turned into a massive pop hit by one of the Killer's most successful 
fans - Welsh soul singer Tom Jones.It has since become a standard, 
recorded by everyone from Merle Haggard to Dean Martin to Frank Patterson. 

'LET A SOLDIER DRINK' 
--------------------- 
Excellent jam on a rocker intended for Jerry Lee's stage rock version 
of Shakespeare's 'Othello'. 

'LUST OF THE BLOOD'(1966) 
-------------------------- 
This has the same attributes as the above & is a great gutbucket 
Muddy Waters-type blues.These 2 performances are now available on the 
'Killer's private Stash' collection. 

'STICKS & STONES'(1966) 
----------------------- 
Another excellent version a Ray Charles R&B hit. 

'WHAT A HECK OF A MESS'(1966) 
------------------------------ 
Excellent country composition by Jerry Lee.When he wanted to,Lewis 
could write country music as good as anyone.This song is right up 
there with anything Hank Williams or Don Gibson wrote - with a 
creative mix of sadness & cocky humour. 

'LINCOLN LIMOUSINE'(1966) 
------------------------- 
A tribute song to president John F. Kennedy. 

'ROCKIN' JERRY LEE'(1966) 
------------------------- 
A great selfwritten blues boogie similar in style to Sun's "Lewis 
boogie". 

'MEMPHIS BEAT'(1966) 
--------------------- 
A tough blues that visualises the picture of Memphis' Beale street in 
your mind as you listen to it.It was also an album title. 

'THE URGE'(1966) 
----------------- 
A tough suggestive blues title written by future country star Donnie 
Fritts,who would write another song for Jerry Lee in 1975 called "My 
life would make a damn good country song". 

'WHENEVER YOU'RE READY'(1966) 
----------------------------- 
Jerry Lee turns in a great version of a rgatime-type rocker that 
his friend Cecil Harrelson wrote for him. 

'SHE THINKS I STILL CARE'(1966) 
------------------------------- 
Another great precursor to Jerry Lee's 1968 country style on a great 
definitive version of a song most will recognise as a George Jones 
hit.Also recorded by Marty Robbins. 

'24 HOURS A DAY'(1966) 
----------------------- 
Written by rockabilly singer Bobby Lee Trammell & excellently 
interpreted by Jerry Lee. 

'BLUE SUEDE SHOES'(1966) 
------------------------ 
Carl Perkins wrote & recorded this R&B/Country boogie fusion in 1955 & 
soon found enormous success,crossing over from country to R&B & pop charts 
& earning Sun records a huge asset.However,Perkins would never see this 
sort of success again & had to rely on others reviving his songs (most 
notably the Beatles). 
Jerry Lee turns in an excellent wild live version at Panther Hall,Fort 
Worth Texas in 1966.It was far better than Carl's & Elvis Presley's versions. 
Lewis also cut it live in 1970 & did a studio version (rather belatedly) 
in 1977. 

'JUST DROPPED IN'(1967) 
-------------------------- 
Mickey Newberry was one of the finest new writers in country music at 
this time.This song is hardly country,but was a big hit for rising star 
Kenny Rogers.However,Jerry Lee had the original & superior version of 
this great soulful blues.From the album 'Soul my way'. 

'IT'S A HANG-UP,BABY'(1967) 
---------------------------- 
During his early Mercury years,Jerry Lee was a master of bluesy soul type 
songs & this second song from 'Soul my way' is certainly one of his best 
soulful blues recordings. 

'HOLDING ON'(1967) 
-------------------- 
Another from 'Soul my way',this is a very classy blues ballad that the 
Killer gives a mighty interpretation of. 

'HEY BABY'(1967) 
----------------- 
The wailing blues harmonica & Jerry Lee's gutbucket singing really contribute 
greatly to this ragtime-blues from 'Soul my way'. 

'MUSIC TO THE MAN'(1973) 
------------------------- 
The first new song on the 'SESSION' album is this tough bluesy 
rocker,featuring plenty great guitar,piano & vocals. 

'BABY WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO'(1973) 
--------------------------------------- 
You couldn't imagine Eddie Cochran & the like cutting this sort 
of a pure blues.The fact is is that Lewis is & knows he is a real blues singer,while many others only rubbed shoulders with the 
more accessible outskirts of the genre.Many of the British people 
backing Jerry Lee on the 'Session' tracks like this are now often 
considered the 'first' white bluesmen.Jerry Lee,arguably,was the 
first white to perform vocally in a true blues style & no other 
white (bar Moon Mullican,Charlie Rich & one or two others) has ever 
come close. 
This blues was an R&B hit for Jimmy Reed & Lewis' cover is far 
more gutbucket blues in style than the original,that's for sure. 

'SEA CRUISE'(1973) 
------------------- 
Jerry Lee turns this Frankie Ford/Huey Smith hit into a tough 
blues boogie in a way only Jerry Lee can. 

'JUKEBOX'(1973)/'SOMEHOW THE KILLER COMES THROUGH'(1973) 
----------------------------------------------------------- 
'JUKEBOX' is a great tough blues original,written for him by 
some of the British musicians on the album.Even better still, 
though,is 'SOMEHOW THE KILLER COMES THROUGH',which shares a 
similar melody to 'JUKEBOX',but even bluesier,& deals with 
Jerry Lee subjects (his younger,hardworking days,etc.).It 
eventually turns into 'JUKEBOX'. 

'NO HEADSTONE ON MY GRAVE'(1973) 
---------------------------------- 
This is pure blues at its greatest.Charlie Rich wrote it & did a 
demo at Sun & Jerry Lee had this song in his mind when coming to 
the UK to record the 'Session' album - it is one of the finest 
tracks from that double album.Jerry Lee goes from a slow blues 
tempo to a fast boogie blues tempo at will quite a few times 
during the performance. 

'PLEDGING MY LOVE'(1973) 
------------------------- 
Compared with the blues of "No headstone" or "Big boss man",this 
seems a country song,but in fact was a big crossover R&B & pop 
hit for R&B star Johnny Ace in the '50s.Lewis does a great & 
definitive performance of this classic blues ballad. 

'SATISFACTION'(1973) 
----------------------- 
Jerry Lee was in the mood to bring rock back to its roots.On this 
version of The Rolling Stones' signature tune,Lewis recreates the 
song as a tough,gutbucket blues. 

'DUNGAREE DOLL'/'I CAN'T GIVE YOU ANYTHING BUT LOVE'(1973) 
----------------------------------------------------------- 
Lewis obviously was enjoying himself on these short,excellent 
boogified versions of these pop hits. 

'TROUBLE IN MIND'(1973) 
----------------------- 
Undoubtedly,this is one of Jerry Lee's best ever blues vocal performances.The song dates back to the '20s,when R.M Jones wrote it Bertha Hill cut it.Since then,it has become a major 
blues standard,cut by Big Bill Broonzy,Sonny Terry & Brownie 
McGhee & even Gene Autry.Jerry Lee probably learned it at 
Haney's.It remains a favourite of Jerry's,who cut it many 
times live. 

'GOLDMINE IN THE SKY'(1973) 
----------------------------- 
As was customary for Jerry in the '70s,one or two spirituals were 
always slipped into Lewis' sessions.This is one of the best gospel 
performances by Jerry Lee. 

'EARLY MORNING RAIN'(1973) 
--------------------------- 
This was the only real country performance on the 'SESSION' album. 
It's an excellent version of Gordon Lightfoot's folk standard. 

'JACK DANIELS OLD NO. 7'(1973) 
------------------------------ 
Written for Jerry by some of the musicians who contributed to "The 
Session" project,this great bluesy soul song,with great backing from 
Steve Cropper,really suits The Killer to a T. 

'WHY ME LORD?'(1973) 
--------------------- 
Jerry Lee duets with Moetta Hill on this Kris Kristofferson country 
gospel track.Like all his previous Kristofferson-written tracks, 
Lewis brings great flair & originality to them. 

'RIDE ME DOWN EASY'(1973) 
-------------------------- 
The first track recorded for the 1973 country album,"Sometimes a 
memory ain't enough",was another excellent country-gospel 
performance. 

'COLD COLD MORNING LIGHT','THE ALCOHOL OF FAME','TOMORROW'S 
TAKING BABY AWAY','MAMA'S HANDS','WHAT MY WOMAN CAN'T DO'(1973) 
---------------------------------------------------------------- 
In between sessions for 2 blues-orientated albums,Jerry cuts some 
country tracks.These ones,all pure country,were used on the 
"Sometimes a memory..." & "1-40 Country" albums. 

'TELL TALE SIGNS'(1973) 
----------------------- 
Another great country performance,steeped in the tradition of 
classic cheating country songs. 

'THE MORNING AFTER BABY LET ME DOWN'(1973) 
---------------------------------------------- 
Jerry sings his heart out on this fine emotional country ballad. 

'I THINK I NEED TO PRAY'(1973) 
------------------------------- 
The gospel influence,that is in evidence on most of Jerry Lee's '70s 
country albums,is on "Sometimes a memory..." in the form of this 
track. 

'I HATE GOODBYES'(1973) 
------------------------ 
This was the standout track on the "1-40 Country" album - an 
excellent bluegrass-flavoured country track,similar in melody 
to "Will the circle be unbroken". 

'WHERE WOULD I BE','MY CRICKET & ME','FALLING TO THE BOTTOM'(1973) 
------------------------------------------------------------------- 
This was more great country music in the Lewis tradition.This session 
may also be the last time Lewis was totally country-orientated.From 
1972 on,he tended to switch between styles more,just like he did at 
Sun & on Smash. 

'THE GODS WERE ANGRY WITH ME'(1973) 
------------------------------------ 
Yet another track with a gospelly theme. 

'SOMETIMES A MEMORY AIN'T ENOUGH'(1973) 
----------------------------------------- 
The album title track,another fine country ballad,was a major hit 
for Jerry Lee in 1973.This was further evidence that Lewis' country 
hit period was going to remain intact for a long time yet. 

'BLUER WORDS'(1973) 
-------------------- 
More country balladry. 

'HE CAN'T FILL MY SHOES'(1973) 
--------------------------------- 
Yet another major country hit for Jerry Lee,this was another fine 
country ballad. 

'KEEP ME FROM BLOWING AWAY'(1973) 
----------------------------------- 
As usual at these '70s sessions,the gospel performance just had to 
turn up somewhere.This fine country gospel number closed the 
"Sometimes a memory.." album well. 

'I'M LEFT,YOU'RE RIGHT,SHE'S GONE(1973) 
------------------------------------------ 
This was another chance for Jerry Lee to improve on a song that Elvis 
had recorded before him & that he certainly does.The original Presley 
country version was one of the weakest recordings by early Elvis (the 
unreleased blues versions Presley did at Sun far outweigh his released 
version).Jerry Lee,on the other hand,takes a shine to the country version 
of this song & plays it as a country-boogie-rocker.Written by producer 
Stan Kesler,who produced this session & probably suggested this song. 

'HONKY TONK WINE'(1973) 
------------------------ 
Of a more bluesy nature,was this standout Mack Vickery track.Garth 
Brooks would be rehashing Jerry Lee Lewis-style drinking numbers in 
the '90s with "Long neck bottle" & the like. 

'ROOMFUL OF ROSES'(1973) 
------------------------- 
This was an old country standard originated by the crooning voiced George 
Morgan.However,it was revived by Jerry's cousin Mickey Gilley & this was 
Jerry's reason for doing the song. 

'MEAT MAN'(1973) 
---------------- 
Mack Vickery always wrote the most suitable songs for Jerry Lee. 
This excellent & suggestive blues opens up the "Southern roots" 
album very well. 

'WHEN A MAN LOVES A WOMAN'(1973) 
-------------------------------- 
Jerry Lee turns in the definitive version of this soul standard. 
High in blues & country emotions,Jerry Lee truly conquers the 
feel for this sort of country-soul where Percy Sledge (its 
originator) couldn't. 

'HAUNTED HOUSE'(1973) 
---------------------- 
This excellent version of an R&B standard is one of the Finest 
tracks on the "Southern Roots" album. 

'BORN TO BE A LOSER'(1973) 
--------------------------- 
A great country ballad with a strong flavour of bayou blues.Once 
again,Lewis breaks down the barriers between country & blues. 

'JUST A LITTLE BIT'(1973) 
--------------------------- 
Jerry Lee then reincarnates Rosco Gordon's R&B hit & provides a 
truly definitive performance. 

'HOLD ON,I'M COMING'(1973) 
---------------------------- 
From the "SOUTHERN ROOTS" album.Lewis effortlessly tackles some 
funky bluesy soul & really defines the true potential of this 
soul standard. 

'BLUEBERRY HILL'(1973) 
------------------------ 
Jerry Lee turns in a wonderful interpretation of this old standard. 
This was recorded by a wide variety of people:From Louis Armstrong 
& Glenn Miller to Gene Autry & Bing Crosby & then onto Fats Domino. 
Jerry mixes characteristics of jazz,R&B,country & blues on his 
version. 

'REVOLUTIONARY MAN'(1973) 
-------------------------- 
A powerful blues-rocker from the pen of Doug Sahm. 

'BIG BLUE DIAMONDS'(1973) 
--------------------------- 
More evidence of Lewis' great blues ballad abilities. 

'OLD BOURBON STREET CHURCH'(1973) 
------------------------------------ 
The "SOUTHERN ROOTS" collection was opened by a Mack Vickery track 
& it is also closed by this excellent oldstyle blues-jazz song,also 
written by Vickery. 

'ALL OVER HELL & HALF OF GEORGIA'(1973) 
------------------------------------------ 
Lewis storms through this Charlie Daniels country-rocker,turning 
it into a gutbucket blues. 

'I SURE MISS THOSE GOOD OLD TIMES'(1973) 
---------------------------------------- 
Compare & contrast the 1973 & 1976 versions Jerry Lee recorded of 
this.On the '73 versions,it reaks with the blues while on the 1976 
version,it's more in line with country balladry. 

'CRY'(1973) 
------------ 
Jerry Lee then turns in an excellent version of this Johnny Ray 
blues ballad.This has become a major standard & was also recorded 
by Ray Charles & Roy Orbison. 

'TAKE YOUR TIME'(1973) 
------------------------ 
The country ballad with a feel for the blues is what made Jerry 
Lee Lewis successful in the '60s & '70s.This is one of his finest 
in that category.Somehow,this great performance wasn't released at 
the time. 

'RAINING IN MY HEART'(1973) 
----------------------------- 
No,this is NOT the Buddy Holly pop track - in fact,it couldn't be 
a more different performance.This track is similar in style to 
1965s "Mathilda",but more intense & soulful.This is yet another 
excellent Jerry Lee blues performance. 

'MARGIE'(1973) 
--------------- 
Jerry Lee was in the mood to give every type of song he did a blues 
treatment at these sessions.Even this oldtime pop standard gets a 
fullthroated gutbucket blues delivery. 

'A PICTURE FROM LIFE'S OTHER SIDE'(1974) 
------------------------------------------ 
Excellent,gutbucket version of this Hank Williams gospel track.One 
of the standout tracks on the "1-40 country" album. 

'I FORGOT MORE ABOUT YOU THAN HE'LL EVER KNOW'(1974) 
----------------------------------------------------- 
This country ballad also appeared on "1-40 Country". 

'SHAKE,RATTLE & ROLL'(1975) 
----------------------------- 
This was a Big Joe Turner R&B song from 1954 that C&W singer Bill Haley 
covered & hit big with on the pop charts.This song was one of the first 
big rock 'n' roll hits,in Haley's hands.However,Jerry Lee's version is 
in the blues boogie tradition & owes a lot more to the Big Joe Turner 
original.An excellent performance - Jerry Lee at his rockin' best. 

'I WAS SORTA WONDERIN''(1975) 
----------------------------- 
A Moon Mullican song from his King years.This sort of material is ideal 
for Jerry Lee.The song has strong blues & country stylistics & Moon was 
an artist who (like Jerry Lee) could feel at home on any style. 

'HOUSE OF BLUE LIGHTS'(1975) 
---------------------------- 
An excellent version of a blues boogie standard.Written by Freddie Slack 
& Don Raye in the '40s,it would be a big hit for Jazz singer Ella Mae 
Morse,backed by Slack on piano.It was also covered by Merrill E. Moore 
& Chuck Miller.Jerry Lee also turned in great versions of this in 1986 
& 1995. 

'KNEE DEEP IN LOVING YOU'(1975) 
--------------------------------- 
A great blues,that went unreleased for years.While Lewis' original 
remained canned,The Oak Ridge Boys,a gospel turned secular group,cut a 
version that became a hit.Jerry's version was far superior,though. 

'I CAN HELP','SLIPPIN' & SLIDIN','FROM A JACK TO A KING'(1975) 
--------------------------------------------------------------- 
Jerry Lee's jam sessions have produced some amazing,freewheeling non- 
commercial work.This is one great example from 1975.'I can help' was a 
big hit for country-rocker Billy Swan & Lewis tears through it as a fast 
blues.'Slippin' & Slidin'' was a '50s rocker by Little Richard & Jerry 
Lee's version turns it into a great blues.'From a Jack to a King' was an 
old Ned Miller hit & Jerry turns in 2 great versions,mixing blues & country. 

'TENNESSEE SATURDAY NIGHT'(1977) 
--------------------------------- 
Jerry Lee Lewis' boogie side at its best.Originally a hit for Red Foley. 

'ARKANSAS SEESAW'(1977) 
------------------------ 
Excellent blues-country-rocker from Lewis' last Mercury album. 

'BEFORE THE NIGHT IS OVER'(1977) 
---------------------------------- 
This song was typical of the Jerry Lee's Mercury blues style in the late 
1970s.The style would also prove important on Elektra.Featured on 'Keeps 
rockin' album. 

'PEE WEE'S PLACE'(1977) 
------------------------ 
The last known track Jerry Lee cut at Mercury - an excellent 
boogie styled blues that set the standard for the Elektra,MCA 
& other albums from the 1980s & 1990s.

'RITA MAY'(1979) 
---------------- 
Bob Dylan is one of rocks greatest songwriters & was influenced a lot by Jerry 
Lee.Jerry Lee feels very much at home on this Dylan blues-rocker & it was 
the first new song for Jerry at his first Elektra session in 1979. 

'EVERYDAY I HAVE TO CRY'(1979) 
-------------------------------- 
Arthur Alexander originated this song that was typical of his blend of 
blues with country music.Jerry Lee turns in a fine version that also has 
both blues & country appeal. 

'I LIKE IT LIKE THAT'(1979) 
------------------------ 
Chris Kenner was a New Orleans R&B artist,who was popular in the 1950s & 
1960s.Jerry Lee already recorded his 'Sick & tired' at Sun in 1958 & 
returns to him as a source again in 1979 for this excellent bluesy soul 
song. 

'NUMBER ONE LOVIN' MAN'(1979) 
------------------------------- 
Blues Jerry Lee at his greatest - great boogie piano & vocals steeped in 
the traditions of the Mississippi Delta. 

'ROCKIN' MY LIFE AWAY'(1979) 
------------------------------ 
A great blues-rocker from Jerry Lee & from 1979 onwards,this would be a 
big highlight in his concerts.The song is the kind of one that really 
defines Jerry Lee & was written by Mack Vickery,a man who wrote many of 
Jerry's finest later songs. 

'PERSONALITY'(1979) 
-------------------- 
R&B & rock 'n' roll hit for Lloyd Price in the 1950s.Jerry Lee's right 
at home on this one. 

'I WISH I WAS 18 AGAIN'(1979) 
------------------------------- 
A country song with a similar theme to the previous 'Middle age crazy' 
& the coming '39 & holding' - ie.not wanting to get older. 

'ROCKIN' LITTLE ANGEL'(1979) 
------------------------------ 
Jerry Lee did this as a tribute to his friend Ray Smith who originated 
it.Jerry's version is far superior to Smith's original,that's for sure. 

'HOT DAMN I'M A ONE WOMAN MAN'(1979) 
------------------------------------ 
This blues rocker was recorded for the film 'Roadie' & was the best song 
from it.The session this was recorded at also contained the next 4 songs, 
available on a rare bootleg called 'Alive & rockin'. 

'MILK COW BLUES'(1979) 
---------------------- 
Jerry Lee has always excelled as a bluesman & is undoubtedly the most 
blues-based of all the rockers.He can sing & play many forms of blues 
- both fast & slow & can mix it with country styles,too. 
'Milk cow blues' is an old 1930s song written by Kokomo Arnold (based 
on a John Estes version) in 1935 & covered by Robert Johnson,Bob Wills 
& Big Joe Williams soon afterwards.It became a rockabilly standard in 
the '50s but Jerry Lee plays it as a pure blues,stating he learned it 
at Haney's big house.Like most versions,the words to Jerry Lee's version 
are considerably different to other versions.The idea of the song is that 
the singer depicts his woman as a 'Milk cow' producing milk (meaning 
love,etc.). 

'TOSSIN' & TURNIN''(1979) 
------------------------- 
This version of a 1960s hit echoes the jazzy style used on 1960s Sun 
Jerry Lee performances like 'No more than I get' or 'Livin' lovin' wreck'. 

'I AIN'T LOVED YOU'(1979) 
------------------------- 
An excellent blues-rock performance that was as good as anything on the 
first Elektra album. 

'OLD TIME ROCK 'N' ROLL(1979) 
----------------------------- 
The title of this was enough to make Jerry Lee record it & indeed we get 
some great 'Old time rock 'n' roll' here. 

'LOVE GAME'(1979) 
----------------- 
Fine piece of country-soul with a touch of the blues. 

'ALABAMA JUBILEE'(1979) 
------------------------ 
Jerry Lee cleverly mixes ragtime,bluegrass,Western Swing,Jazz & 
blues on this excellent performance of an old standard.This song 
was originally written by Jack Yellen & became a blues standard 
after artists like Mance Lipscombe did versions.Country star Jerry 
Reed also cut this. 

'GOODTIME CHARLIE'S GOT THE BLUES'(1979) 
----------------------------------------- 
Country standard recorded by many including Charlie Rich.Jerry 
Lee recorded a version of it in 1973,but this remains unreleased. 
His 1979 version is definitive country with a hint of blues. 


'WHEN 2 WORLDS COLLIDE'(1979) 
----------------------------- 
Another excellent version of a country standard (this was written 
by Roger Miller & also recorded by Jim Reeves).Lewis' definitive 
version went all the way to No.1. 

'GOOD NEWS TRAVELS FAST'(1979) 
------------------------------ 
The b-side to the above - a savage boogie rocker. 

'HONKY TONK STUFF'(1979) 
------------------------- 
One of the purer piece of country music that Jerry Lee cut at 
Elektra. 

'TOOT TOOT TOOTSIE GOODBYE'(1979) 
---------------------------------- 
Al Joson was one of Jerry Lee Lewis' early heros & this performance 
is sure evidence of what a great interpreter of Jolson's work Lewis 
is. 

'FOLSOM PRISON BLUES'(1980) 
---------------------------- 
If Elektra didn't release 'Milk cow blues' from a year earlier, 
they got another chance (and took it) to release a great Lewis 
blues.This track was written & made famous by Johnny Cash.Jerry 
Lee interprets this country-blues as a tough gutbucket blues & 
creates a bluesy performance comparable to 1973s 'Be bop a Lula' 
or 1979s 'Milk cow blues'. 

'I'D DO IT ALL AGAIN','CHANGE PLACES WITH ME'(1980) 
---------------------------------------------------- 
Lewis' country at Elektra was a lot less pure than that he 
recorded at Mercury.These 2 songs are prime examples - both 
have a bluesy country-rock feel to them & both deal with Jerry 
Lee's life as a performer. 

'JUKEBOX JUNKY'(1980) 
---------------------- 
Excellent rocker - typical of the 'Killer Country' album. 

'TOO WEAK TO FIGHT'(1980) 
-------------------------- 
Fine blues-influenced country. 

'LATE NIGHT LOVIN' MAN'(1980) 
------------------------------ 
Lewis' blues side at its best.This is typical of the energetic 
style of Jerry Lee's Elektra & later Mercury material,not to 
mention 'Killer Country',the album this was featured on. 

'39 & HOLDING'(1980) 
-------------------- 
Another great piece of country-rock,this became a major hit for 
the Killer.The theme is almost identical to 'Middle age crazy' & 
'I wish I was 18 again'. 

'MY FINGERS DO THE TALKING'(1982) 
---------------------------------- 
What a way to start off his MCA sessions!A great funky rocker 
in the spirit of the Elektra recordings of 2 years earlier. 

'WHY YOU BEEN GONE SO LONG'(1982) 
---------------------------------- 
Jerry Lee interprets this Mickey Newberry composition as a great 
piece of bluegrass.Ron Chancey's production backing Jerry isn't 
all it could be though. 

'BETTER NOT LOOK DOWN'(1982) 
----------------------------- 
B.B King is an artist that Jerry Lee has spoken reveringly of 
for years.There isn't much in common between Lewis' Delta blues 
& King's more urbane styles.This song is the only time Jerry did 
one of B.B's songs. 

'EASTER PARADE'(1985) 
------------------------------------------- 
During the mid-'80s,Jerry Lee often performed songs in concert that 
he hadn't cut before.This is one great example - an excellent version 
of this old standard (previously recorded by Al Jolson & Bing Crosby). 
Recorded at a Norwegian concert. 

'PEACH PICKING TIME IN GEORGIA'(1985) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
From the same concert as the above track,Lewis turns in an excellent 
version of this Jimmie Rodgers country-blues track. 

'IN THE GARDEN'(1980s) 
-------------------------------------------- 
Likewise,during a concert in Austin,Texas,Lewis turns in a great 
performance on this old country-gospel standard. 

'ROCK 'N' ROLL FUNERAL'(1986) 
----------------------------- 
30 years on after his first Sun sessions,Jerry Lee rocked as well 
as ever as this song proves. 

'ONE OF THEM OLD THINGS'(1987) 
------------------------------ 
Jerry Lee recorded an unreleased version of this country song in studio 
in 1987.However,there is a live in Italy 1987 version available.This song 
would also be recorded for 'Young blood' in 1995. 

'TURN YOUR RADIO ON'(1987) 
-------------------------- 
Jerry Lee's recorded some great material in 1987 at Hank Cochran's house. 
This is now available on 'At Hank Cochran's',which was released in 1995. 
The first track on it was this excellent bluesy gospel performance. 

'BECAUSE OF YOU'(1987) 
---------------------- 
Jerry Lee tackles a swing/oldtime pop ballad,with a Latin American 
flavour & excels.From Hank Cochran's. 

'HIS HANDS'(1987) 
----------------- 
Excellent version of a gospel ballad written by Stuart Hamblen. 
Hamblen was a country singer & writer who later took up gospel. 
He's the writer of many famous standards like 'It is no secret 
what god can do','Remember me I'm the one who loves you' (which 
Jerry Lee did - a song that is hard to figure out if it's love or 
gospel) & 'Known only to him are the great hidden secrets'. 

'MY MAMMY'(1987) 
---------------- 
One of Al Jolson's signature songs.Jerry Lee excels on this style 
& pays great tribute to one of his early idols. 

'OLDTIME CHRISTIAN'(1987) 
-------------------------- 
Simply one of the best bluesy gospel performances Jerry Lee ever 
did. 

What am I living for" - R&B singer Chuck Willis has been a big favorite of 
Lewis' always & this performance of one of his biggest hits is 
superb.Record in England in 1987. 

"Lovin' cajun style" - Jerry Lee then does a great cajun number,also 
recorded in England in 1987. 

'LADY OF SPAIN'(1988) 
--------------------- 
Recently released (1997) on a compilation of rarities called 'Oldtime 
rock 'n' roll'.Excellent version of an old standard. 

'IT WAS THE WHISKEY TALKING NOT ME'(1990) 
----------------------------------------- 
Recorded for the film 'Dick Tracy' (& not properly included in it), 
Jerry Lee turns in 2 versions of it.The best one was the Western Swing 
version (that also shows up on 'Young blood' from 5 years later) but 
the rock 'n' roll version is good,too. 

'JIMMY,MICKEY & ME'(1990) 
-------------------------- 
It had to come!A song Jerry wrote in dedication to his cousins. 
this & the next song were recorded informally at the 'Whiskey 
talkin'' sessions along with many versions of greatests hits. 

'ROCKIN' ROLLIN' JERRY LEE'/'SHINE ON HARVEST MOON'(1990) 
--------------------------------------------------------- 
Jerry Lee improvises a song about himself on the spot & then segues 
into an older standard. 

"Cause I love you baby" & "Missing you" (both recorded in Hamburg,1990) 
well represents Jerry's great abilities as an R&B balladeer. 

From a concert in Holland in 1991,Lewis storms his way through short but 
great version of Larry Williams' "Bony Maronie" & Lloyd Price's "Lawdy Miss 
Clawdy". 

"Kansas city (a.k.a K.C lovin')" (1992,Paris) - another excellent blues 
performance from the Killer.The song was a hit for Little Willie 
Littlefield originally but was an even bigger hit was Wilbert Harrison's 
cover. 

"Hot summertime" (1992,Paris) - great blues-rocker from the Killer. 

'BLUE CHRISTMAS'(1993) 
---------------------- 
Recorded live in Cork,Ireland in 1993 for a Christmas special.Jerry 
Lee's version of this country Christmas standard is definitive - he 
adds a great blues feeling to the song. 

"This world is not my home" (1993,Dublin) - great version of a 
country-bluegrass gospel standard. 

Rock 'n' roll is something special" - recorded live in Norway in 
1993,Lewis excels here on a blues-rocker as good as anything officially 
released by him in this style.This one is a gem. 


"Blues like midnight"/"Blues stay away from me"/"Lawdy Miss Clawdy" (1993, 
Norway) - This blues medley is certainly one of Lewis' best ever 
recordings."Blues like midnight" was originally a blues yodel from Jimmie 
Rodgers that Lewis turns into a fine gutbucket blues."Blues stay away from" 
was the Delmore Brothers' signature tune & was covered by Gene Vincent as 
well.Lewis tears through a short blues-soaked version. "Lawdy Miss Clawdy" 
was an R&B hit for Lloyd Price,based on Jack Dupree's "Junker blues",that 
became a huge rock 'n' roll standard recorded by virtually every major 
rocker sometime.Lewis' version is short enough but great tough blues. 

"Have I told you lately that I love you" (1993,Norway) - this excellent 
Gene Autry country hit has received all kinds of covers in the past 
(ranging from Marty Robbins excellent version to Eddie Cochran's dismal one 
to Bob Hope's & Bing Crosby's humourous interpretation). Lewis' bluesy take 
on the song is superb - harking back echoes of previous Autry covers like 
"Old pal of yesterday" or "You're the only star". 

"Are you lonesome tonight?" (1993,Norway) - great short jam version of this 
1927 Al Jolson classic.Lewis shows just how close country & swing can be. 

"Old piano roll blues" (1993,Norway) - an excellent short jam version of an 
old ragtime blues. 

"Rudolph the rednosed reindeer" (1993,Norway) - another short jam,this time 
on another Gene Autry song & proof of how excellent a Jerry Lee Christmas 
album could be.He forgets the words of one of the verses & ends abruptly. 

"Let the low lights keep burning" (1993,Norway) - Lewis then does a short 
jam on this oldtime song & this ends his 1993 Norway rarities. 

"Blues like midnight" (1993,Dublin) - a superb gutbucket blues from the 
Killer.This was Jimmie Rodgers B.B King style as perceived by Jerry Lee. 

"All shook up" (London,1993) - Lewis always recorded superb versions of 
Otis Blackwell's composition & this version of Elvis Presley's 1957 hit is 
superb - like a slower "Great balls of fire". 


'I'LL NEVER GET OUT OF THIS WORLD ALIVE'(1995) 
---------------------------------------------- 
The first song on Jerry Lee's 1995 'Young blood' album is this excellent 
rocked up boogie version of one of Hank Williams' last songs. 

'GOOSEBUMPS'(1995) 
------------------ 
The rocking beat continues throughout 'Young blood' & this original rocker 
is sure proof.Written by Andy Paley,the producer of the album.Paley also 
wrote 'It was the whiskey talkin' for the Killer. 

'THINGS'(1995) 
-------------- 
A 1960s hit for Bobby Darin,this country song gets a nice Western swing 
flavoured treatment from Jerry Lee on 'Young blood'.Bobby Darin fancied 
himself as the 'next Sinatra' & was quite versatile - able to do rock, 
country,swing & folk. 

'MISS THE MISSISSIPPI & YOU'(1995) 
---------------------------------- 
One of the best songs from the 'Young blood' album was this.On An old 
Jimmie Rodgers spiritual,Jerry Lee mixes blues,country & gospel to great 
effect thus making another Lewis classic. 

'YOUNG BLOOD'(1995) 
------------------- 
The title track for 'Young blood' was a 1950s R&B hit for novelty group 
the Coasters.Jerry Lee gives it a raw gutbucket Delta blues interpretation, 
though that really gets the true value out of the track. 

'CROWN VICTORIA CUSTOM '51'(1995) 
--------------------------------- 
This excellent blues boogie was cowritten by Jerry Lee & was of the 
motor-bikes & rock genre,as popularised by Gene Vincent & later Meatloaf. 
Again,from 'Young blood'. 

'HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE'(1995) 
--------------------------- 
This New Orleans blues was a hit for Huey Smith in the '50s & was also 
covered by Gene Vincent.Jerry Lee turns in a power gutbucket blues version 
for 'Young blood' in 1995. 

'RESTLESS HEART'(1995) 
---------------------- 
An excellent original country song that could well have been a hit if it was 
promoted.Every bit as good as any similar type material from Jerry's 
country years. 

'DOWN THE ROAD APIECE'(1995) 
---------------------------- 
In 1995,Jerry Lee did his 'Young blood' album & its music was a fast & 
furious as ever.The version of this old Amos Milburn blues boogie is sure 
proof of that. 

'POISON LOVE'(1995) 
------------------- 
An excellent blues version of a Johnny & Jack/Bill Monroe bluegrass hit. 
More evidence of the versatility displayed on 'Young blood'.