Jerry Lee Lewis – Great Balls Of Fire
A Rock and Roll Anthem for the Ages
In the realm of rock and roll, there are few figures as iconic and influential as Jerry Lee Lewis. With his untamed piano playing, wild stage persona, and rebellious spirit, Lewis embodied the raw energy and untamed spirit of the genre. And no song encapsulates this essence quite like “Great Balls of Fire”, a 1957 single that became an instant classic and solidified Lewis’s status as a rock and roll pioneer.
A Raucous Composition with a Hint of the Blues
Penned by Otis Blackwell and Jack Hammer, “Great Balls of Fire” is a prime example of early rock and roll, blending the bluesy sensibilities of rhythm and blues with the infectious energy of rockabilly. The song’s opening piano riff, played with Lewis’s signature fervor, sets the tone for the entire track, a raucous and exhilarating ride that never lets up.
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Additional details about the song:
- Released in 1957 as a single from Lewis’s album “Jerry Lee Lewis”
- Written by Otis Blackwell and Jack Hammer
- Reached number one on the Billboard R&B chart and number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart
- Featured in the 1957 film “Jamboree”
- Has been covered by numerous artists, including Elvis Presley, Elton John, and Bruce Springsteen