The Advice Carl Perkins Gave Them That Stuck Forever

April 1, 2025

On a warm summer evening in 1956, a young musician named Jerry Lee Lewis was nervously standing backstage at the famous Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee. He had dreams of becoming a rock and roll legend, but doubts crept into his mind like shadows. As he fidgeted with his piano keys, he remembered the advice Carl Perkins, another rising star, had given him just a few days earlier. “Play from your heart, Jerry. Don’t just perform for the crowd; let them feel your passion,” Carl had said with a sincere look in his eyes. Little did Jerry know that these words would change the course of his life.

As Jerry stepped onto the stage that night, the pulsating energy of the crowd filled the air, and he could feel his heart racing. He thought of Carl’s advice and closed his eyes for a moment, focusing on the music inside him. When he launched into his song, the notes flowed effortlessly from his fingertips, and the audience responded with electrifying enthusiasm. It was as if Carl Perkins was right there with him, inspiring him to unleash his inner fire. The music seemed to wrap around him like a warm hug, and for the first time, he was fully present—not just playing but truly connecting with his audience.

After that performance, everything changed for Jerry. The crowd’s cheers rang in his ears, and soon he found himself recording hit after hit, including the famous “Great Balls of Fire.” As he soared to stardom, he never forgot Carl’s words. They reminded him that music wasn’t just about fame; it was an expression of who he was deep down. His passion turned into resilience, allowing him to weather the inevitable storms that came with fame, including criticism and personal challenges. Whenever he faced tough times, he would close his eyes and hear Carl’s voice encouraging him to stay true to himself.

Years later, during a particularly challenging period in his life, Jerry found himself sitting alone at the piano in a dimly lit room, filled with self-doubt. He remembered all the moments when his passion for music had waned, weighed down by the pressures of the industry. But then he thought of Carl and the simple, yet profound advice he had received. With renewed spirit, Jerry began to play again, pouring his heart into each note. The music flowed like a river, sweeping away his worries and reigniting his passion. In that moment, he realized that music was his lifeline, a way to express joy, sorrow, and everything in between.

As years passed, Jerry Lee Lewis became a music icon, but he always credited Carl Perkins for instilling that vital lesson in him. In interviews, he would often share how that advice helped him overcome obstacles and inspired him to create music that resonated with generations. It was more than just about the hits; it was about connecting with people on a deeper level. Musicians from all walks of life admired Jerry’s ability to pour his emotions into his performances, and they often sought out Carl’s wisdom as well, highlighting the ripple effect of those few powerful words.

In the end, Carl Perkins’s advice wasn’t just a guiding principle for Jerry; it became a legacy. It showed him that music has the power to heal, connect, and inspire. Whenever life seemed daunting, Jerry would return to the piano, remembering that it was his heart that truly mattered in every performance. The world might change, but the lessons learned in those early days in Memphis would stay with him forever. And as he played for audiences around the world, he knew he was fulfilling a promise to both Carl and himself—to always play from the heart.