Why Jerry Lee Lewis Believed Rock And Roll Was “The Devil’S Music” But Kept Playing It

March 21, 2025
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Jerry Lee Lewis sat at his piano, fingers hovering above the keys, as the distant sounds of the crowd roared with excitement. The year was 1957, and he was about to take the stage in a small Mississippi town, but a storm brewed within him. He loved rock and roll, the wild energy it poured into his veins, the way it made people forget their troubles and dance. But in his heart, he wrestled with a dark thought: this music, the very thing that brought joy to millions, was often labeled as “the devil’s music” by those who believed it led people astray.

Jerry grew up in a strict Baptist family, where songs about sin and rebellion were frowned upon. As a child, he was taught that any music not sung in church was dangerous. But when he first heard the captivating rhythms of rock and roll, he felt something inside him awaken. That moment was electric; he could hardly sit still. The sound was a mix of rhythm and soul, and it beckoned him like a siren’s song. Yet, the guilt lingered, like a shadow that followed him wherever he went. “If this music is so captivating,” he thought, “then why do I feel so guilty about it?”

Despite these conflicting feelings, Jerry’s passion for music overpowered his fears. He began to play at local bars and dance halls, pouring his heart into every performance. His fingers danced over the piano keys, creating a whirlwind of sound that had even the most reserved listeners tapping their feet. The thrill of seeing people enjoy his music was intoxicating. It didn’t matter to him that some called it devilish; he believed in the power of music to unite and uplift. With each note he played, he was living proof that rock and roll could touch the hearts of even the most skeptical crowds.

However, in the midst of this success, Jerry faced great turmoil. After marrying his cousin at just 13 years old, he found himself shunned by many in the music industry and targeted by hostile audiences who claimed he was an immoral influence. Critics saw him as a wild man of rock, and though he felt the weight of their judgment, he refused to back down. In his mind, the laughter, love, and tears that flowed from his performances made it all worthwhile. When people danced and sang along, he knew he was touching their lives in a way that transcended fear and shame.

Jerry Lee Lewis became a rock and roll icon, pushing boundaries and challenging norms, all while embracing the very music that so many wanted to condemn. He faced numerous ups and downs, but through it all, he never stopped playing. He believed that music was a force for good, capable of healing and bringing joy to people’s lives. His resilience was inspiring; in every struggle, he found strength. Eventually, his music paved the way for future generations, proving that what was once deemed “the devil’s music” could also be a source of love, connection, and celebration.

As Jerry took a final bow that night in Mississippi, he realized that no matter what people said about him or his music, he had followed his heart. The devil may have claimed rock and roll, but Jerry Lee Lewis turned it into something extraordinary. He had transformed his own struggles into a powerful message: that music, in all its forms, could be a light in the darkness, uplifting souls and bringing people together. In that moment, he felt a profound sense of peace, knowing that he had lived his truth and poured his heart into the music he loved.

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