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

March 20, 2025

Jerry Lee Lewis was one of the most electrifying performers in rock and roll history. With wild hair, a dazzling smile, and a voice that could make the walls shake, he played the piano like it was on fire. But behind all that energy and excitement lay a deep, personal conflict. As he belted out his hits like “Great Balls of Fire,” he carried a heavy burden: his upbringing and his belief that rock and roll was “the devil’s music.”

Born into a poor family in Ferriday, Louisiana, Jerry was surrounded by the sound of gospel and country music. His mother pushed him to play the piano at church, where he learned the importance of faith and the values of Southern life. But as he grew older, he discovered the pulsating rhythms and rebellious spirit of rock and roll. To him, it felt like a calling, a way to express himself and connect with audiences. Yet, it also echoed the warnings he’d heard from the elders in his community, who claimed that rock and roll could lead good people astray.

As Jerry Lee gained fame in the 1950s, he faced intense criticism for his music. Some of his friends believed that rock and roll was a powerful force for change and joy. But Jerry often wrestled with the idea that he was playing the devil’s tune. He would sing with passion, yet the whispers of doubt lingered in his mind. His fingers danced over the piano keys, but the chords sometimes felt like a tug-of-war between his soul and his upbringing. During nights filled with raucous applause, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was stepping into dark territory.

Then came the day that changed everything. Jerry’s personal life crashed into his public persona when his marriage to his 13-year-old cousin became a scandal that shook the music world. Suddenly, critics who once praised him turned their backs. Radio stations refused to play his music, and fans abandoned him. It felt like a punishment for embracing rock and roll, a genre he loved but also feared could lead him astray. In those dark moments, he found himself alone, grappling with the weight of his choices, and questioning his purpose.

Yet, instead of letting this turmoil define him, Jerry Lee Lewis chose to fight back. He didn’t abandon his music; he leaned into it even more. He found solace in performing, discovering that music could be a source of healing and hope. He poured his heart into every show, channeling his struggles into powerful performances that left audiences breathless. The very thing he feared became his lifeline, a way to connect with others who felt lost or misunderstood. Rock and roll transformed from “the devil’s music” into his salvation.

Through it all, Jerry learned to embrace his passion for music while reconciling his past. He became a symbol of resilience, proving that even when life gets tough, the power of creativity can guide us through the darkest times. In the end, Jerry Lee Lewis didn’t just play rock and roll; he became a living testament to its ability to uplift, unite, and inspire. His journey showed that even the most turbulent paths can lead to an extraordinary life filled with music, love, and redemption.