Photo by Michael Donahue // Buy this photo
Jerry Lee Lewis (right) celebrated his 75th birthday with friends including "Cowboy" Jack Clement on Sunday night at The Warehouse. Photos by Michael DonahueThe Commercial Appeal
"He's a rock and roll rascal," said record producer/songwriter "Cowboy" Jack Clement, referring to his old friend, Jerry Lee Lewis.
Jack, who recorded Jerry Lee's first records at Sun Studio, was one of the guests celebrating the performer's 75th birthday Sunday night at The Warehouse.
Jerry Lee didn't sit on a piano stool and perform; instead, he sat back and greeted friends on a circular blue sofa facing the stage.
Kevin Kane, Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau president, presented Jerry Lee with a City of Memphis proclamation naming Sunday as "Jerry Lee Lewis Day."
Congressman Steve Cohen said, "We got three entertainers that don't need a last name -- Cybill, Elvis and Jerry Lee."
High Tops Party
Robin and Tom Watson hosted this year's High Tops Party, a fundraiser for the University of Memphis and the Tigers basketball team, at their home. Guests included the basketball team, head coach Josh Pastner and a crowd of enthusiastic supporters.
Players chatted and took photos with the crowd at the annual party sponsored by the U of M Rebounders. Blues City Café provided the barbecue at the event. Harold Byrd is Rebounders president.
"What makes this city so unique, so special is the support of their Tigers," Josh said. "This is their team.
"I tell our guys all the time, 'You have to understand the privilege you have, the honor you have when you've got that 'Memphis' across your chest when you wear that jersey."
Feed the Soul
Guests could hula hoop, dance or play a little golf at the third annual "Feed the Soul" fundraiser for the Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA). The party was Thursday night at The Warehouse.
Among the activities were an oxygen bar and a putting green. Hula hoops were on hand for guests to use during a performance by Ryan Peel and his band. Earlier in the evening, Earl Randle played jazz, and deejay Robert Raiford played music for dancing.
Guests spilled outdoors into tents, where they could purchase cigars and sample bourbon during a tasting.
"We had so many people outside, we had things that would entertain them," said Charlie Nelson, MIFA director of fundraising events and volunteers.
MIFA thrift store items, including couches, rugs and clothing, were for sale. "One lady bought a jacket," Charlie said. "If you had gone on eBay, it was worth $1,000. She got it for 20 bucks. I know 'cause she told me. She got a great deal."
According to Charlie's estimate, more than 900 attended, and possibly more than $110,000 was raised. "We haven't gotten the chance to sit down and count everything."