Dydd Mawrth, 14 Ionawr, 2003, 11:30 GMTTribiwnlys: Seren roc yn setloMae Van Morrison wedi dod i gytundeb mewn tribiwnlysMae'r seren roc, Van Morrison, wedi dod i gytundeb mewn tribiwnlys diwydiannol wedi i gyn-weithiwr ollwng cyhuddiadau o wahaniaethu ar sail rhyw.
Roedd Linda Gail Lewis, chwaer yr arwr roc a rôl, Jerry Lee Lewis, wedi honni fod Van Morrison, 57 oed, wedi ceisio difetha ei bywyd drwy ofyn iddi gael rhyw gydag ef a dweud wrthi i ysgaru ei gwr.Bu Miss Lewis, sy'n gantores ac yn ysgrifennu caneuon, ar daith gyda Morrison.
Fe dynnodd Miss Lewis, 54 o Benarth, De Cymru, bum cyhuddiad yn erbyn y canwr yn ôl.
Daeth y penderfyniad wedi chwe awr o drafodaeth gyfreithiol mewn tribiwnlys diwydiannol yng Nghaerdydd ddydd Llun.
Nid oedd neb yn barod i roi sylwadau ar delerau'r cytundeb.
Fe ddechreuodd Miss Lewis ei hachos yn erbyn y canwr bron i ddwy flynedd yn ôl.
Roedd hi'n honni fod Mr Morrison wedi ei "chywilyddio yn gyhoeddus" ar lwyfan yn America tra roedd hi ar daith gydag ef yn wlad.
Diswyddo
Yn gynharach roedd Miss Lewis wedi colli honiad o ddiswyddo ar gam.
Roedd hi'n honni ei bod wedi ei diswyddo gyda thri mis yn weddill o'r daith wedi iddi fod yn gweithio i Van Morrison am naw mis.
Ond roedd y tribiwnlys wedi datgan y byddai pump o'r 13 o honiadau o wahaniaethu ar sail rhyw yn cael eu hymchwilio mewn gwrandawiad llawn ddydd Mawrth.
Roedd Mr Morrison wedi gwadu iddo gael perthynas rywiol gyda Miss Lewis.
Dywedodd ei gyfreithiwr, Paul Tweed, "Mae Mr Morrison yn parhau o fod yn siomedig iawn fod y broses gyfreithiol wedi cymryd bron i ddwy flynedd.
"Ond mae'n falch fod yr honiadau wedi eu tynnu'n ôl o'r diwedd" eglurodd.
Dywedodd cynrychiolydd cyfreithiol Miss Lewis fod y ddwy ochr wedi cytuno i dermau'r cytundeb.
"Mae'r ddwy ochr yn barod yn awr i barhau â'u bywydau" meddai.
Cafodd y gwaharddiad a osodwyd yn gynharach oedd yn atal y wasg a'r cyfryngau rhag enwi Van Morrison ei godi ar ddiwedd y tribiwnlys ddydd Mawrth.
Thursday, 25 October, 2001, 18:26 GMT 19:26 UKVan seeks apology over affair claimThe singer Van Morrison has demanded an apology and retraction from Ulster Television over unsubstantiated claims made on the Kelly show that he had an affair with the American singer Linda Gail Lewis.Morrison says claims were an "outrageous fabrication".In a statement Morrison said the allegations were an "outrageous fabrication".
Ms Lewis appeared on the Kelly programme, a weekly chat show on UTV hosted by Northern Ireland personality Gerry Kelly.
Morrison has instructed his lawyers to seek damages from UTV and has threatened to begin court action if he does not get a satisfactory response.
Private life
The Belfast-born singer, who is in a long-standing relationship with Michelle Rocca, recently recorded a top-selling album with Ms Lewis, who is a sister of the legendary rock artist, Jerry Lee Lewis.
In a statement released on Thursday, Morrison said:
Van's girlfriend Michelle Rocca"Ms Lewis makes these allegations knowing that I am intensely private about my personal life, and in the apparent belief that I would not engage in a public row and that her allegations would gain credence as a result."For a number of reasons I genuinely hoped that I could maintain a dignified silence in this matter, but I now feel compelled to issue this statement.
"The matter is now in the hands of my solicitors and I do not intend to say anything further in public on the subject."
Morrison's solicitors, Johnsons in Belfast, also claim similar allegations were made by Ms Lewis in the Sunday Independent newspaper last weekend.
Specialist libel solicitor Paul Tweed, a partner in Johnsons, said: "My client has demanded that UTV and the Sunday Independent immediately issue a full and categoric retraction and apology in relation to extremely serious defamatory allegations.
"Mr Morrison will also be seeking substantial damages and we have instructions to issue libel proceedings if we do not receive an immediate and satisfactory response."
Van Morrison wins libel damagesMorrison said claims were an "outrageous fabrication".Singer Van Morrison has won substantial damages over a newspaper allegation that he had an affair with American singer Linda Gail Lewis.A lawyer for the Sunday Independent apologised to Morrison and his long-term partner Michelle Rocca in the High Court in Belfast on Wednesday.
The allegations were contained in extracts from an interview with Ms Lewis who appeared on Ulster Television's weekly chat programme, Kelly, last month.
A solicitor, reading out an agreed statement in settlement of Van Morrison's libel action, said the paper fully accepted that there was absolutely no truth in the allegations.
He said the paper's publishers, Independent Newspapers Ltd, had agreed not to repeat the allegations and to pay substantial damages to Van Morrison, together with his legal costs.
The Belfast-born singer, 56, who lives mainly in Dublin, recently recorded a top-selling album with Ms Lewis, a sister of legendary rock artist Jerry Lee Lewis.
After the UTV appearance, he issued a statement denying her claims.
"These outrageous allegations are a complete and utter fabrication," he said.
Morrison's solicitor said: "Hopefully this full retraction and apology will put an end to the publication of these totally false allegations in the press."
He said a libel writ had been served on UTV and a detailed statement of claim was being filed on Wednesday.
"We have also put on notice The Mail on Sunday, the Irish Star and the Daily and Sunday Mirror our intention to issue libel proceedings if we do not receive a satisfactory response and proposals forthwith.
"Mr Morrison will also be seeking substantial damages and we have instructions to issue libel proceedings if we do not receive an immediate and satisfactory response."
Tuesday, 8 October, 2002, 11:55 GMT 12:55 UK
Singer's date for 'abuse' battle
Musician Linda Gail Lewis claims sexual discriminationThe sister of rock star Jerry Lee Lewis will begin her sex discrimination case against a millionaire singer in the new year.An employment tribunal in Cardiff told singer-songwriter Linda Gail Lewis on Tuesday that the hearing will start on 13 January, 2003.
Jerry Lee Lewis is Linda Gail Lewis' brotherMs Lewis, 54, from Penarth, south Wales, is claiming sex discrimination against the world-famous entertainer - who cannot be named for legal reasons.
The American-born mother of four has accused him of mistreating her while on tour.
The eight-times-married performer alleges the singer made unwanted sexual advances to her and subjected her to "public humiliation" during a nine-month tour.
At an earlier hearing she claimed the singer tried to ruin her life and attempted to persuade her to divorce her husband Eddie Braddock.
Gagging order
Singer and pianist Ms Lewis also claims she was verbally abused and ignored as she sang duets with the star on stage in the United States.
He lost a bid to block the sex discrimination case by claiming Ms Lewis was a freelance musician and was never employed by him.
But he did win a gagging order preventing him being identified because of the sexual allegations.
After Tuesday's appearance at the tribunal, Ms Lewis said:
"I hope the full truth will emerge at the hearing in the New Year."
Tuesday, 14 January, 2003, 12:08 GMT
Van Morrison case overVan Morrison: 'I like working with different musicians'A claim against rock star Van Morrison has ended after a former employee dropped claims of sex discrimination at an employment tribunal.The sister of rock'n'roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis, Linda Gail Lewis, had accused Morrison, 57, of trying to ruin her life by asking her for sex and telling her to divorce her husband.
Miss Lewis, 54, of Penarth, south Wales, a singer-songwriter who toured with Morrison, withdrew five sex discrimination claims against the singer following six hours of legal discussion at the tribunal in Cardiff on Monday.
Miss Lewis has appeared on over 50 albumsNeither side was prepared to comment on the terms of the settlement.
Eight-times married Miss Lewis launched the tribunal action nearly two years ago.
She claimed Morrison had "publicly humiliated" her on stage in the United States while she was touring with him.
Miss Lewis had earlier lost a claim of unfair dismissal - she had said she was sacked with three months left of a tour after working with Morrison for nine months.
However, the tribunal had ruled that five out of 13 allegations of sex discrimination would be investigated at the full hearing on Tuesday.
Morrison had denied having a sexual relationship with Miss Lewis.
His solicitor Paul Tweed said: "Mr Morrison remains very disappointed that the legal process has taken nearly two years to reach this stage.
He's a rock'n'roll legend but he has a reputation for doing what he wants to do without regard for anyone's feelings
Linda Gail Lewis"But he's pleased that these claims have finally been withdrawn.
"He has now accepted a full apology and comprehensive retraction which represents a complete vindication of his stance from the outset.
"Miss Lewis has given a full and categorical apology and retraction to Mr Morrison."
Albums
Miss Lewis's legal representative Christine Thompson said both parties had agreed to the terms of the settlement.
"The parties are now happy to move on with their lives," she added.
Miss Lewis started her singing and songwriting career when she was 14.
Miss Lewis made albums with brother Jerry Lee LewisShe had made six solo albums and appeared on more than 50 others, mainly with her brother.Earlier, Miss Lewis had told the tribunal: "He is a legend and very popular with a great reputation as a song writer and singer.
"Performing with him should have raised my profile but it didn't. What I didn't realise was that he was trying to ruin my career and life.
"He exploits other musicians all the time.
"He's a rock'n'roll legend but he has a reputation for doing what he wants to do without regard for anyone's feelings."
The tribunal earlier heard Morrison had asked Miss Lewis to divorce her husband.
"He kept insisting that when I went home for Christmas 2000 I would ask my husband for a divorce and I would not have sex with him.
"His behavior was getting bizarre."
BrotherMiss Lewis first met the singer and songwriter at a convention in America for her brother Jerry Lee Lewis eight years ago.
She said a professional and personal relationship developed some years later.
The tribunal was told they met at the King's Hotel in Newport, south Wales where they rehearsed several times.
Miss Lewis claimed she was "part and parcel" of Morrison's show, saying: "It was made clear to me they didn't want me to work for anyone else.
"They wanted an exclusive arrangement and I had to cancel other existing arrangements."
She said she had gone "a lot further than I ever should have" with Morrison.
"I do regret some of it. I really thought he was my friend when I started working with him. I thought it was wonderful.
Identification
"I didn't realise he would try to ruin my career and my life," she said.
Morrison had earlier told the tribunal all members of his band were self-employed, and therefore could not be sacked.
"I stopped touring years ago in the real sense of the word. I like to do lots of different projects and work with different musicians. "There is no need for me to have full-time employees."
An earlier reporting order banning the identification of Van Morrison was lifted by the tribunal as the case had had been withdrawn.
Lewis certainly knows something about the business—she’s been a part of it for over three decades. She made her recording debut in 1960 with her sister Frankie Jean, then in 1963 released a duet, “Seasons of My Heart,” with Jerry Lee Lewis. The same year, she joined her brother’s band as a harmony singer, touring with him for more than 20 years. In 1964, she released her first solo single on ABC/Paramount, but by 1968, she had signed to Smash Records, where she recorded a solo album and several more duets with her brother. Her duet with Jerry Lee on “Don’t Let Me Cross Over” was a top 10 country hit, and she also enjoyed chart success with solo versions of “Turn Back the Hands of Time” and “Roll Over Beethoven.”
Lewis eventually retired from music, but five years ago she initiated a comeback with International Affair, an outstanding album of energized roots-rock on the French New Rose label (which i produced--tpa).
“She’s had a lot of experience, yet she still has this wild, rough energy that you can’t fake,” says Colman, who has recorded Lewis on new tunes by songwriters Tim Krekel and Rick Vito. “When she likes a song, she really connects with it. She’s given some great performances so far, so I’m real excited about the possibilities. She has what I think is a real unique sound. Her piano playing is pure Memphis, and her vocals come straight out of Mississippi; there’s a lot of soul there. She’s also familiar with Nashville, and we’re putting this tight Nashville rhythm section behind her. I think what we’ve come up with so far has a lot of power to it.”
b. 18 July 1947, Ferriday, Louisiana, USA.Encouraged by his success, the youngest sister of Jerry Lee Lewis was only 13 when, with sister Frankie Jean, she recorded a single for Sun Records on 13 December 1960. It was not released but it sparked her desire to be a singer. Frankie Jean, however, never had her sister's desire to be a singer, although she had made rockabilly duets with Jesse Lee Turner for Sun in 1958, that attracted Chet Atkins. She claimed she wanted to sing Patsy Cline material, not rockabilly like her sister, and turned down a Decca Records contract. She toured with Jerry Lee Lewis for some years and later became involved with the Jerry Lee Lewis Museum in Ferriday.
Linda Gail quit school in the early 60s and took to the road as a backing vocalist with her brother's show. She gained no preferential treatment from the unpredictable star, on one occasion being embarrassed when, after missing her cue, her brother stopped singing to ask through the microphone 'Are you watching this show or are you in it?' She was not so backward regarding marriage.
She first married at 14, and soon divorced to marry a sailor after a three-day romance when she was 15. He went back to sea and she never saw him again. She soon married Jerry Lee Lewis' best friend Cecil Harrelson. They had two children, Cecil Jr. and Mary Jean, then divorced; but after a brief marriage to husband, number four, Jerry Lee Lewis' guitarist Kenneth Lovelace [which incidentally made her Linda Lovelace], she remarried Cecil in 1971.
In March 1963, she duetted with her brother on "Seasons Of My Heart," and at the same Sun session cut two solo numbers, "Nothin' Shakin'" and "Sittin' And Thinkin'". They were set for release on Sun 385 but for some reason were not issued. When Jerry Lee moved to Smash Records in 1964, she duetted on "We Live In Two Different Worlds", which appeared on Another Place Another Time, Jerry Lee's first album for the Smash. The success of this record led to a duet album, which contained fine versions of "Milwaukee Here I Come," as well as two chart hits, "Don't Let Me Cross Over" (#9) and the less popular "Roll Over Beethoven" (#71).
She recorded several singles for the label (some were later reissued by Mercury Records), including "Turn Back The Hands Of Time," a superb version of "Paper Roses," and "Before The Snow Flies". She also gained her first solo album, and registered her only solo chart hit in 1972 with Mercury Record's "Smile, Somebody Loves You".
In the early 70s the whirlwind life style of her brother's touring show finally slowed her stamina and resilience. Her health began to cause concern; she suffered from drug addiction, and underwent a nervous breakdown. While confined to hospital in 1976 she almost died, but after a long period of convalescence, she regained her health and broke the drug addiction. In 1977, she married husband number six, Brent Dolan and retired from show business for 10 years, during which time she had two more children, Oliver and Annie.
In 1987, she re-emerged as a rockabilly revivalist. She again began to appear with her brother and accompanied him on his European tour that included an appearance at London's Wembley Festival. However differences with her brother's sixth wife, Kerrie McCarver, who had vocal aspirations of her own, soon saw Linda Gail leave to pursue a solo career.In this she was initially helped by husband number seven, an Elvis Impersonator, Bobby Memphis (b. Robert Stefanow). With a backing group that included her daughter, Mary Jean singing backing harmonies and mainly featuring rockabilly material, she began to tour with her own show. She played piano (standing up) in a similar pounding style to her brother and cousin Mickey Gilley and recorded a second album. Her first tour to the UK in June 1991, proved so popular (one critic described her as "the hottest rockabilly act in Europe at this time who served up piano playing rock 'n' roll that was not a million miles away from the style of her illustrious brother") that she made two further European tours in 1991-2.
In December 1991, she married husband number eight, Eddie Braddock. She continues to perform into the new millennium, especially Europe, where she enjoys considerable success in the Scandinavian countries.
By 1998, (she was now married to husband number nine) she was becoming more respected for her fine singing of material other than rockabilly.
In 2000, she collaborated with Van Morrison on You Win Again, which increased her public profile considerably.
Discography
- Two Sides Of Linda Gail Lewis - 1969 (Smash)
- Jerry Lee Lewis & Linda Gail Lewis Together - 1969 (Smash)
- International Affair - 1990
- (New Rose Records)
- Rockin' With Linda - 1992 (Deep Elem)
- Do You Know - 1992 (Lewis)
- I'll Take Memphis - 1992 (Fox)
- Love Makes The Difference - 1997 (Ice House)
- Linda Gail Lewis - 1999 (Sire)
- You Win Again - 2000 (PointBlank)
- Out Of The Shadows - 2002 (Lantasi)
- Hungry Hill - 2007 (Benlin Music)
Linda Gail Lewis - Old Black Joe (05:11)
Linda Gail Lewis always puts on a great show. Here she is singing and playing Old Black Joe at The Borderline in London on 1 April 2004. Providing vocal support are Linda's two daughters, Mary Jean and Annie Marie....
Linda Gail Lewis - 88 Friends (02:46)
When it comes to Linda Gail Lewis, you're talking Rock'n'Roll royalty. The youngest sister of piano-pounding Louisiana Fireball Jerry Lee, Linda Gail's pedigree was never in doubt from the very first moment she...
LINDA GAIL LEWIS - I'd rather stay home than Rock 'n' Roll (00:43)
LINDA GAIL LEWIS - I'd rather stay home than Rock 'n' Roll
Linda Gail Lewis-Who´s that guy+inte (07:32)
Linda with her daughter Annie Marie, & Lindas Norwegian backing band live on "God morgen Norge" (Good morning Norway Norwegian television. The band: Rune Bræck-guitar, Jack Williamsen-b ass, Geir Morfjord-drums.
