Tennessee legislature names stretch of road for Jerry Lee Lewis
By Richard Locker (Contact), Memphis Commercial Appeal
Monday, April 27, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
NASHVILLE -- No, they didn't wheel in a piano -- The Killer didn't seem in the mood for a whole lotta shakin' anyway -- but the Tennessee legislature nevertheless honored Jerry Lee Lewis with a standing ovation Monday evening.
With Lewis, his daughter Phoebe Lewis and manager J.W. Whitten standing in the well, the House of Representatives gave final legislative approval to a bill designating the section of Getwell Road between Interstate 240 and the Mississippi border "the Jerry Lee Lewis Highway."
The vote was 95-0 in favor of the bill, and followed a 33-0 vote in the Senate earlier this month.
But as is standard with many street-naming measures, the resolution requires the City of Memphis to pay the $325 costs for the two signs to be put up at each end of the designated stretch of roadway.
Sponsored by Rep. Curry Todd, R-Collierville, and Sen. Reginald Tate, D-Memphis, the street-naming bill takes note of Lewis' "countless contributions (that) were recently recognized when he was named by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and Case Western Reserve University as an American Music Master," the first-ever living recipient of the honor.
Todd said he has known Lewis since the mid-1970s when Todd, then a Memphis police officer, occasionally helped provide security at Graceland when Lewis and other Memphis music luminaries visited Elvis Presley.
"He's the last of the living legends. Gone before him are Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley, all who recorded in Memphis," said Todd, who presented Lewis with a framed copy of the legislative resolution.
Lewis kept his remarks short: "I'd just like to say thank you very much and God bless you. It's not every day you get a street named after you. I think it's a great honor. It's a privilege to be here and God bless each and every one of you."
The star stayed afterward for a while having his picture taken and signing autographs.
Another Tennessee legend was present in the chamber, having been honored by the House just before Lewis -- former University of Tennessee head football coach Johnny Majors.
Posted by Noamsayin on April 27, 2009 at 7:33 p.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
I assume this particular stretch of road was chosen because of the unusually high number of Lincoln Continentals wrapped around the trees which line it.
Posted by bornin47 on April 27, 2009 at 8:40 p.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
Actually, noamsayin, it was a Rolls Royce that "The Killer" wrecked, and it was in near Nesbit, MS. And it was a Cadillac that he rammed into the gates of Graceland.
Posted by woodendoor on April 27, 2009 at 8:40 p.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
Goodness Gracious Great Balls of Fire!!
Posted by lgavin on April 27, 2009 at 9:14 p.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
It should have been that road in front of Hernando's Hideaway. I think it was Brooks Road just west of Bellevue.
Posted by FlossieMae on April 27, 2009 at 9:58 p.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
do you have to marry your cousin in order to drive down Getwell now?
Posted by obpride2 on April 28, 2009 at 2:45 a.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
Most ppl have both good and bad. Posts here certainly define the 'bad'. Hence, the bad posters are evident. Jerry Lee Lewis was a unique entertainer who broke ground for rock and roll music. And music was the ground breaker for acceptance of social integration. Go Killer! We love your music.
Posted by tny12 on April 28, 2009 at 3:08 a.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
in response to obpride2
You mistakenly state:"Jerry Lee Lewis was a unique entertainer who broke ground for rock and roll music. And music was the ground breaker for acceptance of social integration."
-------------------------------------
Jerry Lee was a unique entertainer in the beginning but Elvis was the one who broke the ground. Jerry Lee came along after Elvis.
Posted by Niek81 on April 28, 2009 at 7:10 a.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
Jerry lee Lewis is honoured for his musical contributions for almost 60 years (how many artists can say that?) and some people keep complain about things that happened 30 or even 50 years ago...?
Congratulations mr. Lewis, you deserved it for all the hard working and great music.
Posted by dillinger on April 28, 2009 at 8:22 a.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
Ain´t nobody who can play the old piano like the KILLER! He deserves any honor bestowed upon him! He´s a man who keeps telling it like it is, not one of those spineless, colorless wimps. Go, Jerry Lee, go!!!!!!!
Posted by strumpeace on April 28, 2009 at 8:28 a.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
Didn't the TN legislature refuse to honor Justin Timberlake a couple of years ago because the title of one of his albums contained the word 'sex'? Now they're honoring a guy who married his teenage cousin? What a bunch of hypocrites.
Posted by synapse on April 28, 2009 at 8:28 a.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
must we?
Posted by MidtownLisa on April 28, 2009 at 8:39 a.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
in response to strumpeace
Comparing Justin Timberlake to Jerry Lee Lewis is not only comparing apples and oranges, it is musical blasphemy!! Nothing against Justin, but Jerry Lee is a legend. I imagine that JT would agree.
Posted by jab60 on April 28, 2009 at 8:46 a.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
So did they do this during thier own time or did the taxpayer pay for this silly time.
Posted by reddot on April 28, 2009 at 9:15 a.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
bornin47 I think Jerry was driving a Rolls Royce when he tried to crash the gates at Graceland,also they found a gun in his car.Jerry Lee Lewis also sat in the living room while his wife overdose in the bedroom and died.I think a lot of people deserve to have a street name after them,but Jerry Lee Lewis is not one of them.
Posted by bluesman1 on April 28, 2009 at 9:30 a.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
If this had been a black man, there would be 200 hundred posts. A hundred saying how great to have a black man recieve such a great honor. The other hundred saying how bad it is that the white man is keeping other black artists from getting this honor...
But because it is a white man, well you get the point!
Another thing is that you never get the love from your home town like you do from the rest of the world. Out of the wall of awards I've recieved over the past thirty years, only two came from Memphis, my home town. And that was later in my career.
Jerry Lee, you are STILL a great artist, and Memphis and Mississippi should be proud of you.
Just do like HH does, and shake those haters off! ;)
Posted by lhanson on April 28, 2009 at 9:38 a.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
So does mean we will see the long awaited stoplignts at Raines any time soon?
Posted by reddot on April 28, 2009 at 9:43 a.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
bluesman1 why is it when you don't agree with something you hate it?I don't hate Jerry Lee Lewis
I just don't thing he deserves a street or a dirt road named after him.That is just mind opinion,you have yours I have mind no hate about it.I was around Jerry Lee too, more times then I like to remember so your not the only one that has been there.
Posted by desotoguy on April 28, 2009 at 10 a.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
in response to MidtownLisa
Good point. 20 years from now people will say "Justin who?
In spite of his bad life style Jerry Lee is one of a kind and a tremendous talent. There has never been a better piano player and his music crosses many genres. I have been to many of his shows at places ranging from the Cook Convention Center to the Fairgrounds to many beer joints (including Hernandos Hideaway) and always saw a good show.
Posted by 4walls on April 28, 2009 at 10:05 a.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
It seems to me that they could have found a nicer road to name after Lewis. Getwell south of I-240? Bishop Patterson got part of I-55 named after him.
Posted by FlossieMae on April 28, 2009 at 10:25 a.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
is Jerry L Lewis going to walk down Getwell road in his robe and slippers and serve canned generic colas? by the way----Justin Timberlake is already a legend----at least he is an honorable young man......I dont think he molested his cousin either.
Posted by Poohbear on April 28, 2009 at 10:35 a.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
in response to woodendoor
Ooh, baby! You know what I like!...
Posted by ewperryjr on April 28, 2009 at 10:45 a.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
Hey Bluesman1- on your wall of awards do you have anything from a spelling bee?
Posted by bluesman1 on April 28, 2009 at 11:04 a.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
I'm a songwriter, so I don't have to spell good.
And I'm not a hater, just telling some truth.
Besides, where's the awards for those that supported the everyday musicians like Big Sam Clark? Big Sam ran the Shanti Inn on Nov. 6th Street in the alley. If you was hungry, he'd make sure you got something to eat. And he's give you a chance to show your talent on stage.
Memphis has a history of going for the things that shine. Can you say Pyramid (scheme)?
Posted by muppetgirl on April 28, 2009 at 11:27 a.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
yeah, I don't have anything against Jerry Lee Lewis at all, but the scale of tourism attraction for naming a stretch after Justin Timberlake would have been equally appropriate. But instead let's bestow the honor on a tax invading entertainer who lived in Ireland for several years to avoid paying tax obligations, married his 14 year old cousin, and has had more hell-raising marriage-divorce sagas than anyone around. I guess compared to him that Justin is just a bad person and a bad example.
Posted by HellsBelle on April 28, 2009 at 11:54 a.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
Well, now let's cruise on down to old Memphis town
That's where that Presley boy said you ain't nothing but a hound
But now you take my boogie, it keeps you in the groove
Then your sacroiliac begins to shiver and a move
It's called the Lewis boogie, in the Lewis way
Lord, I do my little boogie woogie every day
Posted by Equalizer on April 28, 2009 at 12:27 p.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
Oh great, just great. So now, in addition to people who drive while texting, blabbering on their cell phone or in a state of congenital stupidity, we can all now look forward to a new classification: Those who drive drunk while screw-ing a family member.
If I WANTED to drive in Mississippi, I'd MOVE there.
Posted by Old_Man on April 28, 2009 at 12:36 p.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
in response to bluesman1
bluesman, what has Jerry Lee done with his life other than use his God given talent? Has he every used that talent for others?
I will agree he has a great music career, but that alone should not earn him the State honor. In fact, his life style and history should have kept him from recieving this award.
Posted by strumpeace on April 28, 2009 at 12:39 p.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
in response to MidtownLisa
Um, no offense, of course, but you need to learn how to read. I did not 'compare' Lewis to Timberlake. I compared the State Legislature's actions regarding one to the State Legislature's actions regarding the other. Get a grip.
Now, if you want to compare, we can do that. Timberlake has sold more albums (18 million solo, 41 million as part of N Sync) and had more number one songs on Billboard (3 solo, 1 as part of N Sync) than Lewis ever did.
There's your comparison. Now you can repost your nasty response -- and it least it will make sense this time.
Posted by strumpeace on April 28, 2009 at 12:40 p.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
Oh, one more comparison, midtownlisa --
Number of Underage Cousins Married:
Justin Timberlake -- 0
Jerry Lee Lewis -- 1
So JLL does win at something!
Posted by peabody45 on April 28, 2009 at 1:03 p.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
When are they going to name a street or road after Danny Owens?
Posted by DAWG1 on April 28, 2009 at 2 p.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
Whoa! What about a stretch of highway, northbound 51, named after Ike Turner? Hey, since it's an honor based on music ability and contribution and not character. I recall 'Rocket 51' being designated as the 1st Rock-N-Roll record, not some song by Bill Haley and the Comets.
Posted by Noamsayin on April 28, 2009 at 3:23 p.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
in response to strumpeace
And all those albums were sold to girls barely old enough to be married to The Killer. Elvis, Jerry Lee, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash -- those guys started it all. They honed their skills throughout the Mississippi Delta and were the beginning of a musical and cultural revolution at Sun Studios under the tutelage Sam Phillips. Justin Timerlake honed his 'skills' in Disney World under the tutelage of Mickey Mouse. The Killer rules!
Posted by MidtownLisa on April 28, 2009 at 4:05 p.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
in response to strumpeace
I can read very well, thank you very much and I, unlike you, can respond without being nasty. Jerry Lee Lewis is a musical legend who was instrumental in the creation of the rock-n-roll musical genre. Justin Timberlake is a very talented young man but he is not a legend (yet), and the only thing he was instrumental in was the perpetuation of the boy band - not exactly original. Therefore, there is no comparison regarding the State Legislature's action to honor a living legend as opposed to someone who has sold a lot of records. There is no denying that Jerry Lee's personal life has been less than perfect, quite a mess in fact, but that has no bearing on his contributions as a musician. If you want to pull out the ol' moral compass to judge the accomplishments of others, hmmmm, lets see - Elvis was a drug abuser/addict, Martin Luther King was a womanizer, Thomas Jefferson was a slave owner who had children with one of his slaves, et al. Do you think that the moral failings of infallible human beings should diminish their significant accomplishments and therefore deny them any sort of recognition? I think not.
Posted by bornin47 on April 28, 2009 at 4:14 p.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
in response to DAWG1
Um, that would be "Rocket 88".
Posted by DAWG1 on April 28, 2009 at 4:31 p.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
in response to bornin47
Hey, thanks! I knew that I had missed the title of the song.
Posted by Niek81 on April 28, 2009 at 5:22 p.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
As far as I know, Jerry lee is getting this this reward for his amazing contribution to the field of music for more than half a century, not for his private life.
Yes, maybe this Justin Timberlake guy sold more records during his maybe 10 year carreer, but times are different now, so that doesn't say anything. Even artists who make music that is forgotten within 2 years, sometimes sell huge amounts of records, does that make them legendary, or important for the music history...?
Every person has made some mistakes, and has done some less perfect things, but, should have to complain about that for 50 years? I think we should have respect for someone who lived the life mr Lewis did with all ups and downs, but, who has recovered, who worked so hard that finally since a few years he is getting the respect he deserves. Many people artists can learn something from that, and, than I am wondering how many artists will be recording more thatn 50 years after their first recording, who will still do big tours across Europe, after such a life. Rock On Jerry!
Posted by TonyPapard on April 28, 2009 at 5:40 p.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
Jerry Lee fully deserves this award. You can't believe all the Press reports about him over the years. He may be no saint, but he has never been convicted of killing anyone or threatening to kill them. And you really can't blame him for the local customs and the legal age of consent/marriage in the Southern States over 50 years ago. Even Elvis was dating Priscilla when she was 14, nearly everyone in the South was doing the same, i.e. dating and marrying very young. The local churches encouraged it to prevent teenage sex outside of marriage.
His music and recordings over the past 50+ years make him a true living legend. And he is still recording, still touring, and still selling records. His last CD earned a Gold Record for over half a million sales, his biggest selling album ever, and a new album is due out soon.
Jerry Lee is the Last Man Standing, and deserves all the awards and recognition he is now getting, and more. He now should get a CMA Award and be elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Posted by desotoguy on April 28, 2009 at 9:55 p.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
in response to TonyPapard
You are correct about early marriages in rural areas 50 or more years ago. One that is famous is Loretta Lynn at 13 or 14. Less famous are the ones I know of in my own circle of older friends. Those lasted until "til death due us part". Myra was his 3rd or 4th cousin and that was not uncommon either.
Most of the press is true, however and I am a huge fan of Jerry Lee. He is one of the greatest and one of a kind. Along with the rock-n-roll he had a great string of country music hits and albums.
Posted by AllMemphisMusic on April 28, 2009 at 10:15 p.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
Everybody chill out and listen to the best radio in Memphis
http://www.AllMemphisMusic.com
Groovin...
Posted by andrewmcrae on April 29, 2009 at 2:18 a.m.
Reply to this post | Suggest removal
I'm sure Mr Lewis fully deserves all the honors bestowed upon him of late, including having the section of highway named after him. Many a hotelier, bar owner, and other trader seeking to attract the travelling dollar to Memphis will have cause to be grateful to Mr Lewis and his cohorts at Sun Records for the economic stimulus they have provided over the years. Worldwide, Tennessee is known for little other than its music and the TVA. Mr Lewis and his friends have enabled Tennessee to punch above its weight for the last fifty years, and give it a prominence and reputation around the globe that allows it to overshadow its neighbors. As for some of his youthful indiscretions, they make him no better or worse than the average citizen - they've merely been amplified out of all proportion in the public consciousness as a result of his celebrity. Good luck to you, Jerry Lee Lewis. Tennessee owes you much, as the legislators confirmed on Monday.