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Sale 9
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Lot 962
Lewis, Jerry Lee (b. 1935) Rock and Roll pioneer. Lewis' fiery musicianship, charisma and talent made songs like "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" and "Great Balls of Fire" major hits. A scandalous marriage to his thirteen year old cousin (twice removed) Myra, tumultuous remarriages and a history of arrests for drug, weapons and tax offenses marred his professional successes and Lewis' career never really took off, in spite of its promising start. In the face of personal and professional struggles, Lewis maintained a loyal fan base continues to follow his career, turning out in droves to see him perform. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.
Featuring fourteen items, this great archive highlights Jerry Lee Lewis' professional and personal life. The gem of this collection is a 1961 autograph letter from Lewis to his young wife, Myra. Addressed to both Myra and their son Steve (who later drowned in their swimming pool), the letter reads, in part: "…Sure would like to see you, miss you very much, as a matter of fact too much. My shows are doing fine up to now, hope they keep on going darling I sure love you… wish you could be with me…nothing to do around here in the day time just lay around and watch T.V. and think about you…I love you too much miss you too much, looking fordord [sic] to seeing you…your husband for ever and ever The Great Jerry Lee Lewis." The letter is in great condition, written in blue ink on stationery from The Westbury in Toronto. The transmittal envelope, addressed in Lewis' hand to "Mrs. Jerry Lee Lewis" is also included.
The lot includes Lewis' Social Security card, signed in pencil -- the card shows significant age toning but is in very good condition. Jerry Lee Lewis' 1961 Louisiana driver's license, filled out and signed in blue ink, shows some ink bleeding (from being in a sweaty singer's pocket?) but is in very good condition. There are two Monroe Federation of Musicians cards, one from 1959 and one from 1962; the 1962 card is signed in black ink. A membership card from the El Rancho Private Club in Chickasha, Oklahoma, shows Lewis as a member in good standing (although the card "may be revoked if Club rules are not observed") in 1962, and he has signed in blue ink. Lewis' 1969 Tennessee Vehicle Registration card (he was driving a Lincoln Continental Mark III) is signed in pencil. The lot also includes a 1964 contract for performances at Monreal's Club in Milwaukee, signed "Jerry Lee Lewis" and a signed 1967 contract for performances at Rio Palm Isle in Longview, Texas. The Rio Palm Isle contract features song lyrics on the verso: "They just keep on a calling & just won't let me be. Echoes they keep calling…" A contract rider (without the original contract) has been initialed by Lewis, "J.L.L." and a handwritten addendum is cause for a few chuckles, as Lewis' reputation must have preceded him: "Mr. Lewis not to damage Piano If he does he forfeits Pay." Lewis has signed a flyer advertising three shows at the Palomino, a black and white publicity still and a 1967 Catch My Soul playbill from the Ahmanson theater. The playbill is signed "2 Jackie a real friend keep Rocking see you soon Jerry Lee Lewis." Catch My Soul was a rock and roll version of Othello with Lewis as Iago. The final piece, a legal document from 1979, authorizes (then wife) Jaren Lewis to have power of attorney while Lewis was in the hospital, one of his many hospitalizations of the 1970s and 1980s. Today, Lewis continues to tour in Europe and the United States, drawing legions of loyal fans and proving himself to be one of the most enduring musicians of the 20th century. This archive is a must for any rock and roll collector.
Estimated Value $3,000 - 4,000.
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| Realized $3,220 |
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