Jerry Lee Lewis
Jerry Lee Lewis’ breakout hit Great Balls of Fire (1957) presented in remastered 4K. Great Balls of Fire was originally written by Otis Blackwell (a prolific songwriter who wrote many hits for Elvis Presley) along with Jack Hammer (a onetime member of The Platters).
Great Balls of Fire became Jerry Lee Lewis’ signature tune, a perfect fit for his incendiary style. “A person tells at least a little bit about himself in any song he cuts,” Lewis said years later.
Jerry Lee Lewis grew up in a religious household and was conflicted over whether or not he should record this, as the innuendo-filled lyrics were shocking for a southern musician in 1957.
Great Balls of Fire made the Top 5 of the Pop, R&B, and Country charts simultaneously with Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On. Both hit #1 on the Country charts, and while this sold 5 million copies, which was less then its predecessor, it still charted higher.
Jerry Lee Lewis’ Great Balls of Fire peaked at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles and No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, with a later No. 1 placing on the UK Singles Chart. Netherlands saw it crack the top 30 and New Zealand the top 10, landing at No. 8 on the NZ charts.
Credit Classic Hits {Stereo}