The Controversial Marriage of Jerry Lee Lewis: A Look Into the Rock 'n' Roll Legend's Personal Life
Discover the scandalous marriage of rock 'n' roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis to his 13-year-old cousin, and the aftermath that followed.
Jerry Lee Lewis, the rock and roll pioneer, is known not only for his music but also for his controversial personal life. One of the most scandalous events in his life was his marriage to his 13-year-old cousin, Myra Gale Brown. This marriage would lead to a significant backlash from the public, and it would cost him his once-promising career. Nevertheless, Lewis continued to make music, and his marriage became one of the most talked-about events in the history of rock and roll.
The story of Jerry Lee Lewis's marriage began in 1957 when he was just starting to gain fame as a musician. At the time, he was already married to his first wife, Jane Mitcham, but their relationship was already on the rocks. It was during this time that Lewis met his cousin, Myra Gale Brown, who was just 13 years old. Despite the age difference, Lewis was smitten with Brown, and they began a romantic relationship.
Their relationship was not without controversy, and the couple tried to keep their love affair a secret. However, rumors began to spread, and eventually, the news of their relationship became public. The revelation shocked many people, and Lewis received a lot of criticism from the public and the media. Many people were outraged that he would marry his own cousin, let alone someone who was only 13 years old.
The backlash against Lewis was severe. Radio stations stopped playing his music, and concert promoters canceled his shows. His record sales plummeted, and he was forced to cancel his national tour. The scandal would eventually cost him his contract with Sun Records, which was one of the most significant labels in the music industry at the time.
Despite the backlash, Lewis and Brown got married in December 1957. The wedding was held in Mississippi, where marriage laws allowed for close relatives to marry. The ceremony was a small, private affair, attended only by a few family members and friends. However, the news of their marriage quickly spread, and it caused even more controversy.
Many people were outraged that Lewis would marry his cousin, let alone someone who was so young. In some states, the marriage would have been illegal, but in Mississippi, it was legal. Nevertheless, the public outcry was too much for Lewis to bear, and he was forced to cancel many of his upcoming shows.
Despite the controversy, Lewis continued to make music. He released several albums over the next few years, but his career never fully recovered from the scandal. He continued to tour, but he was never able to regain the level of success that he had before the scandal.
In the years that followed, Lewis's marriage to Brown became one of the most talked-about events in the history of rock and roll. Many people saw it as a symbol of the excesses of the music industry, while others saw it as a tragic love story. Regardless of how people viewed it, it remains one of the most controversial and scandalous events in the history of popular music.
Today, Jerry Lee Lewis is still remembered as one of the pioneers of rock and roll. His music has influenced countless artists, and his legacy continues to live on. However, his marriage to his 13-year-old cousin remains one of the most controversial events in his life, and it will forever be a part of his legacy.
In conclusion, Jerry Lee Lewis's marriage to his cousin, Myra Gale Brown, was one of the most scandalous events in the history of rock and roll. It caused a significant backlash from the public, and it cost him his once-promising career. Nevertheless, Lewis continued to make music, and his marriage became one of the most talked-about events in the history of popular music. Despite the controversy, Lewis's legacy as a rock and roll pioneer remains secure, and his music continues to inspire generations of musicians.
The Marriage of Jerry Lee Lewis: A Controversial Affair
Jerry Lee Lewis, also known as The Killer, was a prominent musician in the 1950s, best known for his hits Great Balls of Fire and Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On. However, his personal life was just as notorious as his music. One of the most controversial events in his life was his marriage to his 13-year-old cousin, Myra Gale Brown. This article delves into the details of their relationship, its impact on Jerry Lee Lewis' career, and the controversy that surrounded it.
The Beginning of Their Relationship
Jerry Lee Lewis and Myra Gale Brown met when she was just two years old. They were first cousins once removed, and their families were close. It wasn't until much later, when Myra was 13, that they began a romantic relationship. At the time, Jerry Lee Lewis was 22 and already married to his second wife, Jane Mitchum.
The Marriage
In December 1957, Jerry Lee Lewis and Myra Gale Brown eloped to Mississippi and got married. The wedding was a secret affair, and only a handful of people knew about it. When the news eventually leaked to the media, it caused a scandal. Not only was Myra underage, but Jerry Lee Lewis was still technically married to his second wife.
The Fallout
The news of Jerry Lee Lewis' marriage to his underage cousin caused a public outcry. Many of his fans were outraged, and he was banned from performing in several states. His record sales also took a hit. Despite this, Jerry Lee Lewis continued to tour and record music, although his career never fully recovered.
Legal Troubles
Jerry Lee Lewis and Myra Gale Brown's marriage was not only controversial, but it also had legal implications. In some states, their marriage was considered illegal because of Myra's age. Jerry Lee Lewis was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor and faced potential prison time. However, the charges were eventually dropped.
The End of Their Marriage
Jerry Lee Lewis and Myra Gale Brown's marriage was short-lived. They were together for just over a year before they separated. The reason for their split is unclear, but it's been suggested that the scandal surrounding their relationship put too much strain on their marriage.
Myra Gale Brown's Perspective
Myra Gale Brown has rarely spoken publicly about her marriage to Jerry Lee Lewis. In a rare interview with The Guardian in 2015, she said, I was young, I was in love, and we got married. It was a different time, a different era. She also stated that she didn't regret their relationship, but acknowledged that it had caused a lot of pain for both of them.
Jerry Lee Lewis' Perspective
Jerry Lee Lewis has been more vocal about his marriage to Myra Gale Brown. In his autobiography, Jerry Lee Lewis: His Own Story, he called their relationship a big mistake and said that he regretted it. However, he also claimed that he truly loved Myra and that their marriage was genuine.
The Legacy of Their Relationship
Jerry Lee Lewis and Myra Gale Brown's relationship is still a controversial topic today. Some people see it as a tragic love story, while others view it as a disturbing abuse of power. Regardless of how you feel about their relationship, it's clear that it had a significant impact on Jerry Lee Lewis' career and personal life.
Conclusion
Jerry Lee Lewis' marriage to his underage cousin, Myra Gale Brown, is one of the most notorious events in music history. Their relationship was controversial, scandalous, and ultimately short-lived. However, it's a part of Jerry Lee Lewis' legacy that will always be remembered, for better or for worse.
Introduction to Jerry Lee Lewis Marriage without Title
Jerry Lee Lewis is a legendary American musician who rose to fame in the 1950s. His musical career spanned over six decades, during which he released many hit songs and contributed significantly to the development of rock and roll music. However, one aspect of his life that garnered significant attention is his unconventional marriage history.Overview of Jerry Lee Lewis Marriages
Jerry Lee Lewis has been married seven times throughout his life, and several of these marriages were fraught with controversy. His first three marriages, which took place in the 1950s and early 1960s, were to women who were all under the age of 18 when they got married. These marriages caused significant scandals at the time and affected his career.Death of Jerry Lee Lewis's Son
One of the most tragic events in Jerry Lee Lewis's life was the death of his son, Steve Allen Lewis, in a car accident in 1962. Steve was only three years old at the time, and the tragedy deeply affected Jerry Lee Lewis. He became more reckless and self-destructive after this event, leading to further turmoil in his personal life.Marriage to Myra Gale Brown
One of the most prominent controversies related to Jerry Lee Lewis's marriage history is his marriage to Myra Gale Brown. Brown was Jerry Lee Lewis's cousin, and they got married in 1957, when she was only 13 years old. The marriage caused a significant scandal at the time, and Jerry Lee Lewis's career took a hit as a result. He was even banned from performing in the UK because of the marriage.Publicity and Career Loss
The publicity surrounding Jerry Lee Lewis's marriage to Myra Gale Brown led to significant career losses for the musician. Radio stations stopped playing his music, and he was forced to cancel multiple tours. It took several years for him to recover his career after the scandal. Despite this setback, Jerry Lee Lewis continued to make music and perform, but the controversy surrounding his personal life continued to follow him.Subsequent Marriages
After his divorce from Myra Gale Brown, Jerry Lee Lewis got married five more times. His subsequent marriages were not as controversial but still had their own unique challenges. He married Jaren Elizabeth Gunn Pate twice, and they had two children together. They divorced in 1982 after a tumultuous marriage. His fifth marriage was to Shawn Stephens, which lasted for over twenty years until their divorce in 2004.Sixth and Seventh Marriages
Jerry Lee Lewis's sixth marriage was to Kerrie McCarver in 1984, who was his band's caretaker. Their marriage lasted over two decades until they divorced in 2005. His seventh and final marriage was to Judith Brown, who was a caregiver for his mother. They were married in 2012, but the marriage ended in divorce after only a few months.Conclusion
Jerry Lee Lewis's unconventional marriage history garnered significant attention throughout his life. His first three marriages were fraught with controversy, and his marriage to Myra Gale Brown caused significant career setbacks. However, despite these challenges, Jerry Lee Lewis continued to make music and perform throughout his life. His marriages may have been unconventional, but his contribution to rock and roll music will always be remembered.Jerry Lee Lewis Marriage: A Controversial Subject
Jerry Lee Lewis is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who rose to fame in the 1950s. He is known for his energetic performances and hits such as Great Balls of Fire and Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On. However, his personal life has been marred by controversy, particularly his marriage to his underage cousin, Myra Gale Brown.
Pros of Jerry Lee Lewis Marriage
- There is no denying that Jerry Lee Lewis and Myra Gale Brown were in love. They met when Myra was just 13 years old, and Jerry was 22. Despite the age difference, they fell in love and got married in 1957.
- Jerry Lee Lewis was at the height of his career at the time of his marriage. He was one of the biggest stars in the music industry, and his marriage to Myra only added to his mystique and appeal.
- The couple had two children together, and despite the controversy surrounding their marriage, they stayed together for 13 years before divorcing in 1970.
Cons of Jerry Lee Lewis Marriage
- The biggest con of Jerry Lee Lewis's marriage to Myra Gale Brown is the fact that she was only 13 years old at the time of their marriage. This fact alone makes their marriage illegal and morally reprehensible.
- The controversy surrounding their marriage and the ensuing scandal damaged Jerry Lee Lewis's reputation and career. Many fans and industry professionals turned their back on him, and he struggled to regain his footing in the music industry.
- The couple's marriage was plagued by infidelity and other issues. Jerry Lee Lewis had multiple affairs during their marriage, and Myra eventually filed for divorce in 1970.
Table Information about Jerry Lee Lewis Marriage
| Year of Marriage | 1957 |
|---|---|
| Age of Myra Gale Brown at Time of Marriage | 13 years old |
| Age of Jerry Lee Lewis at Time of Marriage | 22 years old |
| Length of Marriage | 13 years |
| Number of Children | 2 |
| Reason for Divorce | Infidelity and other issues |
In conclusion, Jerry Lee Lewis's marriage to his underage cousin, Myra Gale Brown, remains a controversial subject. While there were some pros to their marriage, such as their love for each other and the children they had together, the cons far outweigh them. The fact that Myra was only 13 years old at the time of their marriage makes it illegal and morally reprehensible, and the controversy surrounding the marriage damaged Jerry Lee Lewis's career and reputation.
Closing Message: Reflecting on Jerry Lee Lewis' Marriage
Thank you for taking the time to read about the controversial marriage of rock and roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis. It is a story that continues to captivate audiences decades later, and one that has sparked much debate and discussion.
As we reflect on the events that unfolded during Lewis' tumultuous relationship with his cousin, Myra Gale Brown, it is important to remember the context in which they occurred. The 1950s were a time of great change and upheaval in American society, with the emergence of rock and roll music shaking up the cultural landscape.
It was in this environment that Lewis rose to fame, with his electrifying performances and signature piano-playing style. However, his personal life was often just as dramatic, marked by multiple marriages and scandals that threatened to derail his career.
The marriage to Myra Gale Brown, who was only 13 years old at the time, was perhaps the most controversial of all. While Lewis maintained that the two were deeply in love, many were shocked and appalled by the age difference and the fact that they were cousins.
Despite the backlash, Lewis continued to defend his relationship with Brown, even as it resulted in the cancellation of numerous concerts and radio appearances. The couple eventually divorced in 1970, after 13 years of marriage.
Looking back on this chapter of Lewis' life, it is clear that there are no easy answers or simple explanations. The marriage was certainly unconventional and morally questionable, but it also reflected larger societal trends and attitudes towards relationships and sexuality at the time.
Ultimately, it is up to each individual to form their own opinions and judgments about Lewis and his legacy. Whether you view him as a musical genius, a troubled figure, or something in between, there is no denying the impact that he had on rock and roll and popular culture.
As we conclude our exploration of Jerry Lee Lewis' marriage, I hope that this article has provided some insights and perspectives on this fascinating and complex topic. Thank you once again for reading, and I encourage you to continue learning and exploring the rich history of rock and roll music.
People Also Ask About Jerry Lee Lewis Marriage
Who did Jerry Lee Lewis marry?
Jerry Lee Lewis has been married seven times. His first marriage was to Dorothy Barton in 1952 when he was 16 years old. He later married Jane Mitcham, Myra Gale Brown (who was his cousin), Jaren Elizabeth Gunn Pate, Shawn Stephens, Kerrie McCarver, and Judith Brown.
Why did Jerry Lee Lewis marry his cousin?
Jerry Lee Lewis married his cousin, Myra Gale Brown, in 1957 when she was just 13 years old. The reason behind their marriage was mainly because Lewis was trying to hide the fact that they had been in a relationship for two years prior to their marriage. This created a lot of controversy at the time, and Lewis's career took a major hit as a result.
How old was Jerry Lee Lewis when he got married?
Jerry Lee Lewis was only 16 years old when he got married for the first time. He married Dorothy Barton in 1952, but the marriage lasted less than a year.
How many children does Jerry Lee Lewis have?
Jerry Lee Lewis has six children from his various marriages. His children are named Jerry Lee Lewis Jr., Steven Allen Lewis, Phoebe Allen Lewis, Jerry Lee Lewis III, Ronnie Guy Lewis, and Ezekiel Lewis.
What happened to Jerry Lee Lewis's third wife?
Jerry Lee Lewis's third wife was Jaren Elizabeth Gunn Pate. They were married in 1983, but their marriage ended in divorce just two years later in 1985. After her divorce from Lewis, Pate went on to have a successful career as a real estate agent in Memphis, Tennessee.
Did Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley know each other?
Yes, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley knew each other. They were both prominent figures in the early days of rock and roll, and they even performed together on occasion. However, there were also rumors of a rivalry between the two, as both were competing for the title of King of Rock and Roll.