Jerry Lee Lewis was one of rock’s earliest hit-makers whose music and explosive performance style helped influence generations that followed.
Lewis was part of the first induction class of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. Other artists inducted that first year were Chuck Berry, James Brown, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Fats Domino, The Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley and Little Richard.
Many legendary musicians have taken to social media to pay tribute to “The Killer” following his death today (October 28) at age 87. Scroll below to see some of the notable tributes.
Elton John
Without Jerry Lee Lewis, I wouldn’t have become who I am today. He was groundbreaking and exciting, and he pulverized the piano. A brilliant singer too. Thank you for your trailblazing inspiration and all the rock ‘n’ roll memories. #RIP pic.twitter.com/HytKkIV5Qo
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) October 28, 2022Mick Jagger
God bless you Jerry Lee
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) October 28, 2022
Your songs lit up my life ! pic.twitter.com/2SyXge86a6Keith Richards
“Goodbye to the Killer” RIP
— Keith Richards (@officialKeef) October 28, 2022
Keith
From the 1983 Salute to Jerry Lee Lewis @jerryleelewis pic.twitter.com/SRAkPPH8qRRingo Starr
God bless Jerry lee Lewis peace and love to all his family Ringo. 😎✌️🌟❤️🎵💕☮️ pic.twitter.com/5tG54Der07
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) October 28, 2022Roy Orbison
We regret to inform you that Jerry Lee Lewis has died today. We will be honoring him by listening to and sharing his music.
— Roy Orbison (@ROYORBISON) October 28, 2022
Another door to the past has closed. He was the last man standing. He was the killer.
Jerry Lee Lewis was Rock and Roll.#jerryleewis pic.twitter.com/XaRlNro7ECChuck D
Always dug Jerry Lee Lewis “Jerry Lee Lewis, Rock Pioneer and ‘Great Balls of Fire’ Singer, Dies at 87” by @Variety https://t.co/ORZpMcSLok
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) October 28, 2022The Ed Sullivan Show
We honor the life and legacy of Jerry Lee Lewis who passed away today, October 28th, at the age of 87. An early innovator of rock n roll – his music, charisma, and talent will always be remembered 🎹❤️ The Ed Sullivan Show sends their regards to Lewis’ family. pic.twitter.com/PARbNwkOn9
— The Ed Sullivan Show (@EdSullivanShow) October 28, 2022George Thorogood & the Destroyers
We are saddened to hear about the passing of the great Jerry Lee Lewis, your music and influence will shine on forever. 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/woCGFSckmf
— Thorogood&Destroyers (@thorogoodmusic) October 28, 2022Ronnie Wood
R.I.P. JLL the KILLER-What a man🙏⚡️☀️ XX🎶🎶🎶☀️❤️@jerryleelewis #jerryleelewis pic.twitter.com/GrF9f5RC0E
— Ronnie Wood (@ronniewood) October 28, 2022Vernon Reid
Great Googlie Mooglie!
— Vernon Reid (@vurnt22) October 28, 2022
Jerry Lee Lewis, rock 'n' roll pioneer who sang 'Great Balls of Fire,' dies at 87 - CNN https://t.co/MiJnIdSo7hRory Gallagher
RIP Jerry Lee Lewis.
— Rory Gallagher (@rorygallagher) October 28, 2022
Rory on working Jerry Lee in 1973: "Meeting certain rock & roll legends, they’re a pale imitation of their stage image or their legend is a kind of a dull version of it but Jerry Lee was almost 99% full technicolour!" #jerryleelewis pic.twitter.com/Ounv11Ry8OChris Isaak
I’m listening to @jerryleelewis “Lucky Old Sun”
— Chris Isaak (@ChrisIsaak) October 28, 2022
Send down that cloud with the silver lining
Take me to paradise
Show me that river, take me across
And wash all my troubles away
Like that lucky old sun with nothin' to do
But roll around Heaven all day
...I love you Jerry #RIPJerry pic.twitter.com/9fIZrqQ0pAMarshall Tucker Band
God Bless @jerryleelewis and his family 🙏 pic.twitter.com/FXytcRaYBZ
— Marshall Tucker Band (@MarshallTucker) October 28, 2022Gene Simmons
Sadly, One of the pioneers of rock ‘n’ roll has passed. A rebel to the end. RIP, Jerry Lee Lewis.….Jerry Lee Lewis, Influential and Condemned Rock & Roll Pioneer, Dead – Rolling Stone https://t.co/ooKDLm4skX
— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) October 28, 2022Michael Des Barres
Now it is true. He will always be a ball of fire. He’s influenced every rock ‘n’ roll piano player that ever attempted to rock. The last Man standing will stand forever in our hearts and minds and soul. Dangerous and magical.Jerry Lee Lewis remains the real thing. Rip it up. RIP. pic.twitter.com/ZXk8Wvhu1o
— Michael Des Barres (@MDesbarres) October 28, 2022CMA Country Music
It is with great sadness we've learned about the passing of Jerry Lee Lewis, who was just inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame this month. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/Kzeb7XUR7d
— CMA Country Music (@CountryMusic) October 28, 2022Steven Hyden
RIP Jerry Lee Lewis. Genuine rocker, genuine mad man, genuine monster, genuine genius. So many examples of all four but I’m thinking now of the opening scene from Nick Tosches’ brilliant bio HELLFIRE, in which Jerry Lee tries to murder Elvis Presley. pic.twitter.com/48PEAhilFn
— Steven Hyden (@Steven_Hyden) October 28, 2022Stephen King
RIP Jerry Lee Lewis. The Killer has gone. He could play that piano, boy. Think I gotta play me some Lewis Boogie.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) October 28, 2022