Normally, when performing as a tribute artist, a musician has to take some elements of the star’s persona and exaggerate them for effect – think of an Elvis impersonator gyrating his hips, festooned with sideburns and jumpsuits. But when it comes to performing as Jerry Lee Lewis, however, there’s just no way to do that.
“He’s already larger than life,” said Joe Passion, who’ll be channeling The Killer during a show November 11 at the Commercial Tavern in Maryhill.
It’s true, Lewis has certainly lived an over-the-top life, with a persona clearly etched on the public consciousness. From marrying his 13-year-old cousin to battles with the tax man, his life has been something of train wreck.
“The thing about Jerry Lee is that he’s unpredictable, so he gives me free rein on the stage,” said Passion.
Behind such hits as Great Balls of Fire and Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On, lies a whole lot of interesting stories, he added, stories that form part of the show – some educational moments to go along with the entertainment.
“He’s a fascinating character.”
Lewis, born Sept. 29, 1935, in Ferriday, Louisiana, had the kind of life rock ‘n’ roll legends are made of, rising from a shotgun shack to musical stardom only to fall from grace due to his personal life and personal demons.
Lewis began playing the piano at an early age, often joined by two of his cousins, Mickey Gilley, who would go on to a country music career, and Jimmy Swaggart, an eventually defrocked TV evangelist. At the age of 10, his family mortgaged the house to get him a piano, sending him off to bible school to play evangelical music. He was promptly thrown out for playing boogie woogie music. Rebellious right from the start.
Lewis’ travails have been well documented over the decades. At 16 he married for the first time, and at 17, before his first divorce was finalized, he took his second wife. His third wife was his 13-year-old cousin, with Lewis being 22 at the time. Two of his children and two of his seven wives died in tragic accidents. He had three monumental battles with the Internal Revenue Service. He had a war with alcohol and pills that almost killed him. He once accidently shot his bass player, who survived.
“You couldn’t make this stuff up,” said Passion, who’s been performing as Jerry Lee Lewis for 18 years.
He does other tribute shows, including John Lennon and Bobby Darin, but Lewis remains the most popular.
In between those shows, he finds time to write and record his own music, producing and engineering music for other performers as well.
Music has taken Passion around the globe. As Lewis, he brings his explosive piano playing style and humorous personality to the role.
“Jerry Lee Lewis is a great character to have fun with on stage. He’s got rockin’ hits like Great Balls of Fire and Whole Lotta Shakin, and I perform a highly interactive show with the audience” he explained, noting he likes to inject elements of Hank Williams and Will Rogers into the storytelling show.
For the Maryhill concert, he’ll be accompanied by Bill Culp and the Memphis Cats band. Culp is known in theatre circles across Canada for his unique combination of musicianship, booming Baritone voice and hilarious sense of humour. Culp puts all three elements to good use in this 1950s show, singing such hits as Chantilly Lace by the Big Bopper and Rock Around The Clock by Bill Haley and the Comets. Joining in the fun will be Jim Yorfido, best known for his Johnny Cash show, on lead guitar.
The Jerry Lee Lewis: Great Balls of Fire tribute show hits the stage at the Commercial Tavern November 11 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15, available at the venue, 1303 Maryhill Rd., or by calling 519-648-3644. For more information, visit www.commercialtavern.ca.
