Introduction:
The Killer Unleashes a Whole Lotta Shakin’: The Story Behind Jerry Lee Lewis’ Rock and Roll Anthem
In 1957, a young piano-pumping firecracker named Jerry Lee Lewis exploded onto the music scene with a song that sent shockwaves through the conservative veins of American society. “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” wasn’t your typical country croon or sweet ballad. It was a raw, pulsating blend of gospel fervor, rhythm and blues, and pure rock and roll energy, delivered with Lewis’ signature wildness at the piano.
The song’s origins trace back to Louisiana hayrides and juke joints. Lewis, heavily influenced by the likes of Ray Charles and Amos Milburn, crafted a sound that defied categorization. The suggestive lyrics, with their references to “shaking” and “moaning and groaning,” were considered downright scandalous for the time.
Lewis’ audition for Sun Records in Memphis became legendary. While initially seeking a country music career, his electrifying performance of “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” convinced producer Jack Clement to capture this raw talent on tape. The recording session itself was a frenzy of energy, with Lewis pounding the piano and hollering vocals, all backed by a stripped-down band.
The release of “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” was met with a firestorm of controversy. Radio stations banned the song for its suggestive nature, and Lewis faced accusations of immorality. Despite the outrage, the song became a runaway hit, topping the Billboard R&B chart and reaching number three on the pop charts. It became an anthem for a generation yearning for a new sound, a sound that Jerry Lee Lewis, the “Killer” as he’d later be nicknamed, delivered with a whole lotta shakin’ going on.