Five of the best from Jerry Lee Lewis

• “Live at the Star Club, Hamburg” (1964) – While not a studio album, this live recording is often cited as one of the greatest live rock and roll albums ever made.
• “Another Place, Another Time” (1968) – This album marked Lewis’s successful transition into country music and revitalized his career.
• “Would You Take Another Chance on Me” (1971) – Featured his hit single “Me and Bobby McGee” and reached #1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart.
• “The Session…Recorded in London with Great Artists” (1973) – A rock and roll comeback album featuring collaborations with various British rock musicians.
• “Southern Roots: Back Home to Memphis” (1973) – Another critically acclaimed album blending rock, country, and R&B.

1. Live at the Star Club, Hamburg (1964)

“Live at the Star Club, Hamburg” (1964) is widely regarded as one of the greatest live rock and roll albums ever recorded. Captured during Lewis’s European tour, this electrifying performance showcases the raw energy and unbridled talent of “The Killer” at his peak. The album features Lewis tearing through a set of rock and roll classics with his signature piano-pounding style and wild showmanship.

Backed by the British band The Nashville Teens, Lewis delivers high-octane renditions of hits like “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.” The recording quality is remarkable for a live album of its time, allowing listeners to experience the full force of Lewis’s commanding vocals and virtuosic piano playing.

Initially released only in Europe, the album has since gained legendary status among rock enthusiasts and music critics, cementing Jerry Lee Lewis’s reputation as a pioneering rock and roll performer.

2. Another Place, Another Time (1968)

“Another Place, Another Time” (1968) marks a pivotal moment in his career, signalling his successful transition from rock and roll to country music. Released on Smash Records, this album revitalized Lewis’s popularity after a time of controversy and declining sales. The record showcases Lewis’s versatility as a musician, blending his rock and roll roots with a more mature country sound.

Produced by Jerry Kennedy, the album features Lewis’s distinctive piano style and vocals, perfectly suited to the heartfelt country ballads and up-tempo honky-tonk numbers. The title track became a major hit, reaching the top 10 on the country charts and reintroducing Lewis to a wider audience.

This album rejuvenated Lewis’s career and established him as a legitimate country artist, paving the way for his future success in the genre. “Another Place, Another Time” remains a crucial album in the Jerry Lee Lewis discography, demonstrating his ability to evolve as an artist while maintaining his unique musical identity.

3. Would You Take Another Chance on Me (1971)

“Would You Take Another Chance on Me” (1971) is a standout album in Jerry Lee Lewis’s country music career. Released on Mercury Records, this record solidified Lewis’s position as a country music powerhouse. The album showcases Lewis’s exceptional piano skills and distinctive vocal style, blending elements of rock and roll with classic country.

Produced by Jerry Kennedy, the record features a mix of original compositions and covers, including Lewis’s rendition of Kris Kristofferson’s “Me and Bobby McGee,” which became a major hit. The album topped the Billboard Country Albums chart, demonstrating Lewis’s enduring appeal and ability to connect with audiences across genres. “Would You Take Another Chance on Me” exemplifies Lewis’s talent for infusing country music with his signature energy and charisma.

This successful release further cemented Jerry Lee Lewis’s reputation as a versatile artist capable of dominating rock and country charts, proving that “The Killer” remained a formidable force in the music industry well into the 1970s.

4. The Session…Recorded in London with Great Artists (1973)

“The Session…Recorded in London with Great Artists” (1973) represents Jerry Lee Lewis’s triumphant return to rock and roll. This double album, released on Mercury Records, showcases Lewis collaborating with an impressive lineup of British rock musicians, including Peter Frampton, Alvin Lee, and Rory Gallagher.

Recorded at Olympic Studios in London, the album features Lewis revisiting classic rock and roll hits and tackling contemporary songs. The Killer’s distinctive piano style and energetic vocals are on full display, complemented by the raw talent of his British counterparts. This fusion of American rock and roll pioneer with British rock royalty resulted in a fresh, dynamic sound that appealed to longtime fans and a new generation of listeners.

“The Session” not only revitalized Lewis’s rock credentials but also demonstrated his continued relevance in the evolving music scene of the 1970s. The album’s success reinforced Jerry Lee Lewis’s status as a rock and roll icon capable of bridging musical eras and styles.

5. Southern Roots: Back Home to Memphis (1973)

Southern Roots: Back Home to Memphis (1973) stands out in Jerry Lee Lewis’s diverse discography. Produced by Huey Meaux, this Mercury Records release showcases Lewis returning to his rock and roll roots while incorporating elements of R&B and country. Recorded in Memphis, the album captures the essence of the city’s rich musical heritage.

Lewis’s trademark piano playing and powerful vocals are in top form, backed by a stellar group of session musicians. The record features a mix of covers and original compositions, all infused with Lewis’s signature energy and showmanship. “Southern Roots” demonstrates The Killer’s ability to blend various musical styles seamlessly, from rollicking rock numbers to soulful ballads.

Critics praised the album for its raw intensity and authentic sound, highlighting Lewis’s enduring talent and versatility. This release further solidified Jerry Lee Lewis’s reputation as a musical icon capable of evolving while staying true to his Southern roots and rock and roll spirit.