Jerry Lee Lewis marrying his 13-year-old cousin
Things were going pretty well for Jerry Lee Lewis until 1958. Despite a fervent belief that his songs were evil, Lewis released a string of raucous, piano-led singles - including 'Great Balls of Fire' and 'Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On' - that positioned the Louisiana-born singer firmly in the rock'n'roll mainstream. However in May 1958, while awaiting Lewis' arrival at London Airport, a news reporter was fed information that the 22-year-old Lewis had secretly married his third wife, a young lady by the name of Myra Gale Brown who just happened to be his 13-year old first cousin. Despite initial protestations that Brown was in fact 15, the resulting public outrage ensured the UK tour was cancelled after only three dates. On his return to the US, Lewis was blacklisted from most radio shows, publically mocked by his own record label and went from playing $10,000-a night concerts to $250 club gigs.
Things were going pretty well for Jerry Lee Lewis until 1958. Despite a fervent belief that his songs were evil, Lewis released a string of raucous, piano-led singles - including 'Great Balls of Fire' and 'Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On' - that positioned the Louisiana-born singer firmly in the rock'n'roll mainstream. However in May 1958, while awaiting Lewis' arrival at London Airport, a news reporter was fed information that the 22-year-old Lewis had secretly married his third wife, a young lady by the name of Myra Gale Brown who just happened to be his 13-year old first cousin. Despite initial protestations that Brown was in fact 15, the resulting public outrage ensured the UK tour was cancelled after only three dates. On his return to the US, Lewis was blacklisted from most radio shows, publically mocked by his own record label and went from playing $10,000-a night concerts to $250 club gigs.
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