Jerry Lee Lewis "I said I didn't want to get into that!"

Jonesy's Jukebox

As promised, here is the full interview Steve Jones did with the legendary rock n roller Jerry Lee Lewis, who passed away last week at the age of 87. The episode is from an appearance Lewis made September 6, 2006, at Indie 103.1, in support of his album Last Man Standing.

Record promotion executive Michael Plen had arranged to deliver a piano to the studio, and Lewis was set to perform live on the show. Things went downhill from the moment he entered the radio studio. As soon as he saw the piano, Lewis snarled, “What’s that thing doing here? I ain’t playing no goddamn piano!”

Despite the tension, the rapport between the two musical rebels was going great until Jonesy brought up the problems Lewis had on his trip to London in 1958. The Killer’s demeanor shifted dramatically because Jonesy was referring to the notorious UK tour that began with a career-crushing press conference at London’s Heathrow airport. Myra Gale Brown, the 13-year-old girl accompanying Lewis, told a reporter she was Lewis’s new wife. It was later revealed that Myra was also Lewis’ cousin. After that, the tension in the radio studio was as thick as pea soup. In a rare moment, Jonesy was lost for words. Not to waste a good piano, you’ll hear Jonesy doing some great Jerry Lee-style boogie on the keys at the beginning and end of the show. Enjoy this memorable episode, and if you haven't yet, subscribe to Jonesy's Jukebox. It's free!