Unraveling the Controversial Marital History of Rock 'n' Roll Legend Jerry Lee Lewis
Jerry Lee Lewis had seven marriages, including one to his 13-year-old cousin. Learn about his tumultuous love life and scandalous past.
Jerry Lee Lewis, the iconic rock and roll musician, has had a tumultuous personal life that has often overshadowed his immense talent. One aspect of his life that has garnered significant attention is his marriages. The Killer, as he is popularly known, has been married seven times – each union marked by controversy and scandal. From marrying his 13-year-old cousin to causing the end of his career due to a scandalous relationship, Jerry Lee Lewis's marriages have been nothing short of dramatic.
Despite being one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, Jerry Lee Lewis's tumultuous personal life has often been in the limelight. His first marriage, to Dorothy Barton, lasted just two years before he moved on to marry Jane Mitchum in 1952. However, it was his third marriage to Myra Gale Brown, his cousin who was just 13 years old at the time, that caused a massive scandal and almost ended his career.
The fallout of his controversial marriage to Myra Gale Brown led to boycotts of his music and radio stations refusing to play his songs. In the years that followed, Jerry Lee Lewis's career took a nosedive, and he struggled to make a comeback. Despite the controversy, he went on to marry four more times, each time making headlines for the wrong reasons.
Jerry Lee Lewis's fourth marriage to Jaren Elizabeth Gunn Pate in 1957 was short-lived and ended with her filing for divorce. He then married his third cousin once removed, Myra Gale Brown's sister, Edith Brown, in 1959. The marriage ended in 1970, and Lewis went on to marry another cousin, Rusty Brown, in 1971. However, his sixth marriage to Shawn Stephens in 1983 was perhaps the most controversial of them all.
Shawn Stephens was Jerry Lee Lewis's cousin's daughter, who was just 22 years old when they got married. The union caused a massive scandal and led to accusations of abuse and mistreatment. Despite the controversy, Jerry Lee Lewis went on to marry again in 2012, this time to Judith Brown.
Throughout his tumultuous personal life, Jerry Lee Lewis's marriages have been a constant source of drama and controversy. From marrying his teenage cousin to causing the end of his career, the Killer's personal life has often overshadowed his immense talent. However, despite the scandals and controversies, Jerry Lee Lewis remains an iconic figure in music history.
Jerry Lee Lewis Marriages: A Look at His Controversial Love Life
When it comes to Jerry Lee Lewis, his music and his personal life are equally legendary. Known for his rock and roll hits like Great Balls of Fire and Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On, Lewis has lived a life full of drama and controversy, particularly when it comes to his marriages. Let's take a closer look at the marriages of Jerry Lee Lewis.
The First Marriage: Dorothy Barton
Jerry Lee Lewis got married for the first time in 1952, to his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Barton. The marriage was short-lived, however, as the couple divorced in 1953.
The Second Marriage: Jane Mitchum
In 1953, Lewis married Jane Mitchum, a marriage that lasted for three years. During this time, Lewis began to make a name for himself in the music industry, but his marriage was fraught with problems. Mitchum claimed that Lewis had been violent towards her, and eventually filed for divorce.
The Third Marriage: Myra Gale Brown
The most controversial marriage of Jerry Lee Lewis was undoubtedly his third, to Myra Gale Brown. Brown was just 13 years old when she and Lewis tied the knot in 1957, while Lewis was already 22 and still married to Jane Mitchum. The marriage caused a scandal, particularly when it was revealed that Brown was actually Lewis's first cousin once removed.
The marriage to Brown had a significant impact on Lewis's career, with many radio stations banning his music and his concerts being cancelled. Lewis and Brown eventually divorced in 1970, after 13 years of marriage.
The Fourth Marriage: Jaren Elizabeth Gunn Pate
In 1971, Jerry Lee Lewis married Jaren Elizabeth Gunn Pate, who was just 21 at the time. The couple had two children together, but the marriage was not a happy one. Pate claimed that Lewis was physically and verbally abusive towards her, and she eventually filed for divorce in 1982.
The Fifth Marriage: Shawn Stephens
After his divorce from Pate, Lewis married Shawn Stephens in 1983. The couple had one child together, but their marriage was also plagued by problems. Stephens claimed that Lewis was addicted to drugs and alcohol, and that he had been unfaithful to her. They eventually divorced in 2004, after 21 years of marriage.
The Sixth Marriage: Kerrie McCarver
Jerry Lee Lewis's sixth and most recent marriage was to Kerrie McCarver, whom he married in 2012. The couple had been together for several years before tying the knot, and it seemed that Lewis had finally found some happiness. However, the marriage was short-lived, and the couple divorced in 2018.
The Legacy of Jerry Lee Lewis's Marriages
Jerry Lee Lewis's marriages have been the subject of much controversy and speculation over the years. His marriage to Myra Gale Brown was particularly scandalous, and it had a lasting impact on his career. However, Lewis's music has endured, and he remains an icon of rock and roll to this day.
Despite his troubled personal life, Lewis's influence on music cannot be denied. He was one of the pioneers of rock and roll, and his music continues to inspire new generations of musicians. While his marriages may have been tumultuous, Lewis's legacy as a musician is secure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jerry Lee Lewis has had a fascinating and controversial love life, with six marriages to his name. While his personal life has been the subject of much scrutiny, it is his music that will be remembered as his lasting legacy. Lewis has left an indelible mark on the world of rock and roll, and his contributions to music will be remembered for generations to come.
Jerry Lee Lewis's Marriages: A Tumultuous and Controversial Romantic History
Jerry Lee Lewis, the American rock and roll legend, was not only known for his music but also for his tumultuous and controversial romantic history. Over the course of his life, Lewis had nine marriages, each with its own unique story and consequences.
Early Marriages
Jerry Lee Lewis's first marriage was to Dorothy Barton, his high school sweetheart, in 1952. However, their marriage only lasted a year, and they divorced in 1953. Soon after, Lewis married Jane Mitcham, and they had two children together. Unfortunately, their marriage also ended in divorce in 1957.
Controversial Third Marriage
In the same year, Lewis made headlines when he married his 13-year-old cousin, Myra Gale Brown, while still legally married to his second wife. This marriage caused a huge scandal, and it led to Lewis's career suffering greatly. Many fans and music industry professionals boycotted him, and several radio stations refused to play his music.
Attempted Reconciliation and Fourth Marriage
After his divorce from Myra, Lewis remarried Jane Mitcham in 1958 in an attempt to reconcile. However, their reconciliation was short-lived, and they divorced again in 1962. In 1961, Lewis married his third wife, Jaren Elizabeth Gunn Pate, who was also his cousin. They had two children together but eventually divorced in 1970.
Fifth Marriage and Brief Sixth Marriage
In 1971, Lewis married his fourth wife, Shawn Stephens, an aspiring model. They had one son together before divorcing in 1982. Two years later, Lewis married his sixth wife, Kerrie McCarver, but their marriage only lasted a few months before they divorced in the same year.
Seventh Marriage
In 1984, Lewis married his seventh wife, 22-year-old Kerrie Lynn McCarver. They had a tumultuous relationship, which eventually led to their separation and final divorce in 2004.
Eighth Marriage
In 2012, Lewis married Judith Brown, his caretaker who was 62 years old at the time. However, after Lewis's health declined, they divorced in 2017.
Ninth and Final Marriage
In 2013, at the age of 76, Lewis married for the ninth and final time to Kerrie McCarver, his seventh wife. However, their marriage was not without its problems, and they separated again in 2019, marking the end of Lewis's tumultuous and controversial romantic history.
Despite the controversies surrounding Lewis's marriages, his contributions to rock and roll music cannot be overlooked. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and his music continues to inspire new generations of musicians.
Jerry Lee Lewis Marriages: A Controversial Personal Life
Introduction
Jerry Lee Lewis is a legendary American singer and songwriter, known for his outstanding contributions to the rock and roll genre. However, his personal life has been marred by multiple marriages, some of which have caused controversy and criticism. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of Jerry Lee Lewis's marriages and shed light on the impact they have had on his personal and professional life.
Pros of Jerry Lee Lewis Marriages
- Love and companionship: It comes as no surprise that Jerry Lee Lewis got married multiple times because he was searching for love and companionship. Marriage provides a sense of comfort and security that can be hard to find elsewhere, especially for someone in the limelight.
- Family: Jerry Lee Lewis has had several children from his marriages, and they have been a source of joy and pride for him. Family is essential for many people, and it has undoubtedly brought meaning and purpose to his life.
- Inspiration: Some of Jerry Lee Lewis's most famous songs were inspired by his wives, such as Great Balls of Fire and Breathless. Marriage can provide inspiration for creativity and art, and it is evident that Jerry Lee Lewis drew from his personal experiences in his music.
Cons of Jerry Lee Lewis Marriages
- Legal troubles: One of the most significant cons of Jerry Lee Lewis's marriages is that some of them have caused legal issues. For example, he married his thirteen-year-old cousin when he was twenty-two, which resulted in a scandal and affected his career for years.
- Financial strain: Divorce can be expensive, and Jerry Lee Lewis has been divorced several times. This can cause a significant financial strain, especially if there are alimony or child support payments involved.
- Criticism: Jerry Lee Lewis has faced criticism from some fans and the media for his multiple marriages. Some people see it as irresponsible or immoral, and it has affected his public image.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jerry Lee Lewis's marriages have had both pros and cons. While they provided love, companionship, family, and inspiration, they also caused legal issues, financial strain, and criticism. Ultimately, it is up to individuals to make decisions about their personal lives, and for Jerry Lee Lewis, his marriages have been a part of his journey as a musician and a person.
| Keywords | Description |
|---|---|
| Jerry Lee Lewis | A legendary American rock and roll singer and songwriter known for hits such as Great Balls of Fire and Breathless. |
| Marriages | The act of legally uniting two people in a relationship, often for love and companionship. |
| Pros | The positive aspects or advantages of something. |
| Cons | The negative aspects or disadvantages of something. |
| Legal troubles | Issues related to the law, such as marrying a minor or getting divorced. |
| Financial strain | The pressure caused by financial issues, such as divorce settlements or alimony payments. |
| Criticism | The act of expressing disapproval or negative opinions about something. |
Closing Message: Reflecting on Jerry Lee Lewis' Marriages
As we come to the end of our exploration into the tumultuous love life of Jerry Lee Lewis, it's important to reflect on the impact it had on his career and personal life. The Killer's numerous marriages and scandals left a lasting impression on the world of music and beyond.
Despite his controversial personal life, Jerry Lee Lewis remains a legendary figure in the world of rock and roll. His music has inspired countless artists and continues to be celebrated today. However, his personal life is a cautionary tale about the dangers of fame and the importance of making responsible choices.
Through our examination of his marriages, we've seen how love and passion can sometimes lead to heartache and tragedy. Jerry Lee's inability to maintain stable relationships ultimately cost him dearly, both personally and professionally.
But it's also important to recognize that Jerry Lee Lewis was a product of his time and upbringing. He came from a background where divorce and scandal were not uncommon, and he was raised in a culture that prioritized individualism and rebellion. These factors undoubtedly played a role in his tumultuous personal life.
As we move forward, let us remember the lessons we've learned from Jerry Lee Lewis' marriages. Let us strive to create healthy, fulfilling relationships that prioritize respect and mutual understanding. And let us continue to enjoy the music of one of rock and roll's greatest legends, while never forgetting the complexities of the man behind the music.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through Jerry Lee Lewis' marriages. We hope that our examination of this fascinating topic has provided valuable insights and sparked thought-provoking discussions. As always, we encourage you to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.
Until next time, keep on rockin'!
People Also Ask About Jerry Lee Lewis Marriages
Who was Jerry Lee Lewis married to?
Jerry Lee Lewis was married seven times throughout his life.
- Dorothy Barton (1952-1953)
- Jane Mitchum (1953-1957)
- Myra Gale Brown (1957-1970)
- Jana Jae (1980-1982)
- Kerrie McCarver (1984-2005)
- Shawn Stephens (2012-2019)
- Judith Brown (2012-present)
How old was Myra Gale Brown when she married Jerry Lee Lewis?
Myra Gale Brown was 13 years old when she married Jerry Lee Lewis in 1957. This caused a lot of controversy and hurt Lewis' career at the time.
Why did Jerry Lee Lewis' marriages end?
Jerry Lee Lewis' marriages ended for various reasons, including infidelity on his part, disagreements about his career, and personal differences. His marriage to Myra Gale Brown ended after it was revealed that they had married when she was only 13 years old.
Did Jerry Lee Lewis have any children?
Yes, Jerry Lee Lewis has six children from his various marriages. His son Steve Allen Lewis died in a car accident in 1962, and his son Jerry Lee Lewis Jr. died in 1973. He has four living children: Phoebe Allen Lewis, Ronnie Guy Lewis, Jerry Lee Lewis III, and Lori Lee Lewis.
Is Jerry Lee Lewis still married?
As of 2021, Jerry Lee Lewis is currently married to Judith Brown. They have been married since 2012.