Jerry Lee Lewis, 83, suffered a minor stroke Thursday night, according to a statement from his representative Zach Farnum.
“He is with his family, recuperating in Memphis and the doctors expect a full recovery,” the statement read. “The Killer looks forward to getting back into the studio soon to record a gospel record and on the road performing live for his fans. His family requests privacy at this time. Well wishes and prayers are greatly appreciated.”
In a call with The Tennessean, Farnum added that Lewis wasn’t canceling any shows and that there is currently no reason to believe his next concert at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in May wouldn’t continue as scheduled.
“He’s a devout Christian,” Farnum said of Lewis. “We’re just asking for prayers and support and privacy.”
Although Lewis has scaled back his performing schedule in recent years, he has continued to play — making high-profile appearances at the Stagecoach country music festival in California in 2017 and at Chicago’s punk-rock concert event, Riot Fest, in 2018.
Last fall, Lewis made headlines as he returned to his former haunt, Memphis’ Sun Studio, with Rolling Stones’ singer Mick Jagger and millionaire producer/investor Steve Bing in tow. The trip was in connection with a planned movie adaptation of Peter Guralnick’s biography of Sun founder Sam Phillips, set to star Leonardo DiCaprio.
The following month, Lewis made a brief, surprise appearance at the Memphis Music Hall of Fame ceremonies, playing “Great Balls of Fire.” In December, he rang in the New Year performing at the Beale Street nightclub, Jerry Lee Lewis’ Cafe & Honky Tonk, that bears his name.
Lewis’ most recent performance came Feb. 16 in Greenville, South Carolina. In addition to his upcoming Jazz & Heritage festival appearance, Lewis has a June show planned for Alexandria, Virginia, and a July date in Nashville at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
