Celebrities, Musicians Pay Tribute To Jerry Lee Lewis Following His Death At 87

Veteran rock and roll singer Jerry Lee Lewisdied at 87 on Friday, October 28th.

Lewis's death was officially confirmed via a statement after reports of his death had begun circulating on the internet earlier this week.

The 87-year-old, who became known as one of the pioneering rock and roll musicians after rising to fame in the late 1950s, passed away at his Mississippi home from natural causes. He was survived by his wife, who had been with him at the time of his death.

The official announcement of his death reported Lewis had "not been afraid" of death. He had also reportedly told his wife "he welcomed the hereafter." (via CNN)

Several musicians have paid tribute to Lewis on social media since his death was announced.

Lewis' career was arguably overshadowed by his personal life at times, but some notable rock and roll musicians and other famous faces have expressed their gratitude for Lewis' contribution to rock and roll.

Stephen King tweeted "RIP Jerry Lee Lewis. The Killer is gone. He could play that piano, boy. Think I gotta play me some 'Lewis Boogie.''

Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards shared a video on Twitter of the duo performing "A Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" in 1983. He wrote, 'Goodbye to the Killer' RIP" in his tribute.

Richards' bandmate Mick Jagger also took to Twitter to pay tribute. He included a photo of him and Lewis from the 1970's.

"God bless you Jerry Lee," he wrote, "Your songs lit up my life!"

Elton John also included a photo with his tribute.

He writes, "Without Jerry Lee Lewis, I wouldn't have become who I am today. He was groundbreaking and exciting, and he pulverized the piano. A brilliant singer too. Thank you for all of your trailblazing inspiration and all of the rock 'n' roll memories."

John's longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin posted a black-and-white photo of Lewis on Instagram.

Taupin writes, "The last man standing has gone. @jerryleelewisthekiller was the first in the boiler room and undisputed king of redneck rock & roll, the last of the freshman class of 50's originators. What a life, what a legacy, what music! He was a bellyful of blue thunder whose piano playing inspired non-guitar playing musicians to tear the piano apart."

Lewis had previously been believed to have died earlier this week.

According to our report on his death, news of his death had reached TMZ on Wednesday, via someone "claiming to be Lewis' rep." The outlet later apologized for the original report.

Lewis suffered a stroke in 2019. Fans were informed via a note on his official Instagram account, which he had regularly updated until his passing.

The note also revealed Lewis had been at work on a Gospel album at the time and was concluded with a Bible verse.