Controversial Love: Jerry Lee Lewis' Marriage to His Cousin Twists The Pages of Music History
Jerry Lee Lewis caused controversy when he married his 13-year-old cousin, sparking outrage and damaging his career in the music industry.
Jerry Lee Lewis is a name that is synonymous with rock and roll. He is one of the pioneers of the genre and has made a significant contribution to its development. However, his musical achievements are often overshadowed by his controversial personal life. One such incident that has been the subject of much debate and scrutiny is his marriage to his cousin.
It was in 1957 that Jerry Lee Lewis married his cousin, Myra Gale Brown. At the time, he was a rising star in the music industry, and his marriage to a 13-year-old girl who was also his first cousin caused a scandal that rocked the nation. The news of the marriage spread like wildfire, and it was met with outrage and disgust by many.
Despite the backlash, Jerry Lee Lewis continued to defend his marriage, claiming that it was true love and that he would do anything for his wife. He even went as far as to say that he did not know that it was illegal to marry one's cousin in some states.
The controversy surrounding their marriage only intensified when it was revealed that Jerry Lee Lewis had lied about Myra's age. He had claimed that she was 15, but in reality, she was only 13. This revelation led to further condemnation and outrage, and many radio stations banned his music from being played on their airwaves.
Despite the backlash, Jerry Lee Lewis continued to tour and perform, and his career managed to survive the scandal. However, his marriage to his cousin had a lasting impact on his personal life and reputation. Many people still view him as a controversial figure, and his legacy is often overshadowed by the scandal that rocked the nation more than six decades ago.
Today, Jerry Lee Lewis is in his 80s and is still regarded as one of the greatest musicians of all time. His contributions to rock and roll have been immense, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians. However, his marriage to his cousin remains a controversial topic to this day, and it is unlikely that it will ever be forgotten.
In conclusion, Jerry Lee Lewis's marriage to his cousin remains one of the most controversial moments of his career. It caused a scandal that rocked the nation and led to his music being banned by many radio stations. Despite this, he continued to defend his marriage, claiming that it was true love. Today, his legacy as a musician remains intact, but his personal life continues to be the subject of much debate and scrutiny.
The Controversial Marriage of Jerry Lee Lewis to His Cousin
One of the most controversial marriages in the history of music is that of Jerry Lee Lewis and his cousin, Myra Gale Brown. The marriage occurred in 1957 when Jerry was 23 years old and Myra was only 13. This union sparked a public outcry and has been the subject of much scrutiny over the years.
The Beginning of the Relationship
Jerry Lee Lewis met his cousin, Myra Gale Brown, when she was just two years old. They grew up together in Ferriday, Louisiana, and were close throughout their childhood. It wasn't until Myra was 12 years old that Jerry began to take an interest in her.
Jerry was already a successful musician at this point and had several hit songs under his belt. He was married to his second wife, Jane Mitchum, but their marriage was on the rocks. Myra was infatuated with Jerry and he was flattered by her attention. They began spending more time together and eventually started a romantic relationship.
The Marriage
Jerry and Myra's relationship was kept a secret at first, but they eventually decided to get married in December of 1957. Jerry was still technically married to Jane at the time, but he claimed that their marriage was invalid because he had married her before his divorce from his first wife was finalized.
The wedding was held in Mississippi, where it was legal for first cousins to marry. However, the public was not aware of this and assumed that Jerry had married a young girl who was not related to him. The news of their marriage caused a scandal and many radio stations refused to play Jerry's music.
The Fallout
Jerry's career suffered greatly as a result of his marriage to Myra. He was banned from performing in many venues and his record sales plummeted. The public was outraged that he had married his underage cousin and labeled him a pervert and a pedophile.
Myra's parents were also heavily criticized for allowing their daughter to marry Jerry. They were accused of trying to cash in on their daughter's relationship with the famous musician.
The Aftermath
Jerry and Myra's marriage lasted for 13 years, but it was tumultuous from the beginning. They had two children together, but their relationship was plagued by infidelity and substance abuse. They eventually divorced in 1970.
Jerry's reputation never fully recovered from his marriage to Myra. He continued to perform throughout the years, but he was never able to regain the same level of success that he had enjoyed before the scandal.
The Legacy
The controversy surrounding Jerry Lee Lewis' marriage to his cousin has left a lasting impact on the music industry. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of mixing personal and professional relationships, especially when there is a significant age difference involved.
Many people still view Jerry's marriage to Myra as morally reprehensible and unforgivable. However, others argue that their relationship was consensual and that they were in love. Regardless of one's opinion on the matter, there is no denying that Jerry Lee Lewis' marriage to his cousin will always be remembered as one of the most scandalous events in music history.
In Conclusion
Jerry Lee Lewis' marriage to his cousin remains a controversial topic to this day. While some may see it as a romantic love story, others view it as a disturbing case of exploitation and abuse of power. Regardless of one's opinion, it is undeniable that the scandal had a profound impact on Jerry's career and legacy.
As we continue to grapple with issues of consent and power dynamics in our society, it is important to reflect on the lessons that can be learned from this controversial marriage. We must strive to create a culture where all relationships are based on mutual respect and equality, and where exploitation and abuse are never tolerated.
The Initial Stages of Jerry Lee Lewis's Relationship with Myra Gale Brown
Jerry Lee Lewis's relationship with his cousin, Myra Gale Brown, began in December 1957 when her family attended one of his concerts. At the time, Myra was just 13 years old, and Jerry Lee was 22. The two hit it off instantly and started seeing each other secretly. However, due to the illegality and taboo nature of their affair, they had to keep it a secret from everyone, including their respective families. They continued their relationship for over a year before deciding to get married.The Secret Relationship Between Jerry Lee Lewis and Myra Gale Brown
Jerry Lee Lewis and Myra Gale Brown had to keep their relationship a secret from everyone, including their families. The couple knew that their relationship would be frowned upon because of their age difference and the fact that they were cousins. They met in secret and went on dates where no one could recognize them. Jerry Lee Lewis's career was on the rise, and he did not want any negative publicity to affect his career.The Marriage of Jerry Lee Lewis and Myra Gale Brown
After Jerry Lee's third wife left him, he decided to marry Myra Gale Brown. The couple got married secretly in December 1957. However, the news of their marriage broke in May of the following year, causing a significant scandal. Jerry Lee Lewis was criticized for marrying his 13-year-old cousin, and many people called it immoral and illegal.The Public Reacts to Jerry Lee Lewis's Marriage to Myra Gale Brown
The public reacted differently to Jerry Lee Lewis's marriage to Myra Gale Brown. Some condemned the marriage as immoral and illegal, while others supported the couple and said that it was a private matter. Jerry Lee Lewis received backlash from the media and lost many of his upcoming concerts. His records were also banned from radio stations.The Consequences of Jerry Lee Lewis's Marriage to Myra Gale Brown
Jerry Lee Lewis's marriage to Myra Gale Brown had severe consequences for his career and personal life. He was dropped from many of his upcoming concerts, and his records were banned from radio stations. His reputation was tarnished, and it took him years to recover from the scandal. The couple also faced difficulties in their relationship, and they eventually divorced after 13 years of marriage.The Aftermath of Jerry Lee Lewis's Marriage to Myra Gale Brown
The aftermath of Jerry Lee Lewis's marriage to Myra Gale Brown was long-lasting. Although their marriage lasted for 13 years, it was filled with conflicts, and the couple eventually divorced. The scandal affected Jerry Lee Lewis's career and personal life, and he struggled to regain his popularity. Myra Gale Brown also faced criticism and scrutiny for her involvement in the marriage.The Support System for Jerry Lee Lewis and Myra Gale Brown
Despite facing criticism and backlash for their relationship, Jerry Lee Lewis and Myra Gale Brown had a few supporters. Some fans, family members, and friends believed that the two were genuinely in love, even though they were cousins. However, their support was not enough to shield them from the negative publicity and legal implications of their marriage.The Legal Implications of Jerry Lee Lewis's Marriage to Myra Gale Brown
Jerry Lee Lewis's marriage to Myra Gale Brown had legal implications. Marrying a minor was illegal under state and federal laws, and the incident led to Lewis being investigated and interrogated by law enforcement officials. He was questioned about the nature of his relationship with Myra Gale Brown and whether she was coerced into marrying him.The Cultural Impact of Jerry Lee Lewis's Marriage to Myra Gale Brown
Jerry Lee Lewis's marriage to Myra Gale Brown had a significant cultural impact. It contributed to the taboo surrounding romantic relationships between cousins, and it remains etched in the history of rock and roll as one of the most scandalous marriages ever. Today, it is illegal in most states to marry one's first cousin.The Controversy of Jerry Lee Lewis's Marriage to Myra Gale Brown Resurfaces
Jerry Lee Lewis's marriage to Myra Gale Brown continues to be a topic of controversy to this day. Some people defend the relationship, while others condemn it as exploitative and abusive. The scandal remains a prominent event in the history of rock and roll, and it serves as a reminder of the consequences of taboo relationships.The Controversial Marriage of Jerry Lee Lewis to His Cousin
Overview
Jerry Lee Lewis, also known as The Killer, is a famous American singer and pianist who rose to fame in the 1950s. However, his career was marred by a scandal that involved his marriage to his cousin, Myra Gale Brown, who was only 13 years old at the time. The marriage caused a lot of controversy and backlash, which affected Lewis's career and reputation.Pros of the Marriage
- Marriage between cousins was legal in some states during that time, including Louisiana where they got married.
- Myra was not a blood relative as she was the daughter of Lewis's cousin by marriage, J.W. Brown.
- According to Lewis, he fell in love with Myra at first sight and believed that their union was meant to be.
Cons of the Marriage
- The age difference between Lewis and Myra was significant. Lewis was 22 years old when they got married, while Myra was only 13 years old.
- The marriage caused a lot of backlash and controversy, especially in the conservative South where cousin marriages were frowned upon.
- Many of Lewis's fans and fellow musicians were outraged by his actions, and some even boycotted his music and concerts.
Impact on Lewis's Career
The controversy surrounding Lewis's marriage to his cousin had a significant impact on his career. In the aftermath of the scandal, Lewis's record sales plummeted, and he was banned from radio stations across the country. Many of his concerts were canceled, and he was forced to perform in small venues rather than large arenas. It took several years for Lewis to regain his popularity, and even then, he never fully recovered from the scandal.Conclusion
The marriage of Jerry Lee Lewis to his cousin remains one of the most controversial events in the history of American music. While some argue that their union was legal and consensual, others condemn Lewis for marrying a 13-year-old girl who was his cousin, regardless of the circumstances. The scandal had a lasting impact on Lewis's career and reputation, and it serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of mixing personal and professional life.| Keywords | Definition |
|---|---|
| Jerry Lee Lewis | A famous American singer and pianist who rose to fame in the 1950s |
| Myra Gale Brown | Lewis's cousin whom he married when she was only 13 years old |
| Controversy | A disagreement or dispute that causes public outcry or criticism |
| Cousin Marriage | A marriage between first cousins or other close relatives |
| Scandal | An action or event that is considered morally or legally wrong and causes public outrage or condemnation |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the marriage of Jerry Lee Lewis to his cousin, Myra Gale Brown, remains one of the most controversial and talked-about relationships in music history. The story of their union is both fascinating and troubling, as it raises important questions about family, love, and morality.While some may view their marriage as a taboo, others argue that it was a product of its time and cultural context. Nonetheless, it is undeniable that the public outrage and media scrutiny that followed their wedding had a profound impact on Lewis's career and personal life.As we reflect on this complex and divisive topic, it is important to remember that every individual and relationship is unique. While we may not agree with or understand the choices made by others, it is crucial to approach these issues with empathy, understanding, and an open mind.Ultimately, the legacy of Jerry Lee Lewis and his marriage to his cousin will continue to be debated and analyzed for years to come. Whether viewed as a scandalous affair or a tragic love story, their story serves as a reminder of the complexities and nuances of human relationships.Thank you for taking the time to explore this controversial topic with us. We hope that this article has provided you with valuable insights and perspectives on the marriage of Jerry Lee Lewis and his cousin. As always, we welcome your thoughts, comments, and feedback on this and other topics related to music, culture, and society.What do people also ask about Jerry Lee Lewis marriage to cousin?
Who is Jerry Lee Lewis?
Jerry Lee Lewis is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist who is often referred to as The Killer. He gained fame in the 1950s with hits such as Great Balls of Fire and Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On. He was one of the pioneers of rock and roll music.
Did Jerry Lee Lewis marry his cousin?
Yes, Jerry Lee Lewis married his cousin, Myra Gale Brown, in 1957 when she was just 13 years old and he was 22. The marriage caused a huge scandal at the time, and many radio stations refused to play his music. The couple divorced in 1970.
Why did Jerry Lee Lewis marry his cousin?
The exact reason why Jerry Lee Lewis married his cousin is not known. Some speculate that he was trying to get out of a previous marriage to his second wife, while others believe that he was genuinely in love with Myra. Regardless of the reason, the marriage had a major impact on his career and personal life.
Was Jerry Lee Lewis punished for marrying his cousin?
While Jerry Lee Lewis was not punished legally for marrying his cousin, the scandal surrounding the marriage had a major impact on his career. Many radio stations refused to play his music, and he was essentially blacklisted from the industry for several years. He was also criticized by many in the public for what they saw as an inappropriate and immoral relationship.
Did Jerry Lee Lewis regret marrying his cousin?
It is difficult to say whether or not Jerry Lee Lewis regretted marrying his cousin. In interviews, he has sometimes expressed remorse for the way the relationship was perceived and the impact it had on his career. However, he has also maintained that he loved Myra and that the marriage was genuine.
What happened to Jerry Lee Lewis' cousin-wife?
After her divorce from Jerry Lee Lewis in 1970, Myra Gale Brown largely retreated from the public eye. She remarried and had children, but has generally avoided talking about her relationship with Lewis. In recent years, she has occasionally spoken out to defend him against critics who continue to condemn their marriage.
- Jerry Lee Lewis married his cousin, Myra Gale Brown, when she was just 13 years old and he was 22.
- The marriage caused a scandal and impacted his career, with many radio stations refusing to play his music.
- The exact reason for the marriage is not known, but Lewis has maintained that it was genuine.
- Myra largely retreated from the public eye after the divorce, but has occasionally defended Lewis against critics.