(1963) Sun ''Hong Kong Blues'' (Count-In, FS, Count-In, Take 4) Jerry Lee Lewis

About Jerry Lee Lewis

Jerry Lee Lewis (September 29, 1935 – October 28, 2022) was an American pianist, singer, and songwriter. Nicknamed "The Killer", he was described as "rock 'n' roll's first great wild man". A pioneer of rock and roll and rockabilly music, Lewis made his first recordings in 1952 at Cosimo Matassa's J&M Studio in New Orleans, Louisiana, and early recordings in 1956 at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee. He later became known for his chart topping country music recordings from the 1960s and 1970s. "C...

About This Footage

This rare studio session footage of Jerry Lee Lewis, recorded on August 27, 1963, at Sam Phillips' Recording Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative process of one of rock 'n' roll's pioneers. The clip features Lewis performing "Hong Kong Blues," a popular song composed by Hoagy Carmichael in 1939.

The significance of this footage lies not only in its rarity but also in its historical context. Recorded just six years after Elvis Presley's first single, "That's All Right" (1954), and two years before the Beatles' arrival on the scene, Lewis was already an established figure in the music industry. His Sun Records sessions, which spanned from 1956 to 1963, produced some of his most iconic recordings, including "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" and "Great Balls of Fire."

The inclusion of "Hong Kong Blues" in Lewis's repertoire is particularly noteworthy, given its origins as a jazz standard-standard). Carmichael's composition was first featured in the 1943 film "To Have And Have Not," an adaptation of Ernest Hemingway's novel. Its subsequent covers by George Harrison and Dédé Fortin demonstrate the song's enduring appeal across genres.

The technical aspects of this recording are also worthy of attention. The matrix number, which indicates a count-in, false start, and take 4, provides insight into the recording process. This particular take was not originally issued but was later released on the Bear Family Records compilation "Classic Jerry Lee Lewis - The Definitive Sun Recordings 1956-1963" in September 1989.

The personnel involved in this session are equally fascinating. Alongside Lewis, who handled vocals and piano, were some of the most talented musicians of the time, including Scotty Moore (guitar), Roland Janes (guitar), George Webb or Herman "Hawk" Hawkins (bass), Morris "Tarap" Tarrant (drums), and William Ray Felts (organ). Their contributions to Lewis's music are undeniable, and this footage serves as a testament to their collective artistry.

This rare studio session footage of Jerry Lee Lewis performing "Hong Kong Blues" is a treasure trove for fans and scholars alike. It offers a unique glimpse into the creative process of one of rock 'n' roll's pioneers and highlights the enduring appeal of Hoagy Carmichael's timeless composition. As such, it is an essential addition to any collection of rare music footage.

Curated from public records and music databases.