The video is a true gem of American music history. It captures the electric energy and raw power of Jerry Lee Lewis’s performance on The Ed Sullivan Show on November 16, 1969. Watching this video is like taking a time machine back to an era of youthful exuberance, creative freedom, and musical innovation.
The performance itself is a masterclass in showmanship. Jerry Lee Lewis, known as “The Killer”, saunters on stage wearing his signature black leather pants and a red sequined jacket and immediately takes command of the room. His fingers fly across the piano keys, pounding out the opening notes of “Great Balls of Fire”, and the crowd erupts in cheers. Lewis’s voice is gravelly and full of soul, his body writhing and twisting to the beat.
As the song winds down, Lewis segues seamlessly into “What’d I Say”, a bluesy number that showcases his impressive vocal range. He croons and howls, his fingers still flying across the piano keys, and the audience is completely entranced.
But the best is yet to come. Lewis launches into “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On”, one of his most iconic hits, and the crowd goes wild. Lewis’s energy is infectious, and he seems to be having the time of his life. He pounds the keys with reckless abandon, and his voice soars above the music.
Watching this video, it’s impossible not to be swept up in the excitement. The camera pans over the crowd, and we see teenagers and adults alike clapping, dancing, and cheering. It’s a reminder of a time when music had the power to bring people together and inspire them to let loose and have fun.
But this video is more than just a testament to the power of music. It’s also a snapshot of an era in American history. 1969 was a year of incredible change and upheaval in the United States and worldwide. The Vietnam War was raging, and protests against it were growing in intensity. The Civil Rights Movement was in full swing, and the Stonewall riots had just taken place a few months earlier, marking a turning point in the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights.
But amidst all this turmoil, there was also a sense of optimism and possibility. The space race was in full swing, with the Apollo 11 mission having landed humans on the moon just a few months earlier. The counterculture movement was in full swing, with hippies, yippies, and other subcultures pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in society.
Jerry Lee Lewis’s performance on The Ed Sullivan Show captures all of this energy and excitement. It’s a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and bring people together, regardless of their differences.
And, of course, the music itself is timeless. “Great Balls of Fire”, “What’d I Say”, and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” are all classics that have stood the test of time. They’re emblematic of a particular moment in American music history, but they’re also just damn good songs. They’re catchy, infectious, and impossible to resist.
So if you haven’t already, I urge you to watch this video. It’s a time capsule of American culture, a testament to the power of music, and just plain fun to watch. Be sure to hit the like and share button because this is a performance that deserves to be seen and shared by music lovers everywhere.
