With the recent passing of the legendary Jerry Lee Lewis, the world has lost the last great Rock 'n' Roll pioneer from the 1950s.

'The Killer' (as he was known to his multitude of fans) died at his home in Mississippi.

Memphis was the city in which he made his early recordings at Sun Studio, including Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On and Great Balls of Fire, which was the UK's  1957 Christmas chart-topper.

These and other recordings propelled him to worldwide fame which saw him challenging Elvis Presley as the King of Rock 'n' Roll.  

The original 'Wild Man of Rock 'n' Roll', Jerry Lee's scandalously turbulent private life resulted in career setbacks. None more so than when his 1958 UK tour was cancelled after three shows because the press and public discovered that he was accompanied by his 13-year-old wife.

No one was more disappointed than me because I had a ticket to see him at the Ipswich Gaumont (now Regent) Theatre. 

Fortunately, he survived a multitude of issues, and in 2004 he graced London's Royal Festival Hall stage where, at long last, I saw him perform. Forty-six years was a long while to wait but it was worth it. 

'The Boss' can hardly believe his luck at being on the same stage as the great man.  

RIP Jerry Lee