Jerry Lee Lewis Enters Rehab Facility, ‘Expected to Fully Recover’ After Stroke
Jerry Lee Lewis has been transferred to a rehabilitation center and is "heading in the right direction" just over two weeks after suffering a stroke.
The 83-year-old rock 'n' roll and country pioneer suffered a minor stroke on Feb. 28, and in a statement released Monday evening (March 18), a representative for Lewis says the legendary musician — known as "the Killer" — has moved to a rehabilitation facility after spending two weeks in the hospital.
"Jerry Lee Lewis is expected to fully recover with aggressive and intensive rehab. From what I have seen thus far, he is heading in the right direction," Lewis' neurologist, Dr. Rohini Bhole, M.D., states.
Lewis is having to cancel his planned upcoming appearances on April 28 at the New Orleans Jazz Festival, May 18 at the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville, Tenn., and June 8 at the Birchmere in Alexandria, Va., to focus on his recovery. According to the statement, Lewis "greatly appreciates the prayers and well wishes he’s received from fans all over the world."
Lewis rocketed to fame in the 1950s as one of rock music's biggest early stars, scoring a string of classic hits from Sun Records in Memphis that included "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," "Great Balls of Fire" and "High School Confidential." The iconic entertainer made a transition into country music beginning with 1968's "Another Place, Another Time," which reached No. 5 on Billboard's Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. That launched Lewis into the second phase of his career, which saw him score a long string of Top 10 hits on Billboard's country charts in the '60s and '70s. Lewis has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Rockabilly Hall of Fame and the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, among many other accolades.
Lewis "can’t wait to get back onstage and into the studio" and is looking forward to a gospel album he is planning to record, according to the statement from his rep.
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