Iconic Musician Jerry Lee Lewis Suffers Minor Stroke
Jerry Lee Lewis, the legendary musician often referred to as “The Killer,” suffered a minor stroke this week.
A representative for the 83-year-old singer tells PEOPLE that the medical emergency occurred on Thursday evening but Lewis is already on the mend and has his sights set on returning to music very soon.
“He is with his family, recuperating in Memphis and the doctors expect a full recovery,” his rep Zach Farnum said. “The Killer looks forward to getting back into the studio soon to record a Gospel record and on the road performing live for his fans.”
“His family requests privacy at this time. Well wishes and prayers are greatly appreciated,” Farnum added.
Lewis has spent the last year performing around the country, with his most recent appearance occurring on Feb. 16 in Greenville, South Carolina, according to his website.
His next show is slated for April 28 at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, with two others expected for June and July.
Despite the medical emergency, Farnum told The Tennessean that Lewis’ upcoming performances would continue as scheduled and there were no plans for cancellations.
The rock pioneer first set the charts ablaze in 1957 with twin dynamos “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On,” and more than 60 years later, he’s still pounding the keys before packed houses across the country.
Though Lewis has scaled back his demanding performance schedule in recent years, the musician previously revealed that it’s the energy of the crowds that he thrives on during his shows — and also what keeps him going all this time.
“It depends on the crowd. I feel the crowd out on the first song. I want to look into their eyes and see the emotion,” he told PEOPLE of what goes through his mind while on stage, ahead of being honored by Music City in 2017.
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“Sometimes the commotion, too! It always works out good either way; I give them what they want. I just love music. I’m a musical person. I live for my music,” he continued.
“When I cut sessions, I go home to my little small studio, I put my records on and I play them day in and day out,” Lewis added. “I listen to my music because it’s soothing and I love it. It’s good.”
“…You just can’t beat rock ‘n’ roll,” Lewis said.
