That memory will never not be funny to me.". 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. Thats the way it was. Longtime Gwinnett resident Myra Lewis Williams has penned a new memoir sharing her life story, including her teenage marriage with her second cousin rock n' roll star Jerry Lee Lewis. On October 22, 2022, Friday, famous singer Jerry Lee Lewis died at age eighty-seven, and beside the outpouring of tributes to his abilities came reminders of his infamous wedding to his 13-year-old cousin-german in 1957. I tried to ignore the reporter, but he kept insisting. 8 Myra Gale Brown Premium High Res Photos - Getty Images Oct. 28, 2022 3:46 PM PT Myra Lewis Williams, also known as Myra Gale Brown, was the third wife of late rock 'n' roll pioneer Jerry Lee Lewis and more infamously his 13-year-old cousin at. Many fans grieved after knowing their rock n roll star died, and they sent their prayers and condolence toward him. He was blacklisted from the radio. Im really glad I didnt though because its gotten better as Ive gotten older.. Myra Gale Browns Ex-Husband was best known for his most significant work and was one of the Rock n Roll artists in Hollywood history. John Doe as J. W. Brown Actor/musician John Doe took on the role of J. W. Brown, the father of Myra Gale Brown and the first cousin (and later father-in-law) of Jerry Lee Lewis. It turned out that she was a first-cousin once-removed and - shockingly - just 13 years old. "'Great Balls of Fire' is the toonof rock movies, with Jerry Lee Lewis reduced on screen to Roger Rabbit," Times music critic Robert Hilburn wrote at the time. She has a career in real estate in Georgia since 1980 (under the name Myra Williams or Myra Lewis Williams). Phoenix's independent source of Whats going on? If I can survive life's worst tragedies and my own dumb-ass decisions, you can, too. Myra Gale Browns height is unknown & weight Not Available right. However, as Williams predicted, her parents were not thrilled by the union. [21], Last edited on 11 February 2023, at 05:24, "Loganville couple celebrates 75 years of marriage, music and memories", "JERRY LEE LEWIS, ROCK, STOCK AND BARREL", "The Strange and Mysterious Death of Mrs. Jerry Lee Lewis", "Jerry Lee Lewis's short-lived music success", "Jerry Lee Lewis Online Wild One's Clubhouse: The Largest Jerry Lee Lewis Homepage on the Internet! On December 12, 1958, Myra, 13, married Lewis, 22, in Hernando, Mississippi. But it brought me and Jerry very close, and we had ten incredible, wonderful years together after that. But that career hit a sharp nosedive in 1958,. Franklin D. Roosevelt. She is most popular for her union with rock n move performer Jerry Lee Lewis who is her subsequent cousin. She was also his third wife.. And when I said what I said, it was like his hair caught on fire. NBC. Jerry Lee Lewis dies at 87: What Myra Williams, his 13-year-old wife Hollywood Life, Latest Hollywood Celebrity & Entertainment News. The press made me out to be a seductive Lolita, which was as far from the truth as it gets. Jerry Lee Lewis and Myra Gale Brown shortly after their wedding in December 1957. From left: Musicians Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash as "The Million Dollar Quartet" on Dec. 4, 1956, in Memphis, Tennessee. As of Friday afternoon, Williams had not released a public statement about Lewis' death. Not only were they criticizing her age, they were also pointing out the fact that Jerry Lee Lewis had once again married before his divorce was finalized. The "Great Balls of Fire" rocker's career took a hit following his marriage to Myra Gale Brown, his first cousin once removed and the daughter of Lewis' bassist. I find living is nice and calm this way.". Myra Lewis Williams told Fox News Digital her father was furious when he learned of the marriage. In 1970, Myra Gale Brown filed for divorce from Jerry Lee Lewis on the grounds of adultery and abuse. It was here where Lewis met Brown's daughter, Myra Gale Brown, while on . ", "Myra Williams, Jerry Lee Lewis' 13-year-old bride, speaks out", "Jerry Lee Lewis Married His 13-Year-Old Cousin And Ruined His Career", "Jerry Lee Lewis' teenage bride speaks out: 'I was the adult and Jerry was the child', "Jerry Lee Lewis' Lawsuit Against Daughter Dismissed by Judge", "Cousin's ex becomes Jerry Lee Lewis' 7th wife", "The Tiny Spark That Survived: The Rock 'n' Roll Life of Star's Child Bride", "Jerry Lee Lewis' former teenage wife releases new book", "Cannes Review: Ethan Coen's 'Jerry Lee Lewis: Trouble In Mind', https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Myra_Lewis_Williams&oldid=1138714619, This page was last edited on 11 February 2023, at 05:24. The 1989 biopic "Great Balls of Fire," which starred Dennis Quaid as Lewis and a 17-year-old Winona Ryder as Myra, was based on Williams' first book of the same name. (Photo by Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images), "Thats the toughest question to answer because it would change everybodys life mine, his, our children," she said. More than one paper went so far as to suggest his deportation. Williams said her father marched down to Sun Records ready to confront Lewis. And nothing was going to change it.". Jerry was quoted as saying to one reporter. I went out and found us a house. People didn't know it at the time that they wed, but although she was listed as a 20-year-old, legally Brown was actually only 13 (via Biography). View all photos from this album. RM 2AGA94W - Rock 'n' roll singer Jerry Lee Lewis, whose British tour was cancelled after he had been jeered on the stage of a London theatre, with his 13-year-old wife, Myra (l) and his sister, Frankie, 15, at London Airport. Thats what this book basically is, this is what happened, this is how I handled it and here I am today, she said. Myra (given name) The name Myra was created by the 17th-century poet Fulke Greville 1st Barone Brooke (1554-1628). About to depart for the Army, Elvis himself who would soon fall in love with a 14-year-old girl told reporters that if they were in love with each other, it was all right with him. Jerry Lee Lewis died at age eighty-seven, and beside the outpouring of tributes to his abilities came reminders of his infamous wedding to his 13-year-old cousin-german in 1957. Myra Lewis was born on July 11, 1944 in the USA as Myra Gale Brown. Remember, gossip is not gospel, Williams wrote on Instagram in 2015. These vintage pics of Jerry Lee Lewis with his new wife, Myra Gale Brown, accompanied by his sister Jean as they arrive at Idlewild Airport in New York City on May 28, 1958. Jerry Lee Lewis, who passed away on Oct. 28, 2022, was known as a rock n roll legend. I think this book will warm your heart, tickle your funny bone, and touch your soul. Today, Myra Williams, 78, reflects on the scandal and her late ex-husband. On May 17, 2022, he shared a group photo with his dad and family. Jerry Lee Lewis: Marrying 13-year old cousin to facing abuse - MEAWW Williams, 78, said in 2016 that shes been right here the whole time but she apparently no longer had a relationship with her notorious ex-husband after 2015. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! 1595 Malone Rd. Jerry Lee Lewis eventually got his career back in the late 1960s as a country performer, where his personal life was not viewed with such outrage. Jerry Lee Lewis : They just want to see the new king of rock 'n 'roll. His bride, Myra Gale. Myra Gale Brown was born on July 11, 1944, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, the daughter of Lois (ne Neal) and J.W. The Ferriday, LA native moved in with his cousin J.W. Jerry Lee Lewis: "Great Balls of Fire," Myra Gale Brown, and His Sadly, Jerry II died in 1973 when he was only 19 years old, perThe Guardian. It was crude and rude and ridiculous what it was doing to the teenagers. Because that was the truth! Life and career Earthy colored was brought into the world on July 11, 1944, in Winnsboro, Louisiana, the girl of Lois and Jay "J.W." Brown. The Killer was there within seconds. Vintage Pics of Jerry Lee Lewis With His New Wife Myra Gale Brown at And he brought his marriage license home to me for us to get married. The "Whole Lotta Shakin Goin On and Great Balls of Fire" hitmaker had eloped with Myra Gale Brown in December 1957, the result of a romance that developed when he moved into the Memphis home of Myras father, JW Brown, who was Lewis cousin and bass player, according to Lewis' obituary in The Times. Myra Gale Lewis Williams (ne Brown; born July 11, 1944) is an American author, best known for her controversial marriage at the age of 13 to rock and roll musician Jerry Lee Lewis, who was her first cousin once removed and was 22 at the time.She co-wrote the book Great Balls of Fire: The Uncensored Story of Jerry Lee Lewis (1982), which was adapted into the film Great Balls of Fire! Nardine Saad covers breaking entertainment news, trending culture topics, celebrities and their kin for the Los Angeles Times. Im still the 13-year-old child bride," Williams, who became a real-estate broker in Atlanta, said. Im right here! They told Jerry not to take me Had I known, I could have pretended to be sick, do anything except go. All rights reserved. Is Jerry Lee Lewis' Controversial Wife And Cousin Myra Gale Brown Still BANNER ELK, N.C. Few are left to tell the tale of the Million Dollar Quartet phenomena, but the woman formerly known as Myra Gale Brown knew them all-Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and . and I say, 'Wait a second, youre talking to the little girl nowbe careful what you say.' The singer married his first wife, Dorothy Barton, when he was just 16. . 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Brown's family in the Coro Lake neighborhood in south Memphis. Lewis was poised to replace Presley as rock n roll's new hit-maker. Remember, gossip is not gospel," Williams wrote on Instagram in 2015. Infatuation with a child simply seemed to come with rock and roll territory. Lewis went on to marry four more times. a little baby sittin' in a high chair. Well, I dont know if it made me stronger or not, sir, but it got my attention real good, I know. However, since his marriage a few years ago to my ex-sister-in-law, who wasnt an ex yet when they got together (yes, you read that correctly), Phoebe quit working for him and I havent seen him since. Join the New Times community and help support February 24, 2021 Jerry Lee Lewis, Rock Music Pioneer, Dead at 87 (7) See myra gale brown stock video clips. Lewis and Brown went on to have two children, Steve and Phoebe, but after all of . Thats what this book basically is, this is what happened, this is how I handled it and here I am today, she said. Lewis upended pop music with Whole Lotta Shakin Goin On and Great Balls of Fire, but his personal life was a chronicle of scandal and controversy. I looked at him and I said, Jerry, are you crazy? There was never a big argument about it it was just a resolve. "And Jerry gave it to themwell, I did, I opened my mouth. If anybody had told me anything, I could have prevented this thing. Stephanie Nolasco covers entertainment at Foxnews.com. I took care of everything, the late music star told the outlet in 2015. This is the book I wanted to write then. Earthy colored remarried in 1984 and is presently known as Myra Williams. After several tour dates were canceled, Jerry and his new bride left the country. ADVERTISEMENT "He called me out to his car and showed me something. It was really the first scandal of rock n roll, Williams told Georgia's Gwinnett Daily Post in 2016. Before he knew it, his ticket prices had dropped astronomically, from $10,000 a night to a mere $250. Nesbit, MS (25 miles south of Memphis) At the age of twenty-one, Jerry Lee Lewis "The Killer" arrived in Memphis, Tennessee in 1956. Lets check, How Rich is C, All You Need To Know About Tamara Hurwitz. The duo tied the knot on December 12, 1957, and the musician. To Jerry Lee, the uproar was hard to understand: "I plumb married the girl, didn't I?" Let's, Utz Chwalla estimated Net Worth, Biography, Age, Height, Dating, Relationship Records, Salary, Income, Cars, Lifestyles & many more details have been updated below. Is Sex/Life Season 3 Happening? Williams conjointly lined their wedding with the 1982 book nice Balls of the fireplace, custom-made into a 1989 film prima Dennis Quaid as Lewis and Winona Ryder as Williams. Brown and his family. Dad, youre the greatest and I love you!, he captioned the snapshot. (Photo by Keith Hamshere/Getty Images), "He had gone to Louisiana and came back," she recalled. It was really the first scandal of rock n roll, Williams told Georgias Gwinnett Daily Post in 2016. I dont like that, Desperate mountain residents trapped by snow beg for help; We are coming, sheriff says, Hidden, illegal casinos are booming in L.A., with organized crime reaping big profits, Look up: The 32 most spectacular ceilings in Los Angeles, Elliott: Kings use their heads over hearts in trading Jonathan Quick, Newsom, IRS give Californians until October to file tax returns, The Weeknd is getting mocked for his response to Rolling Stones The Idol expos, Daisy Jones & the Six review: Riley Keough fronts a rock soap opera, Aaron Carters mom posts awful photos from death scene, pushes for homicide inquiry, Wayne Shorter, influential jazz saxophonist and composer, dies at 89, Travis Scott is sought by New York Police after alleged assault and criminal mischief. Lewis had previously married twice. and The Frank Skinner Show. Lewis shocked Hollywood when news broke that he wed his second cousin Myra Gale Brown in 1958. Earthy colored was brought into the world on July 11, 1944, in Winnsboro, Louisiana, the girl of Lois and Jay J.W. Brown. Jerry Lee Lewis' former teen bride reflects on the star's death, their His bride, Myra Gale Brown, was also thrust into the spotlight, and years later discussed how she "never lost the first name '13-year-old-child-bride-Myra.'" Myra Lewis Williams, . Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. ", Rock n roll pioneer Jerry Lee Lewis passed away on Friday at age 87. . The marriage eventually came to an end in 1970, when Williams divorced Lewis. She dwells in Duluth, Georgia with her better half Richard Williams. Great Balls of Fire is the toon of rock movies, with Jerry Lee Lewis reduced on screen to Roger Rabbit, Times music critic Robert Hilburn wrote at the time. Below is everything to know about the late singers kids! However, the two the face of it created peace later. Lewis reinvented himself as a country performer. It was a marriage license. 13 Celebrities Who Married Relatives, From Charles Darwin to - TheWrap Many remember Jerry Lee Lewis for the prolific music career that cemented his status as a rock 'n' roll icon before his death at age 87 Friday. I was happy to think I would have a home and a husband and children. When Jaren was suing Jerry for divorce she tragically died in a friends swimming pool in 1982. And he was going everywhere going, Are you my mother? This poor little duck was just desperate. They took it and ran. (1989). Legal Statement. Lewis didn't seem to realize that this was offensive to most urban markets (and to other countries). I dealt with [the controversy] a lot better than anybody else did I had not thought like a child in a long time. The Spark That Survived: Williams, Myra Lewis, Hughes, Linda Lois (left) and J.W. Brown would eventually file for divorce in 1970 citing adultery and abuse as reasons, with her charge adding that she had been "subject to every type of physical and mental abuse imaginable." The pair had two children while they were together, the first when Brown was just 15 years old. Myra Lewis Williams told Fox News Digital her father was furious when he learned of the marriage. With a new memoir, The Spark That Survived, she wrote at the time, sharing an image emblazoned with Whatever happened to Myra? over an old photo of her and Lewis. Brown, who is known today as an author, is Lewis' first cousin once removed. Myra Gale Brown American author Myra Lewis Williams ( ne Gale Brown, July 11, 1944) is an American author, best known for her controversial marriage at the age of 13 to rock and roll musician Jerry Lee Lewis, who is her first cousin once removed. Moreover, Lewis had not at this point separated from his past spouse, Jane Mitcham. It was adapted into the 1989 film Great Balls of Fire!, starring Dennis Quaid as Lewis and Winona Ryder as Brown. Myra and Jerry Lewiss marriage was considered the most controversial marriage in history. [15][19][11], She is shown being interviewed in the Ethan Coen directed 2022 documentary film Jerry Lee Lewis: Trouble in Mind. [4] After Lewis finalized his divorce from Mitcham, he remarried Brown on June 4, 1958. Inside The Short And Tumultuous Life Of Gia Carangi, "The World's First Supermodel", 44 Grim Photos That Show The Brutal Reality Of Mid-Century America's Polio Epidemics, What Stephen Hawking Thinks Threatens Humankind The Most, 27 Raw Images Of When Punk Ruled New York, Join The All That's Interesting Weekly Dispatch. The England tour was supposed to establish a British fan base that would, hopefully, lead to a worldwide audience. Williams and Lewis divorced in 1970. I guess I went through like a trial by fire. . Myra Gale Brown (born on July 11, 1944) is an American creator. "Its not a story that ever went away. However, while Lewis toured in England, the press not only learned of the controversial marriage to Williams, but that the star was still married to his previous wife. Earthy colored wasnt happy with the book or the film, so she delivered her journal, The Spark That Survived, with subtleties of her wild union with Lewis and the life after him. There were plenty of ups and downs in her marriage to Lewis. Myra Brown, his Ex-wife, also showed her grief after his death and said in a recent interview, She never Lost hwePrimery Name 13 years old Child Bride Title.. Brown, who celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary on Monday, with their daughter, Myra, in the late 1940s or early 1950s. At the time, she hadn't realized that there was anything wrong with her relationship with Lewis. Myra Lewis Williams, or Myra Gale Brown has been open about her experience as a child bride to Jerry Lee Lewis. Myra Gale Brown Today - What Happened To Her? More than a long time coming and more than well deserved. He also toldThe Guardianhow he copes with having lost a few of his kids and ex wives. Myra Brown Interview - YouTube The revelation resulted in the abrupt cancellation of Lewis tour; he was blacklisted by radio and his earnings dropped overnight. Myra and Jerry's daughter, Phoebe Lewis, 59, was born in 1963, about four years after Steven was born. (Photo by Express Newspapers/Getty Images), Williams said it was "ridiculous" to be referred to as a "child bride" because she "did not feel like one. During his life, he was married 7 times & welcomed 6 children into the world. Myra Gale Brown is an American author. In this blog post, we will present to you 9+ cases of famous cousin marriages that shocked everyone, in some cases, even the partners themselves did not know about their family origins. Jerry Lee Lewis 1935 - 2022. Jerry Lee Lewis III, 35, was born in 1987, about three years after Jerry and Kerrie tied the knot. 11 Rock Stars Who Slept With Underage Girls | Phoenix New Times Now a news-agency reporter, Ray Berry, raised questions about Jerry's third wife, Myra Gale Brown. However, upon landing in the country with his child-bride, it became clear that the Brits were not on board with Jerry Lee Lewis. (The situation was not helped by the fact that his latest single was called "High School Confidential."). The teenager tragically overturned his Jeep and died in the car accident. Two of those unions ended in untimely deaths for the brides, and his fourth and final marriage came in 2012. The British press began labeling Lewis, a "cradle robber" and a "baby snatcher," criticizing his performances (which had always been hit-or-miss, depending on the singer's mood, and calling for a boycott of his concerts. from $6.99 1 New from $6.99 Details the love affair between singer Jerry Lee Lewis and his thirteen-year-old cousin, Myra Brown, and the scandal that resulted from their marriage in 1957 Print length 373 pages Language English Publisher St Martins Pr Publication date January 1, 1989 ISBN-10 0312916418 ISBN-13 978-0312916411 See all details [14] Although Brown found the actors to be talented and friendly, she was not satisfied with the book or the film. Fox News Flash top entertainment and celebrity headlines are here. Thats exactly what it was.". We were going to visit a bunch of places in Europe. Photograph: George Little/Daily Mail/Rex/Shutterstock. Second, she was his cousin, and the daughter of his bassist J.W. She described the memoir as her story "of how to overcome life's worst tragedies and your own dumbass decisions.". Great Balls of Fire: The Uncensored Story of Jerry Lee Lewis Jerry later marriedShawn Stephensin 1983, but as she died due to an overdose, they did not have kids together. I find living is nice and calm this way.. When fans learned of this while Lewis was on tour overseas in 1958, it exploded into a . '", Myra Lewis Williams described Jerry Lee Lewis as "a country bumpkin who wore blue jeans and had ears that stuck out" when they first met. Lewis Fired, Then Sued His Daughter. (Photo by Zak Hussein - PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images). She is best known for her controversial marriage at the age of 13 to rock and roll musician Jerry Lee Lewis, who is her first cousin once removed. [10][11] Brown filed for divorce on the grounds of adultery and abuse,[5] stating that she had been "subject to every type of physical and mental abuse imaginable. This created a scene and after a couple of dates, the visit was dropped. You come out of the fire you make it. What was happening back then, rock n roll was coming on very, very strong. Instead director Jim McBride, who co-wrote the script with Jack Baran, ends up simply satirizing the argyle innocence and daffy exuberance of the 50s, according to The Times review. Earthy colored. She is incredibly refreshing to read.. Ronnie was born in 1956, about three years into Jerry and Janes marriage. This time there are no holds barred. I hope my story helps you handle your own ups and downs. My daddy will kill you. And he said, Oh no, he wont. Lewis, who died Friday at age 87, weathered professional exile in 1958 after a reporter covering his arrival in London inquired about the young girl in his entourage who ultimately introduced herself as Jerrys wife.. Brown is a basketball player, and she used to be married to the brother of Lewis's third wife, Myra Gale Brown. She was crying as she moved down the hall. Lewis had been married twice before. ", Williams also described howthe revelation of their marriage hurt Lewis' career, recalling how the musician's "fame and money went down to almost nothing." local news and culture, David Accomazzo The radio stations that didnt play it hated it. She co-wrote the book Great Balls of Fire: The Uncensored Story of Jerry Lee Lewis (1982), which was adapted into the film Great Balls of Fire! Thank you everyone for never giving up!! "Because we have a daughter, Jerry and I remained in contact for many years," she wrote. Myra Gale Brown, however, hadnt been told of the story and failed to follow along with the fib. However, it was discovered that she was only 13, and that they had been married for five months. And, Myra said later, she herself felt ready for marriage. "He told him my parents found [his] marriage license," she said. Would Williams do it all over again if she could? "We dont know, maybe this couple loves each other. Myra Gale Brown Today What Happened To Her. Who are you? And I said, Oh, Im Jerrys wife. I may as well drop the bomb in the middle of London Town.". Though he had gotten married again before his divorce was final, it also came out that his new wife was also his third cousin a 13-year-old named Myra Gale Brown. [6][7] In addition, Lewis had not yet divorced his previous wife, Jane Mitcham. The Strange and Mysterious Death of Mrs. Jerry Lee Lewis She co-wrote many books, such as Great Book Of Fire and The Spark That Survived, and earned people's love and popularity through her book. But Lewis had a storied private life, and his career took a nosedive in the late 1950s, when he married Myra Gale Brown. This was a one-night jam session at Sun Studios. During his 87 years of life Jerry welcomed six kids into his life. 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