The Feud Between Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis: A Rivalry Fueled by Early Rock ‘n’ Roll Uproar

Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis were two of the biggest names in early rock and roll, but their relationship was not entirely harmonious. The two musicians had a rivalry that was burning bright in the early years of the genre, with public disagreements and notable incidents marking their competitive tensions. However, over time, their feud seemed to diminish, and they even made amends to some extent later in their careers.

Rivalry in the Early Days

Both Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis were prominent figures in the music industry during the 1950s and 1960s. Their rivalry was fueled by the competitive tensions in the music industry, where both were aiming for fame and success. A notable incident occurred during a concert where Lewis wanted to close the show but was told he could not. In a move to sabotage the show, Lewis set his piano on fire, making it harder for Berry to engage the audience.

While there are different accounts of the incident, some suggest it may have been racially motivated, as Lewis was upset about being billed under a black performer. However, no such issue was reported before or after this incident involving other artists.

Public Disagreements and Tensions

The rivalry was not just limited to one incident but manifested in public disagreements and a series of notable incidents. Their personalities and strong stances on issues contributed to the heightened tensions. For instance, in one incident, a DJ/promoter named Alan Freed tried to line up a show featuring Buddy Holly and the Crickets with Chuck Berry. Allegedly, Jerry Lee set his piano on fire to ensure Berry’s performance would not overshadow his. While the truth of this incident is debatable, it is an interesting theory.

A Minor Feud or a Personal Joke?

Despite the various accounts of their rivalry, there is a persistent belief that the feud might have been a minor incident involving billing. According to some accounts, the incident occurred on a single night when both musicians were perhaps not on amicable terms. It is said that as Berry won final billing, Lewis lit his piano on fire for the last number, played on, and even taunted Berry with a playful challenge: “top that!”

Respect and Reconciliation

While the rivalry was strong and notable, it did seem to diminish over time. In subsequent years, both musicians expressed respect for each other’s talents, and moments of reconciliation were not uncommon. They even shared the stage on various occasions, including the 1986 event where they performed together. The tension between them appeared to be more of a display of their competitive natures rather than a deep-seated feud.

Conclusion

Overall, while there was a rivalry between Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis, it seems to have diminished over time. They did make amends to some extent later in their careers, and there were genuine moments of respect and admiration. Their competitive nature was part of what made them both giants of rock and roll.