Jerry Lee Lewis, one of the pioneers of rock n 'roll with hits such as "Great Balls of Fire", has died at the age of 87 of natural causes, his press officer said.
Lewis passed away at his home in Desoto County, Mississippi, with his wife Judith at his side.
Born in Ferriday, Louisiana, Jerry Lee Lewis had learned to play the piano on his own at the age of nine.
And at 14, he had first performed in public at a local car dealership.
He had recently entered the Country Hall of Fame.
'Great Balls of fire', his most famous song, has become one of the symbols of pop culture and also part of the soundtrack of the movie 'Top Gun'.
His was a rebellious and often outrageous talent, his energy and his ego clashed with perfection in playing the piano.
His other big hits include 'Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin 'On'.
In the controversial private life also the scandal of a marriage with a 13-year-old cousin who later denounced him for physical and mental violence.
Lewis was the last survivor of a generation of revolutionary artists that included Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry and Little Richard.