A CD just came in to the radio station today. We don’t get much rock music, as it’s not a rock station. But some labels just send their stuff to everything with call letters, just in case. This time, it was an unexpected and special gift. It’s called “Last Man Standing: The Duets,” and has that title because of all the original Sun Records artists who made history, Jerry Lee is the last man standing.
Jerry Lee Lewis will be 71 years old on September 29th. He has got together with an array of 21 rock and country legends to record some of their songs - not have them jam with him on his songs. It runs the gamut, from Jimmy Page (“Rock And Roll”) and John Fogerty (“Travelin’ Band”) and Bruce Springsteen (“Pink Cadillac”) through performances with Little Richard, Ringo Starr, BB King, Neil Young, three of the Stones, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Williie Nelson, Buddy Guy and Eric Clapton! (among others).
You would not believe it. This guy is still rocking his ass off! I hope I have a fraction of the energy at 70 that he expended just on “Travelin’ Band,” which they played at breakneck speed. Unfuckingbelievable performance. You can tell on each of these tracks that they aren’t one-off jams, like Paul McCartney’s oldies albums. They put rehearsal and care into it, but still played live and kept the best takes.
I know you can’t get it yet. But in case it doesn’t even get any airplay, I’m telling you about it now so that when it comes out on Sep 26th, you might look for a copy. They don’t call him The Killer for nothin’.