Great Balls of Fire
Encyclopedia
"Great Balls of Fire" is a 1957
song
recorded by Jerry Lee Lewis
on Sun Records
and featured in the 1957 movie Jamboree
. It was written by Otis Blackwell
and Jack Hammer. The Jerry Lee Lewis 1957 recording was ranked as the 96th greatest song ever
by Rolling Stone
.
in Memphis, Tennessee
, on October 8, 1957, and released as a 45rpm single
on Sun 281 in November 1957. It reached #2 on the Billboard
pop charts, #3 on the R&B charts, and #1 on the country charts. It also reached #1 on the UK pop charts, appeared on the New Zealand Singles Chart, and the Dutch Top 40.
The song was featured in a performance by Jerry Lee Lewis and his band in the 1957 Warner Brothers rock and roll film Jamboree, which also featured Carl Perkins
, Fats Domino
, Buddy Knox
, and Dick Clark. The recording was also released in the UK on London Records.
The song title is derived from a Southern expression, which some Christians consider blasphemous
, that refers to the Pentecost's
defining moment when the Holy Spirit
manifested itself as "cloven tongues as of fire" and the Apostles spoke in tongues
.
1957 in music
-Events:*January 5 – Renato Carosone and his band start their American tour in Cuba.*January 6 – Elvis Presley makes his final appearance on the The Ed Sullivan Show.*January 16 – The Cavern Club opens in Liverpool, UK....
song
Song
In music, a song is a composition for voice or voices, performed by singing.A song may be accompanied by musical instruments, or it may be unaccompanied, as in the case of a cappella songs...
recorded by Jerry Lee Lewis
Jerry Lee Lewis
Jerry Lee Lewis is an American rock and roll and country music singer-songwriter and pianist. An early pioneer of rock and roll music, Lewis's career faltered after he married his young cousin, and he afterwards made a career extension to country and western music. He is known by the nickname 'The...
on Sun Records
Sun Records
Sun Records is a record label founded in Memphis, Tennessee, starting operations on March 27, 1952.Founded by Sam Phillips, Sun Records was known for giving notable musicians such as Elvis Presley , Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, and Johnny Cash...
and featured in the 1957 movie Jamboree
Jamboree (1957 film)
Jamboree is the name of a black and white 1957 rock 'n' roll motion picture directed by Roy Lockwood that runs for 71 minutes in mono RCA sound...
. It was written by Otis Blackwell
Otis Blackwell
Otis Blackwell was an American songwriter, singer, and pianist, whose work significantly influenced rock 'n' roll...
and Jack Hammer. The Jerry Lee Lewis 1957 recording was ranked as the 96th greatest song ever
The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time
"The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time" was the cover story of a special issue of Rolling Stone, issue number 963, published December 9, 2004, a year after the magazine published its list of "The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time"....
by Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone is a US-based magazine devoted to music, liberal politics, and popular culture that is published every two weeks. Rolling Stone was founded in San Francisco in 1967 by Jann Wenner and music critic Ralph J...
.
Jerry Lee Lewis recording
The song is best known for Jerry Lee Lewis's original recording, which was recorded in the Sun StudioSun Studio
Sun Studio is a recording studio opened by rock pioneer Sam Phillips at 706 Union Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee, on January 3, 1950. It was originally called Memphis Recording Service, sharing the same building with the Sun Records label business...
in Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis is a city in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of Tennessee, and the county seat of Shelby County. The city is located on the 4th Chickasaw Bluff, south of the confluence of the Wolf and Mississippi rivers....
, on October 8, 1957, and released as a 45rpm single
Single (music)
In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...
on Sun 281 in November 1957. It reached #2 on the Billboard
Billboard (magazine)
Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis...
pop charts, #3 on the R&B charts, and #1 on the country charts. It also reached #1 on the UK pop charts, appeared on the New Zealand Singles Chart, and the Dutch Top 40.
The song was featured in a performance by Jerry Lee Lewis and his band in the 1957 Warner Brothers rock and roll film Jamboree, which also featured Carl Perkins
Carl Perkins
Carl Lee Perkins was an American rockabilly musician who recorded most notably at Sun Records Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, beginning during 1954...
, Fats Domino
Fats Domino
Antoine Dominique "Fats" Domino, Jr. is an American R&B and rock and roll pianist and singer-songwriter. He was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Creole was his first language....
, Buddy Knox
Buddy Knox
Buddy Knox was an American singer and songwriter, best known for his 1957 rockabilly hit song, "Party Doll".-Biography:...
, and Dick Clark. The recording was also released in the UK on London Records.
The song title is derived from a Southern expression, which some Christians consider blasphemous
Blasphemy
Blasphemy is irreverence towards religious or holy persons or things. Some countries have laws to punish blasphemy, while others have laws to give recourse to those who are offended by blasphemy...
, that refers to the Pentecost's
Pentecostalism
Pentecostalism is a diverse and complex movement within Christianity that places special emphasis on a direct personal experience of God through the baptism in the Holy Spirit, has an eschatological focus, and is an experiential religion. The term Pentecostal is derived from Pentecost, the Greek...
defining moment when the Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit is a term introduced in English translations of the Hebrew Bible, but understood differently in the main Abrahamic religions.While the general concept of a "Spirit" that permeates the cosmos has been used in various religions Holy Spirit is a term introduced in English translations of...
manifested itself as "cloven tongues as of fire" and the Apostles spoke in tongues
Glossolalia
Glossolalia or speaking in tongues is the fluid vocalizing of speech-like syllables, often as part of religious practice. The significance of glossolalia has varied with time and place, with some considering it a part of a sacred language...
.
Chart performance
| Chart (1957–1958) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Dutch Singles Chart | 30 |
| New Zealand Singles Chart | 8 |
| UK Singles Chart | 1 |
| U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles | 1 |
| U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | 2 |
Legacy
- Monty PythonMonty PythonMonty Python was a British surreal comedy group who created their influential Monty Python's Flying Circus, a British television comedy sketch show that first aired on the BBC on 5 October 1969. Forty-five episodes were made over four series...
references the song's title in the "World Forum" sketch, a fake game show, as heard on the live album Monty Python Live at City CenterMonty Python Live at City CenterMonty Python Live at City Center is an album released by Monty Python. It was recorded at the New York City Center in 1976. It was a live album only released in the United States. A CD version was later released in 1997. The sketches come from the television series, with small variations, and Neil...
. Terry GilliamTerry GilliamTerrence Vance "Terry" Gilliam is an American-born British screenwriter, film director, animator, actor and member of the Monty Python comedy troupe. Gilliam is also known for directing several films, including Brazil , The Adventures of Baron Munchausen , The Fisher King , and 12 Monkeys...
, portraying Mao Tse-tung, says the song title as the only correct answer the "distinguished panel" offers in the early rounds. The song was used for the New York CityNew York CityNew York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
audience in place of "Sing, Little BirdieSing, Little Birdie"Sing, Little Birdie" is the title of the 1959 UK Eurovision entrant which took second place at Eurovision 1959. Performed by husband-and-wife duo Pearl Carr & Teddy Johnson, "Sing, Little Birdie" was the first UK Eurovision entrant to be recorded reaching #12 UK.Pearl Carr & Teddy Johnson...
," which was the song title used in the original sketch.
- Levi Kreis, portraying Jerry Lee Lewis, sang "Great Balls of Fire" in the Broadway musical "Million Dollar Quartet," which opened in New York in April, 2010; and Kreis covered the song on the "Million Dollar Quartet" original Broadway cast recording (copyright 2010 by MDQ Merchandising, LLC). Levi Kreis won a 2010 Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Jerry Lee Lewis in “Million Dollar Quartet.”
Other recordings
- The CricketsThe CricketsThe Crickets are a rock & roll band from Lubbock, Texas, formed by singer/songwriter Buddy Holly in the 1950s. Their first hit record was "That'll Be the Day", released in 1957....
released their version of the song in 1960 on their album, "In Style With The Crickets." - Gary Lewis and the Playboys released a cover of this song in 1970 as the B-Side to the song "I'm On The Right Road Now."
- New Grass RevivalNew Grass RevivalNew Grass Revival was an American progressive bluegrass band founded in 1971, and composed of Sam Bush, Courtney Johnson, Ebo Walker, Curtis Burch, Butch Robins, John Cowan, Béla Fleck and Pat Flynn. They were active between 1971 and 1989, releasing more than twenty albums as well as six singles....
recorded a high-speed bluegrass version of the song on their 1972 album The Arrival of the New Grass Revival. - Electric Light OrchestraElectric Light OrchestraElectric Light Orchestra were a British rock group from Birmingham who released eleven studio albums between 1971 and 1986 and another album in 2001. ELO were formed to accommodate Roy Wood and Jeff Lynne's desire to create modern rock and pop songs with classical overtones...
recorded a version for their 1974 The Night the Light Went on (in Long Beach)The Night the Light Went On (In Long Beach)The Night the Light Went On in Long Beach is a 1974 live album by the Electric Light Orchestra recorded at the Long Beach Auditorium on the evening of 12 May 1974 Long Beach, California and its title lampoons The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia by Vicki Lawrence from '73.-History:Although this...
live album. - Dolly PartonDolly PartonDolly Rebecca Parton is an American singer-songwriter, author, multi-instrumentalist, actress and philanthropist, best known for her work in country music. Dolly Parton has appeared in movies like 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Steel Magnolias and Straight Talk...
recorded a version in 1979. - Amii StewartAmii StewartAmy 'Amii' Paulette Stewart is an American contemporary R&B/disco/dance-pop singer, dancer and actress most famous for her hit disco record "Knock on Wood". Stewart is the stepsister of actress-singer Miquel Brown and aunt to Brown's actress-singer daughter Sinitta.-Career:Amy Stewart was the...
recorded a version on her 1981 album ImagesImages (Amii Stewart album)Images is a studio album by Amii Stewart released in April 1981. The album yielded three European single releases, "My Guy/My Girl" , "Where Did Our Love Go", and "Great Balls Of Fire" and had been followed by single "Rocky Woman" which was also included on the Mexican edition...
. - Alvin and the ChipmunksAlvin and the ChipmunksAlvin and the Chipmunks is an American animated music group created by Ross Bagdasarian, Sr. in 1958. The group consists of three singing animated anthropomorphic chipmunks: Alvin, the mischievous troublemaker, who quickly became the star of the group; Simon, the tall, bespectacled intellectual;...
recorded a version for "The Amazing Chipmunks," a 1988 episode of their TV seriesAlvin and the Chipmunks (TV series)Alvin and the Chipmunks is an American animated television series featuring The Chipmunks, produced by Bagdasarian Productions in association with Ruby-Spears Enterprises from 1983–87, and DIC Entertainment from 1988-90....
. - OV7OV7OV7 is a Latin pop group from Mexico that formed in May of 1989 but it was until the early 1990s as the would begin to make their mark. With over 22 years of career and have had several hits in the Latin American charts.The group disbanded in 2003...
, originally called "La Onda Vaselina" made a version in Spanish called "Grandes luces de fuego" in 1989. - Fleetwood MacFleetwood MacFleetwood Mac are a British–American rock band formed in 1967 in London.The only original member present in the band is its eponymous drummer, Mick Fleetwood...
, included the track on the 1999 release of the Shrine '69 live album which was recorded at the Shrine AuditoriumShrine AuditoriumThe Shrine Auditorium is a landmark large-event venue, in Los Angeles, California, USA. It is also the headquarters of the Al Malaikah Temple, a division of the Shriners.-History:...
in 1969 - The Misfits recorded a version in 2003 for their Project 1950Project 1950-Chart positions:-Bonus DVD:# "This Magic Moment"# "Dream Lover"# "Diana"# "Donna"# "Runaway"*Tracks 1-4, recorded at the Phillips US Open Snowboarding Championships*Track 5, recorded live, at The World in NYCBonus Material...
album. - TeiturTeiturTeitur is a male given name. In Old Norse the word means happy. In Modern Faroese, it is archaic but used as a male given name.-People:*Teitur Lassen , a musical artist from Faroe Islands....
recorded a version in 2006, released on the Stay Under the StarsStay Under the StarsStay Under The Stars is the critically acclaimed second major album by Teitur Lassen, released in Scandinavia in May 2006, and in the rest of the world in September 2006. It was recorded in London at Kensaltown Studios and produced by Martin Terefe...
album. - The French singer DorothéeDorothéeDorothée , the stage name of Frédérique Hoschedé, is a French singer and TV presenter.- Biography :1. Her childhood :...
recorded a duet with Jerry Lee Lewis in 1992, released on the Une histoire d'amour album. - OffenbachOffenbach (band)Offenbach is a Quebec blues rock band, initially active from 1969 to 1985. Following a successful reunion tour in 1996, the band released a new album in 2005.-History:...
included the song on the live DVD of the album Ultime (2007). - Dean DelannoitDean DelannoitDean Delannoit is the winner of Idool 2007, the Belgian version of Pop Idol. His first album, So Many Ways, released in 2007, spent 11 weeks in the #1 spot in the Belgian charts.- Songs Performed on Idool 2007:...
, record the song for his debut album (2007). - Tiny TimTiny Tim (musician)Tiny Tim , , born in Manhattan, was an American singer and ukulele player. He was most famous for his rendition of "Tiptoe Through the Tulips" sung in a distinctive high falsetto/vibrato voice.-Rise to fame:Born to Lebanese parents in 1932, Khaury displayed musical talent at a very young age...
recorded a version as the b-side to "Tiptoe Through the TulipsTiptoe Through the Tulips"Tiptoe Through the Tulips" is a popular song originally published in 1929. The song was written by Al Dubin and Joe Burke .‘Crooning Troubadour’ Nick Lucas’ recording of "Tip-Toe Through The Tulips" hit the top of the charts in May 1929. The song he introduced in the 1929 musical talkie Gold...
." - American Doo Wop band The FlamingosThe FlamingosThe Flamingos were a doo wop group from the United States, most popular in the mid to late 1950s and best known for their 1959 cover version of "I Only Have Eyes for You".-Early quintet:...
recorded a version on their album "Unspoken Emotions." - Johnny WinterJohnny WinterJohn Dawson "Johnny" Winter III is an American blues guitarist, singer, and producer. Best known for his late 1960s and 1970s high-energy blues-rock albums and live performances, Winter also produced three Grammy Award-winning albums for blues legend Muddy Waters...
, recorded a version on the album "Johnny Winter And.... Live." - Seamus, a stereotyped pirate from the animated show "Family GuyFamily GuyFamily Guy is an American animated television series created by Seth MacFarlane for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The series centers on the Griffins, a dysfunctional family consisting of parents Peter and Lois; their children Meg, Chris, and Stewie; and their anthropomorphic pet dog Brian...
," performed the song in a church organist audition as seen on the episode "Boys Do CryBoys Do Cry"Boys Do Cry" is the fifteenth episode of Family Guy's fifth season, originally airing on the Fox TV Channel on April 29, 2007. The episode follows the Griffin family after Lois gets a job as an organist at the local church, and she insists that the rest of the family go to church with her...
" (season 5). - A version of the song served as the theme song for the MadballsMadballsMadballs were a series of toy rubber balls created by AmToy, a subsidiary company of American Greetings in the mid-1980s.The toys incorporated gross-out humor in the vein of Wacky Packages and Garbage Pail Kids...
animated series. - Mae WestMae WestMae West was an American actress, playwright, screenwriter and sex symbol whose entertainment career spanned seven decades....
did a version on the album titled with the same name. - The Jolly BoysThe Jolly BoysThe Jolly Boys is a mento band from Port Antonio, Jamaica. It was formed in 1955 and had great commercial success in the late 1980s and 1990s among reggae and world music fans...
covered this song for the Old Jamaica Ginger Beer advert in 2010 and is also on their album Great Expectation. - Top GunTop GunTop Gun may refer to:* Top Gun is a 1986 film starring Tom Cruise.**Top Gun , soundtrack to the movie**Top Gun , a number of games based on the movie...
"Goose" and "Maverick" perform this song while Goose plays the piano.