Many people know Jerry Lee Lewis as the rock and roll pioneer who sang hits like “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On”. But did you know that he was also related to Jimmy Swaggart, the famous televangelist and gospel singer? In this article, we will explore the surprising truth about their family ties and their complicated relationship.
The Cousins from Ferriday
Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart were born in Ferriday, Louisiana, a small town near the Mississippi River. They were double first cousins, meaning they shared both sets of grandparents. Their fathers were brothers who married sisters, creating a complex web of interrelated families.
According to Celeb Doko, Jerry and Jimmy were not the only musical talents in their family. They also had another cousin, Mickey Gilley, who became a country music star. All three of them learned to play piano at a young age and often got together to jam.
However, their musical paths diverged as they grew older. Jerry Lee Lewis embraced rock and roll, a genre that was considered rebellious and sinful by many conservative Christians at the time. Jimmy Swaggart followed his father’s footsteps and became a Pentecostal preacher and gospel singer. Mickey Gilley pursued country music, which was more mainstream and acceptable.
The Scandals and the Feuds
Despite their different careers, Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart remained in contact over the years. However, their relationship was not always smooth. Both of them faced scandals that tarnished their reputations and strained their bond.
Jerry Lee Lewis caused a controversy in 1958 when he married his 13-year-old cousin, Myra Gale Brown. The marriage was legal in Louisiana, but it shocked the public and damaged his career. He was also accused of bigamy, as he had not divorced his previous wife before marrying Myra.
Jimmy Swaggart also faced a scandal in 1988 when he was caught with a prostitute in a motel room. The incident was exposed by another televangelist, Marvin Gorman, whom Swaggart had accused of having an affair. Swaggart confessed his sin on national television, but he was defrocked by the Assemblies of God denomination.
According to Boy Sets Fire, Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart had a feud over their scandals. Jerry felt that Jimmy was hypocritical for preaching against rock and roll while engaging in immoral behavior. Jimmy felt that Jerry was disrespectful for mocking his apology and calling him names.
The Reconciliation and the Legacy
Despite their conflicts, Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart eventually reconciled their relationship. They both expressed admiration and respect for each other’s talents and achievements. They also shared a common faith in God and a love for gospel music.
Jerry Lee Lewis died on October 28, 2022, at the age of 87. He had been suffering from pneumonia for a long time. He left behind a legacy of rock and roll music that influenced generations of artists.
Jimmy Swaggart is still alive as of January 2022. He is 87 years old and continues to preach and sing on his television ministry, SonLife Broadcasting Network. He also runs a Bible college and a church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart were two cousins who rose to fame in different fields of music. They had a complicated relationship that was marked by scandals and feuds, but also by reconciliation and respect. They were both related by blood and by faith..
