The rock ‘n’ roll musician, best known for his electrifying hit “Great Balls of Fire,” led a life full of controversy and passion. This rock ‘n’ roll musician made headlines not just for his music but also for his personal life—most notably when he married his thirteen-year-old cousin, Myra Gale Brown. Before rising to fame, the rock ‘n’ roll musician faced early setbacks, including being expelled from Southwest Bible Institute for playing what school officials called “devil’s music.” Determined to pursue his dreams, he began performing in Natchez, Mississippi, where he played music to make a living and slowly built his reputation as a dynamic performer.
Over the course of his life, the rock ‘n’ roll musician walked down the aisle seven times. His first marriage was to Dorothy Barton on February 21, 1952. He then married Jane Mitchum on September 15, 1953, followed by his high-profile union with Myra Lewis on December 12, 1957. Later in life, he tied the knot with Jaren Elizabeth Gunn Pate on October 7, 1971, Shawn Stephens on June 7, 1983, Kerrie McCarver on April 24, 1984, and finally Judith Brown on March 9, 2012. Through these relationships, the rock ‘n’ roll musician became a father six times, leaving behind both a musical legacy and a complex personal history.
He was the final surviving figure from the legendary Sun Records Million Dollar Quartet, a group that left an indelible mark on music history. Over time, his powerful stage presence and unmistakable style earned him a lasting reputation, and he eventually became widely known as The Killer—a name that stuck and echoed through generations. He carried that legacy with pride, standing as a living testament to a golden era of rock ‘n’ roll. As The Killer, he not only shaped the sound of a generation but also remained the last link to that iconic quartet, preserving its spirit long after the others had passed. The Killer’s influence endured, and his story continued to inspire countless fans and musicians alike.