THE NEWS STORY ...
A Jerry Lee Lewis Christmas Party
by Rockabilly Hall of Fame Inductee/Reporter Burl Boykin
A Christmas Party hosted by Jerry Lee Lewis honoring Sheriff James A. Riley of Hernando, Mississipi was held Thursday, December 9, 1999. The event was held at the Four Points Sheridan Hotel in Memphis, TN, with a prime rib dinner served from 7 to 8 pm. 90 minutes of entertainment was provided by Jerry Lee. Over 2000 folks came to see one of the greatest entertainers era - "the legendary Jerry Lee Lewis." This $100 a plate dinner party was a fund raiser for Sheriff Riley, a close personal friend of Jerry Lee and his wife, Kerrie McCarver Lewis. After the delicious meal and the chocolate moose dessert, the "Killer" took the stage to do his famous renditions of: "Great Balls of Fire," (Big Bopper's) "Chantilly Lace," "Whole Lotta Shankin'," "You Win Again," "Mabelene," "School Days," "Johnny B. Goode," "Cold Cold Heart," and many others.
                The dance floor was jammed with guests dancing to the fast and slow songs of the hottest act of the '50s in show bsuiness. Kerri did a beautiful Christmas song while dancing and singing with Sherrif Riley. Jerry Lee and Kerrie presented the sheriff with a plaque for his many years of fine service to the citizens of DeSota County, Mississippi.
                Singer and TV artist Eddie Bond was also recognized for his contributions to law enforcement and for Eddie's new hit single "Ode to Bufford Pusser." Eddie and his wife Gladys then presented Burl Boykin (a/k/a Colonel Johnny Crash) an Honorary Plaque from the Governor of Tennessee, Don Sunquist. Other guests in attendance were Commander Jimmy Dunn, Todd Pulse, Cousin Bo-Jack, Shane Swindle, Norris "Fish" Fisher, The McCarver Sisters (Kerrie, Sherrie & Dedee) and their proud father Bob McCarver who promotes the girls. Bob and his wife also celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary that night.
                Before the evening began, reporter/guest/photographer Burl Boykin entered Jerry Lee's bus. Burl met his old friend Kenny Lovelace. and they exchanged hugs and greetings. Jerry Lee was inside the bus with a new edition to the Lewis family - a liter of puppies just delivered by veteranian Dr. Ed Franklin, the chairman of this gala event. Jerry Lee had a big smile on his face as his wife Kerrie and his son stood by. Jerry Lee commented, "What a way to spend Christmas, with my wife, my son, my puppies and party with my friends. I'm ready to play and rock 'em." And that he did - what a night!

- posted December 21, 1999