Jerry Lee Lewis, nicknamed “The Killer,” was a pioneering American rock and roll and country music singer, songwriter, and pianist. Known for his energetic stage presence and flamboyant piano style, he was a vital force in the genre’s formative years. Lewis was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, and his contributions to music have been recognized with multiple Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005. He has several hits songs like “Great Balls of Fire”, “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” and many more.
Released in 1958, “Breathless” is one of Jerry Lee Lewis’s signature rock and roll songs. The song, penned by Otis Blackwell, quickly climbed the charts, solidifying Lewis’s position as a rock and roll icon. “Breathless” reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 and number four on the UK Singles Chart, becoming another international hit for the artist.
The song’s lyrics portray the exhilarating and overwhelming feeling of being completely captivated by someone’s charm. The singer is so smitten that he’s left “breathless,” struggling to contain his emotions. This raw, uninhibited expression of desire resonated powerfully with audiences, especially teenagers experiencing the intensity of first love.
“Breathless” was received with immense enthusiasm from fans and critics alike. Its infectious energy, combined with Lewis’s dynamic vocal delivery and signature piano playing, made it an instant classic. Many praised the song’s raw emotion and simple yet effective lyrics. The song contributed to fuel the “rock and roll” revolution that took over America.
