Why Did Jerry Lee Lewis Marry His Cousin

Alright, gather 'round, folks. We're about to dive into a tale that's as wild as a honky-tonk piano solo and as close to home as your family reunion. You know, like when your Aunt Karen brings her famous Jell-O salad, and you can't help but wonder, "Why did I eat that?" Well, today we're asking, "Why did Jerry Lee Lewis marry his cousin?"

First Things First: Who's Jerry Lee Lewis?

If you're drawing a blank, imagine Elvis, but with a whole lot more fire in his fingers and a whole lot less hair on his head. Jerry Lee Lewis, the "Killer," was a rock 'n' roll pioneer who could tickle the ivories like nobody's business. He was a wild one, known for his high-energy performances and, well, let's just say he didn't always play by the rules.

Now, About That Cousin...

Her name was Myra Gale Brown, and she was Jerry Lee's first cousin once removed. Imagine your cousin's kid, but instead of being a cute little troublemaker, she's a talented singer with a voice like an angel. That was Myra. She grew up in the same small town as Jerry Lee, and they were close, like family is. But how did they go from being cousins to being husband and wife?

Well, buckle up, because here's where things get a little... interesting.

Love at First... Cousin?

Now, I'm not saying Jerry Lee and Myra were lovestruck at first sight. But when they started performing together, something clicked. It was like when you finally figure out how to make your mom's famous chocolate chip cookies, and suddenly, you're in love with baking. They had chemistry, both on and off stage.

But here's the thing: they were young. Jerry Lee was just 23, and Myra was a mere 13 years old when they tied the knot. Yeah, you read that right. Thirteen. Now, I'm not here to judge, but let's just say, if you're thinking about marrying a teenager, you might want to reconsider. Or, you know, just wait a few years.

How Jerry Lee Lewis's Marriage To His 13 Year Old Cousin Impacted His

When in Rome... Or, You Know, Louisiana

You might be thinking, "Why would Jerry Lee do such a thing?" Well, remember, we're talking about the 1950s in the American South. Back then, marrying a cousin wasn't as big a deal as it is today. In fact, it was pretty common. It's like when you're at a buffet, and you see someone loading up their plate with mac 'n' cheese and fried chicken. You might think, "Wow, that's a lot of carbs," but then you remember, "Hey, it's a buffet! When in Rome, right?"

So, Jerry Lee and Myra got hitched, and they were happy. They had two kids together and made some beautiful music. But their marriage wasn't without its ups and downs. After all, they were still cousins, and that can make for some interesting family dynamics.

When Cousins Just Don't Mix

Fast forward a few years, and the marriage was on the rocks. Jerry Lee was struggling with his career, and he was known to have a bit of a wild streak. It's like when you're trying to make a big pot of chili, but you add too much hot sauce, and suddenly, it's inedible. That's what happened with Jerry Lee and Myra. They just didn't mix anymore.

Jerry Lee Lewis, the end of a line of early rock greats, is no longer

In 1970, they called it quits. But even after the divorce, they remained close. I mean, they were family, after all. And in the South, family is everything. It's like when you have that one aunt who drives you crazy, but you still love her because, well, she's family.

So, Why Did Jerry Lee Lewis Marry His Cousin?

At the end of the day, it's a question that doesn't have a simple answer. Maybe it was love, maybe it was the times they were living in, maybe it was just a wild, crazy decision made by a wild, crazy man. But one thing's for sure: it made for one heck of a story.

And that, my friends, is why we're still talking about it today. So, the next time you're at a family reunion, looking at your cousin's kid, and you think, "Huh, they're kinda cute," just remember Jerry Lee Lewis. And then, you know, don't do what he did. Because, well, it's the 21st century now. We've got Tinder for that.