The comedic genius, Jerry Lewis raised a tremendous amount of money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association through his annual telethon over the years. Seeing that this is a Beatles blog, you may be asking what has Jerry Lewis to do with the Beatles. In the 70s and 80s John Lennon, Paul McCarney, & Ringo Starr all made guest musical appearances on Jerry’s telethon. Jerry was keenly aware of the importance of the Beatles to popular culture. Recently I acquired this wonderful signed and inscribed photo collage of Jerry Lewis from a wonderful Beatles author who I have acquired quite a few signatures from for my collection.
Jerry Lewis passed away in 2017. Jerry Lewis and the Beatles had comedy as a common theme in their repertoire. They both had the ability to bring smiles and laughter to their audiences. They say that most great comedians become great in their vocation due to their comedy being a vaccine for the internal psychological hurt and depression that they may be feeling, witness the late Robin Williams as an example. It is rumored that Jerry Lewis could be moody and had a volatile personality. That personality type has also been ascribed to Beatles-founder, John Lennon. All I know is Jerry Lewis and the Beatles always made me laugh… and that is a precious gift to be able to offer to anyone!!!
Saw all of these wonderful links on YouTube that pertain to Jerry Lewis and John, Paul & Ringo on his telethon:
John Lennon & Yoko Ono Jerry Lewis Telethon
A negative review of the Lennon/Ono appearance on the telethon:
When John Lennon performed on the Jerry Lee Lewis Telethon
Paul performs Lucille on a video sent to MDA:
Rockestra with Paul McCartney and Pete Townshend – “Lucille” (1981) – MDA Telethon
Ringo Starr & Bill Wyman answering phones on the Jerry Lewis Telethon 1979
Ringo Starr – Boys | 1989 | MDA Telethon
Ringo Starr w/ Todd Rundgren, Bill Wyman & others – Jumpin’ Jack Flash | 1979 | MDA Telethon
Todd Rundgren, Bill Wyman, Ringo Starr & Others – “Money (That’s What I Want)” (1979) – MDA Telthon
Jerry Lewis’ son was also a musician. He and his band had quite a few hits during the time of the British invasion:
NEW * This Diamond Ring – Gary Lewis & The Playboys [Color] {Stereo} 1965
Father & son do the Beatles Help:
Jerry Lewis & Gary Lewis – Help (Lennon – McCartney) 1965
‘Method to the Madness of Jerry Lewis’ on Encore – Review – The New York Times
Listen to this this interview with Jerry Lewis’ son:
“My Dad was jealous of me”: Gary Lewis, “Gary Lewis and the Playboys”
The special relationship Jerry Lewis had with France:
‘LE TELETHON’-JERRY’S PITCH COMES TO FRANCE – The Washington Post
And to fittingly close this post is an article from our friend, Madeline Bocaro about John and Yoko’s appearance on the Jerry Lewis telethon in 1972:
When John Lennon and Yoko Ono Helped Jerry Lewis | Best Classic Bands
Hope you enjoyed this post and it brought a smile to your face!
Be healthy and be happy!
Buzz
