In light of the recent passing of rock and roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis, GRAMMY Museum Mississippi has named its 2022 Gala “The Great Ball of Fire.”
Lewis, a four-time Grammy award winner, passed away on October 28 at his home in DeSoto County.
The sold-out event, which will be held on Thursday, November 17, will feature a reception, dinner and cocktails, live music, and a silent and live auction.
Pianist Jacob Tolliver, who portrays Lewis in the musical Million Dollar Quartet, and local Mississippi band the Compozitionz will also give special performances dedicated to the late musician.
“While our upcoming Gala will be bittersweet as we are honoring the legendary Jerry Lee Lewis, who recently passed away, we are grateful to be able to celebrate his life and career achievements,” Emily Havens, Executive Director of GRAMMY Museum Mississippi said. “We are thrilled to welcome Jacob Tolliver as a performer at the event and look forward to offering our attendees an incredible lineup of auction items to bid on.”
Items from Grammy-winning artists are set to be featured during a live and silent auction, including:
- Guitars autographed by Dickey Betts, Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, and more
- A special package to Gaylord Opryland in Nashville
- Tickets to the 65th Annual GRAMMY Awards
- An original painting by Wyatt Waters
The silent auction will be held on BiddingforGood.com.
All proceeds from this year’s gala will benefit the museum’s educational program, which seeks to use music as a gateway to learning by inspiring and cultivating creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression.
During the gala, GRAMMY Museum Mississippi will also posthumously honor Lewis by naming him the fourth recipient of the Crossroads of American Music Award. The award is given to artists who have made significant musical contributions influenced by the creativity born in the cradle of American music, with past recipients including the late Charley Pride, Bobby Rush, and Marty Stuart.
For more information about the museum’s “The Great Ball of Fire” gala, click here.
