Some 50 years after amassing a long list of hits, including “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Good Golly Miss Molly” and “Great Balls of Fire,” Jerry Lee Lewis recently returned to the charts with Last Man Standing, a new album featuring all-star duet versions of his signature songs. On GREAT PERFORMANCES tonight, “The Killer” brings down the house with an exhilarating new concert performance featuring his hits and special duet performances with heavy hitters Willie Nelson, Norah Jones, John Fogerty, Kris Kristofferson, Ron Wood, Tom Jones, Chris Isaak, Don Henley, Buddy Guy, Solomon Burke, Merle Haggard and Kid Rock. While a majority of the duet partners might be considered classic themselves, most have remained vital and contemporary. Burke was recently nominated for a Best Country Collaboration with Vocals Grammy for his duet with Dolly Parton. Fogarty tore it up on the road last summer with Willie Nelson, who’s own album, You Don’t Know Me: The Songs Of Cindy Walker, was up for a Grammy for Best Country Album.
It was also announced today in the Tennessean that Kris Kristofferson will be this year’s recipient of the CMT Johnny Cash Visionary Award.
Of the younger duet partners, Norah Jones of course has a fine new album out, Not Too Late. The album features thirteen new songs, all written or co-written by Jones.
It’s going to be a stellar night of music.