Jerry Lee Lewis was a star who lived life dangerously close to the edge | Bob Stanley

Beloved for his music but also known for his off-stage extremities, the late singer leaves behind a difficult legacy

Jerry Lee Lewis was waiting in the lobby of the William Morris Agency, New York, one day in 1958. The receptionist was very attractive and, as he loved to, he began to tell her of life on the road, of how he nearly pushed Paul Anka off the roof of a hotel, all kinds of wildness. After a while, he paused. What if I told you that none of that was true?" he asked her.

She looked crestfallen. Please don't tell me that. That's the Jerry Lee Lewis I know. The one people love."