Myra Gale Brown is a name that echoes through the annals of rock ‘n’ roll history. Best known for her controversial marriage to legendary rock star Jerry Lee Lewis, Myra’s life was thrust into the public eye at an early age. While most know her as the child bride of one of music’s most infamous figures, Myra’s story is far more complex. This article will explore who Myra Gale Brown is beyond the headlines, focusing on her journey, challenges, and triumphs.
Early Life of Myra Gale Brown
Born July 11, 1944, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Myra Gale Brown grew up in a modest household. Her father, J.W. Brown, was a bass player who significantly influenced her early years, particularly in shaping her connection to the music world. Growing up in the South during rapid cultural change, a sense of simplicity marked Myra’s early life, but that would soon change dramatically.
As the daughter of a musician, Myra was surrounded by the rhythms and beats of the evolving rock and roll era. This proximity to the music industry led to her fateful meeting with Jerry Lee Lewis, a cousin by marriage, which would change her life forever.
The Controversial Marriage to Jerry Lee Lewis
In 1957, when Myra Gale Brown was just 13 years old, she married Jerry Lee Lewis, who was 22 at the time. The marriage shocked the world because of her young age, and Jerry Lee Lewis was her first cousin once removed. This union sparked a massive scandal, with the public and media condemning it as immoral and inappropriate.
At the time, Jerry Lee Lewis was at the height of his career, with hits like “Great Balls of Fire” making him a household name. However, once the details of his marriage to Myra became public, his career took a nosedive. Concerts were canceled, and radio stations stopped playing his songs. Myra, a child, was at the center of this firestorm.
Despite the controversy, Myra Gale Brown remained married to Jerry Lee Lewis for 13 years, during which time their marriage experienced incredible highs and devastating lows.
Impact of the Marriage on Myra’s Life
The marriage profoundly impacted Myra Gale Brown, who was thrust into adulthood in her early teens. The intense media scrutiny made it difficult for her to lead an everyday life. Public opinion was overwhelmingly negative, and Myra often found herself isolated and misunderstood.
- Emotional Toll: The pressure from the public eye, combined with the tumultuous nature of her marriage, took a toll on Myra’s mental and emotional well-being. She later revealed that she struggled to cope with the challenges of being married at a young age.
- Personal Growth: Despite the difficulties, Myra showed remarkable resilience. Over the years, she found ways to assert her independence and develop her identity, separate from her famous husband.
Motherhood and Family Life
Myra Gale Brown became a mother at 14, giving birth to the couple’s first child, Steve Allen Lewis. She later had a daughter, Phoebe Allen Lewis. Motherhood brought new challenges for Myra Gale Brown, as she had to balance her role as a mother with the demands of being married to a rock star.
Tragedy struck in 1962 when her son, Steve, drowned in the family swimming pool. This devastating loss marked a turning point in Myra’s life as she struggled to cope with the grief of losing her child.
While her marriage to Jerry Lee Lewis ended in divorce in 1970, Myra remained a devoted mother to her daughter Phoebe. She often described motherhood as her most outstanding achievement, which gave her the strength to move forward despite her hardships.
Life After Divorce: Building Her Legacy
After her divorce from Jerry Lee Lewis, Myra Gale Brown took significant steps to rebuild her life. She returned to school, earned a degree in journalism, and began forging a new path, separate from the notoriety of her former life. Her desire to establish her identity was a driving force behind many of her post-divorce decisions.
- Career in Journalism: Myra pursued a successful career in journalism, working as a writer and editor. She used her experiences to inspire others, often writing about overcoming adversity and finding strength in difficult times.
- Authoring a Memoir: In 1982, Myra published a memoir titled “Great Balls of Fire: The Uncensored Story of Jerry Lee Lewis.” The book provided a candid look at her life with Jerry Lee Lewis, offering readers insight into her struggles during their marriage. It was a critical success and later inspired a film of the same name, released in 1989.
Myra’s Role in the Film “Great Balls of Fire”
The film “Great Balls of Fire,” starring Dennis Quaid as Jerry Lee Lewis and Winona Ryder as Myra Gale Brown, brought her story to a new generation of audiences. The movie portrayed the highs and lows of her life with Lewis, giving viewers a glimpse into her struggles as a young bride and mother.
While the film was a Hollywood dramatization, it helped to solidify Myra’s place in pop culture history. For many, the movie was their first introduction to the real story behind the scandal, allowing Myra to reclaim her narrative on her terms.
Myra Gale Brown’s Later Years: A Life of Reflection
In her later years, Myra Gale Brown has focused on living a quieter life away from the media spotlight. She has spoken in interviews about the importance of self-reflection and learning from the past. Despite her challenges early in life, Myra has emerged as a resilient and optimistic figure.
- Philanthropy and Advocacy: Myra has been involved in various charitable endeavors, particularly helping young women in difficult situations. She has used her platform to raise awareness about the importance of education, self-empowerment, and mental health support.
- Public Speaking: Myra has also become a sought-after speaker, sharing her life story with audiences nationwide. She often speaks about overcoming adversity and finding strength in the face of hardship.
Lessons from Myra Gale Brown’s Life
The life of Myra Gale Brown is a testament to the power of resilience and the ability to reinvent oneself. Her journey from a controversial child bride to a respected author and advocate shows that no matter the obstacles, it is possible to forge a new path.
Key Takeaways
- Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Myra’s story teaches us that even in the face of immense public scrutiny and personal loss, it’s possible to emerge more robust and more determined.
- The Importance of Education: Myra demonstrated the value of education in shaping one’s future by returning to school and pursuing a degree in journalism.
- Redefining Identity: Despite being defined by her marriage for many years, Myra created her own identity and left a lasting legacy.
Table: Major Milestones in Myra Gale Brown’s Life
YearEvent
1944 Born in Vicksburg, Mississippi
1957 Married Jerry Lee Lewis at age 13
1958 Gave birth to a son, Steve Allen Lewis
1962 Son Steve Allen tragically drowns
1970 Divorced Jerry Lee Lewis
1982 Published memoir, “Great Balls of Fire”
1989 “Great Balls of Fire” movie released
Present Continues advocacy and public speaking
Conclusion: Myra Gale Brown’s Enduring Legacy
Today, Myra Gale Brown stands as a symbol of perseverance. She has weathered the storm of public scrutiny and personal loss yet continues to inspire others with her resilience. Her story reminds us that we are not defined by our past but by the choices we make moving forward.
Through her journalism, advocacy, and public speaking career, Myra has shown that it’s possible to rebuild and redefine one’s life after adversity. Her ability to find strength in hardship makes her an enduring figure in American culture, and her story will continue to resonate with future generations.
In the end, Myra Gale Brown is more than just Jerry Lee Lewis’s former wife—she’s a survivor, a mother, and a woman who has built her own legacy.