Ferriday, Louisiana -
Jerry Lee Lewis Museum and Liquor Store

In 2005, having arrived in New Orleans, I became obsessed with the impulsive idea of taking a day trip up to Ferriday to see if I could find the boyhood home of rock legend Jerry Lee Lewis. I convinced my wife to undertake the adventure, and we arrived mid-afternoon in the sleepy Southern town of Ferriday. We searched in vain and were just about to give up when I asked an ancient-looking black man walking along the road if he knew where Jerry Lee Lewis's house was to be found. Giving all appearances of having lived in Ferriday his entire life, he seemed bemused at my utter disorientation and immediately was able to send me to the exact location.

Arriving at the house, we initially drove through a bizarre drive-through liquor store where a young woman (whom I believe was a niece of Jerry Lee's) directed us to the front door of the house/museum. We were greeted by a friendly older woman who, to my delight, identified herself as Jerry Lee's sister Frankie Jean. Frankie Jean left us alone for about 15 minutes in a sort of tribute room filled with Jerry Lee Lewis paraphernalia, while a video showing a biopic of Jerry Lee's life and career played. Frankie Jean then showed us through the house. My wife and I were the only ones there and we got to know Frankie-Jean quite well, with our visit lasting for about an hour. We eventually ended up in Frankie-Jean's kitchen sitting around the table sipping lemonade.

As we departed the house, we purchased a couple of items from Frankie-Jean's museum, but then she gave me several other items as a gift that had been signed by Jerry-Lee. Visiting JLL's boyhood home and getting a very special and personal tour from his sister was a pleasure and, for me, was the highlight of my trip to Louisiana. [Anthony, 06/05/2010]

Bizarre, the place is a dump inside the twilight zone. Frankie Jean was not there; the niece gave the tour. She actually locked us in a room that was dark and dingy and raised the tour rate on the spot. Gave no info about Jerry Lee, and the drive up liquor store was closed up. I recommend that you run, don't walk away from this tour site. No wonder that Jerry Lee wasn't around either. [Joan, 07/06/2008]

[RA: And yet... there's something strangely appealing about what you describe....]

This is the home of Frankie Jean, sister of rocker/country singer Jerry Lee Lewis. The house has become a Jerry Lee shrine, with family photos, bills, family mementoes, clothes, guns etc. covering every space in the still inhabited house. It is the most amazing experience.

The day I visited I was shown around in semi-darkness (he couldn't find the light-switches) by one of Jerry Lee's cousins(clutching a can of Bud)and giving the lowdown on the colorful family history. I understand that Frankie usually does the tour herself. Even stranger is the fact that the house incorporates a drive-through liquor store at the side (no walkups!) which is worth a visit by itself. The whole thing is bizarre but wonderful. Donation expected. [jack, 10/04/2000]