Jerry Lee Lewis, the Enduring Rebel of Rock ’n’ Roll

Jerry Lee Lewis has always had an attitude. Dating back to 1956, at the dawn of rock ’n’ roll, the pianist carved out a niche as a boogie-woogie shouter—a performer whose narrow inky eyes, smoldering cool and raucous playing style came to epitomize the music’s rebellious spirit. Where Little Richard was flamboyant and explosive, Mr. Lewis was taut and seemingly possessed.

Today, Mr. Lewis has mellowed, but he remains keenly aware of his place in rock history. He has won a Grammy and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and two of his hits are in the Grammy Hall of Fame. Next week, Mr. Lewis will release “Rock & Roll Time” (Vanguard), a studio album of instrumental duets, and a biography, “Jerry Lee Lewis: His Own Story” (Harper), written by Rick Bragg. (Listen to the exclusive premiere of the album and read an excerpt from the book.) Mr. Lewis, 79 years old, talked by phone from his ranch in Nesbit, Miss., about his start, his inspiration and his legacy. Edited from an interview: