Folk Alliance International Conference 2023 Highlights

Folk Alliance International First City of Honor: Memphis, Tennessee

Read More

Jerry Lee Lewis Mississippi Home May Soon Be For Sale

Rock N Roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis’ 30 Acre Ranch May Be Up for Sale

The Mississippi home of entertainer Jerry Lee Lewis may soon be up for sale. The Jerry Lee Lewis Ranch is located at 1595 Malone Road in Nesbit, Mississippi, just south of Memphis, Tennessee. Lewis passed away Oct. 28 at the age of 87. “The Jerry Lee Lewis Ranch consists of more than 30 acres, with a stocked lake, two ponds, outbuildings, self-contained apartment, swimming pool, and the home of the late Jerry Lee Lewis.  This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to purchase a property with such provenance and possibilities.” according to this website: https://thejerryleelewisranch.com/?fbclid=IwAR0O73t0GvUvFO6MGgOYeRvpX71Vne7guefomRCQkw_zGdQRo2yaqiqiRS8

There has always been drama unfolding around the Rock-n-Roll legend, and even after he has passed away, the drama continues.

He lived in this home since the 70’s; his son Jerry Lee Lewis lll (Lee) grew up in this home. He lived here with sixth wife Kerrie McCarver, Lee’s mother. His daughter Phoebe Lewis lived with him at the ranch for a while before he married his 7th wife Judith Brown whom he was married to until his death. Phoebe is the daughter of Myra Lewis Williams , who was his third wife and his 13-year-old cousin at the time they got married. The controversey changed the trajectory of his career.

A link to my photo gallery of Jerry Lee Lewis through the years here below including him at the ranch with his family: https://www.karenpulferfocht.com/blog/tag/Jerry+Lee+Lewis+lll

Here are some of the stories written about how this is unfolding.

https://desotocountynews.com/desoto-county-news/the-lewis-ranch-up-for-sale/

https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/jerry-lee-lewiss-landmark-ranch-being-sold-amid-estate-dispute/

https://www.actionnews5.com/2023/01/05/music-legend-jerry-lee-lewis-nesbit-ranch-sale/


Giant Pandas Leaving Memphis Zoo

It is hard to believe it’s been 20 years since the pandas came to Memphis from China.

 Today, the Memphis Zoo announced that the aging pandas, Ya Ya and Le Le were both going to live out their days back home in China.

 “After two decades, Memphis Zoo's current giant panda loan agreement with the Chinese Association of Zoological Gardens will end and Ya Ya and Le Le will make the journey back to China within the next few months. Ya Ya and Le Le have been integral parts of the Memphis community for the past 20 years and we are grateful for the time we were able to spend with them. During their time at Memphis Zoo, Ya Ya and Le Le helped pioneer research and conservation projects to teach others about the importance of their species. It has been a privilege to host these incredible bears at Memphis Zoo for the past two decades and the impact their culture has had on the City of Memphis will forever be remembered” the zoo said in a statement on Facebook.

 I was fortunate enough to go to China in 2003 on assignment for The Commercial Appeal, when the Memphis Zoo went to pick up the pandas. I feel very connected to them. I have photographed and filmed them very many times over the years.

“China requires foreign zoos that host pandas on loan to allow older animals to spend their final days on Chinese soil. At 24 and 22, respectively, Le Le and Ya Ya have exceeded the giant panda life expectancy in the wild by almost 10 years, according to the spokesperson.” (Reuters, link below)

 I have put together some of the highlights from their stay, which included a Time Magazine cover celebrating their arrival.

All Images Subject to Copyright ©Karen Pulfer Focht

The Giant Pandas in China before coming to Memphis. Matt Thompson, who is now President and CEO of the Memphis Zoo was among zoo officials in 2003 and is seen here with the Pandas, Ya Ya and Le Le in China.

My photo was used as Time Magazine touts the arrival of the Pandas at the Memphis Zoo.

Zoo officials worked closely with China while doing their panda breeding research.

VIDEO BELOW

My photo was featured in the China Daily story which speaks to how well the Memphis Zoo cared for these pandas-

http://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202301/05/WS63b5a51ea31057c47eba7b4e.html




One of the other places you can see Giant Pandas in the US is at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington D.C. Their new baby is shown here playing below.

VIDEO BELOW

XIAO QI JI, born to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo on Aug. 21, 2020 plays in his habitat on June 23, 2021. The male panda cub was born to mother Mei Xiang and father Tian Tian. The Smithsonian’s National Zoo reopened to the public for the first time since late November at the end of May, 2021.