After the split, Lewis was famously quoted saying, “I was unable to put one foot in front of the other with any confidence. I was completely unnerved to be alone.” His fear was put on full display one night when he and his wife Patti Palmer were out in Las Vegas.
There, he received an urgent request from his friend Sid Luft (Judy Garland’s husband and manager), saying that she (Garland) couldn’t perform that night because of strep throat. He begged Lewis to fill in for her. Resistant at first, Lewis went for it.
Rebuilding
The last act was on July 24, 1956, and then, just like that, the Lewis and Martin era was over. The stars parted ways to pursue their respective solo careers. Lewis focused on writing, producing, and directing his own films.
Martin headed in his direction and furthered his success in his music as well as a film and eventually TV actor. Martin, who was very hurt, actually did a lot better on his own. Lewis, on the other hand, felt differently.
New Beginnings
Lewis had a string of films to his name, but on realizing that he was now a solo act, the comedian completely lost his confidence.
He would no longer have his trusted partner by his side, and that for the first time felt extremely scary. On top of that, the two weren't even speaking to each other.
Totally Solo
The big moment was about to arrive, and all Lewis could think of was the fact that he hadn't done a solo act in 25 years, the last time being when he was five years old.
The comedian stepped up nonetheless, and when he went up on that stage and stood in front of the audience, he transformed into classic Jerry Lewis, singing songs and clowning about. He famously sang a rendition of "Rock-a-Bye Your Baby" and "Come Rain or Come Shine."
Redefining Himself
The place, which was filled with a thousand people, exploded with laughter, putting Lewis's fears of not making it alone fully to rest.
His "Rock-a-Bye Your Baby" became a hit single, reaching #10, and his album "Jerry Lewis Just Sings" reached #3 on the Billboard charts. Lewis back and better than ever, and the audience was wild for it.