A member of Jerry Lee Lewis' band has been shot dead in Memphis, Tennessee.

Bass player B.B. Cunningham Jr., who has been a member of the group since 1997, was gunned down at the Cherry Crest apartment complex in the city in the early hours of Sunday, according to local reports.

The musician, 70, and a 16-year-old boy were found dead from gunshot wounds, according to news website CommercialAppeal.com.

As well as performing with Lewis' band, Cunningham Jr. also released a solo album, Hangin' In, in 2003.

Born Blake Baker Cunningham Jr., he was also a member of Ronnie and the Daytonas in the 1960s.