Mickey GIlley. Photo: Courtesy of Mickey Gilley Enterprises
Numerous artists and music industry members have offered tributes and memories of the late country singer and actor, Mickey Gilley, who passed away on Saturday (May 7).
Known for launching the Urban Cowboy movement in country music, Gilley celebrated 39 top 10 hits and 17 No. 1 songs throughout his career, including the enduring “Stand By Me,” “Room Full of Roses,” “Lonely Nights,” “Chains of Love,” “Honky Tonk Memories,” “She’s Pulling Me Back Again,” and “Here Comes the Hurt Again.”
Mickey GIlley. Photo: Courtesy of Mickey Gilley Enterprises
A native of Natchez, Mississippi, Gilley was known for his blend of Louisiana rhythm and blues with country-pop. His two famous cousins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart, also influenced his music. He earned numerous accolades including six ACM Awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in 2011. He was one of a select few artists to receive the Academy of Country Music’s Triple Crown Awards.
“I heard Mickey Gilley’s hit version of my song, ‘City Lights,’ on the radio Friday, and marveled for the ump-teenth time at what an incredible record it was. I never dreamed that one day later I would be mourning his passing. He was a great artist, a good friend, and like the rest of our country community, I sure will miss him.” – Bill Anderson
“I am so very saddened by the death of my cousin Mickey Gilley. He and Jimmy Swaggert are like brothers to me. We are asking for prayers for his wife, Cindy and his entire family. I’m sad and praying. I loved him very much.” – Jerry Lee Lewis, cousin of Mickey Gilley and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member
“With the passing of Mickey, the music world has lost a giant. I don’t think there is any argument about that. Mickey, Jerry Lee and myself were raised together. We learned to play piano together. I remember the day that he came to me and said, ‘Jimmy, I want to learn to play the piano.’ We were only about 10 years old. He had already taught himself to play guitar and had done very well. I remember showing him several chords on the piano, and he took it from there. I might quickly say that he took it very well–as everyone has seen for themselves for over a half-century. But alongside all of his achievements in music, the thing that thrilled me the most was that some time ago he called me and said, ‘Jimmy, I’ve made things right with the Lord.’ I saw an immediate change in his life in these last few days and that is the thing that’s far more important to me. The music world will miss him. And the work of God will miss him as well. I will miss him. Our prayers are with his family and friends during this time.” – Reverend Jimmy Swaggart, cousin of Mickey Gilley and Pentecostal televangelist
“Working with Mickey Gilley was undoubtedly one of the top highlights of bringing the Urban Cowboy story to both record and film audiences. Mickey was the real deal and a key component of the ‘Urban Cowboy’ story. He will be missed greatly.” – Irving Azoff, music executive and producer of Urban Cowboy
“Mickey Gilley was more than just a legend to me. I loved him like a brother. We enjoyed a closeness that came from working towards goals that many suggested were unachievable. He was a kind, thoughtful fun-loving friend and partner through the process of making music and his generosity of spirit pulled the best from everyone with whom he worked. I’m overcome with a sadness that only the memory of his mischievous smile, beautiful soul and our special time together can erase.” – Jim Ed Norman, music executive and Mickey Gilley’s longtime producer
“Been a friend of Gilley’s for 50 years. He was one of the good ones–I loved playing Gilley’s in Texas, we played it many, many times. The fact is, that’s where I first met Mickey and Johnny Lee and ol’ Sherwood Cryer. I’m sure going to miss my old friend.” – Bobby Bare, Country Music Hall of Fame member
“The Academy is saddened to lose one of our greats today. He is a seven-time ACM Awards winner including our Entertainer of the Year in 1976 and prestigious Triple Crown award in 2005, which few artists have achieved. His impact on country music, film, and television, can never be understated and will never be forgotten. We’ll always keep this urban cowboy in our hearts, and we send our deepest sympathies to his family and fans around the world.” – Damon Whiteside, CEO, Academy of Country Music
“I’m so very sorry to learn that our good friend and incredible legend in country music, Mickey Gilley has passed. A great singer and a great showman–and always a great friend. Please send your prayers out for his family.” – Gene Watson
“I enjoyed working on Mickey Gilley records as a backup singer, with the great Eddie Kilroy as producer. One of the first big concerts I played was Gilleys in Pasadena, TX and was amazed at the bucking bull machine! Mickey’s image and memory will be forever.” – Janie Fricke
“I am heartbroken by the passing of Mickey Gilley. I started out my career opening for Mickey. He was such a great person and entertainer. I have loved him ever since.” – Crystal Gayle
“My heart will forever break over the loss of my dear friend Mickey Gilley. He believed in me when no one else did. Losing Gilley feels like a bad dream and sadly it’s not. He loved his fans more than anything in the world and taught me everything I needed to know about country music. He always told me if I thought it was going to rain, to always grab my umbrella. My prayers are with Cindy during this very difficult time.” – Johnny Lee
“Every loss to our country music community is a great loss, but this one hits close to home for me. It breaks my heart! Mickey Gilley was one of my musical heroes. No one could play a honky tonk piano better than Gilley, and no one had a better time on stage than Gilley. After his accident took away his ability to play, he often called me to play piano for him when he was in Nashville. He said I sounded more like Mickey Gilley than he did. That’s one of the greatest compliments I’ve ever had or will ever have. Not long ago, Jeannie Seely and I opened for Mickey at a festival in Illinois. He invited me on his bus where we visited for over an hour. I don’t know if he even realized how special that time was for me. My prayers go out to Cindy and the rest of his family and friends. Tonight I’m playing a show in Kentucky, and you can bet I’ll be singing “The Girls All Get Prettier At Closing Time” in honor of Mickey Gilley and the honky tonk sound he loved.” – Tim Atwood
“My heart is broken at the loss of Mickey. I treasure all the times we got to work together and there were never enough. He and Johnny Lee brought a new dimension to country music with the urban Cowboy trend and brought new fans to the genre. Whether it was a boogie or a ballad, Mickey made it his own, no matter how many times it had been done before, and it would become my favorite version. He was loved and respected and he will be so greatly missed.” – Jeannie Seely
“I grew up on Mickey Gilley music! What a great loss. He was a true stylist! Seeing him live in concert as a kid, and the way he owned the stage…helped me realize that being an entertainer was often as important as the music itself. My deepest sympathies go out to his family. He will forever be a legend and rightfully so!“ – Heidi Newfield
“When I learned of the passing of Gilley my heart just sank! What a trailblazer he was his entire career!! Being a fellow Texan of course, his music blared on my radio and record player and 8 track player!! And then, Urban Cowboy, Gilley’s in Pasadena, he is a member of the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame I am just getting started with all of his accolades. He used to sit and listen to me sing at the piano bar where I played for several years at the Sheraton Music City. He was an encourager to me and he was my friend. RIP Gilley.” – Linda Davis
Brad Paisley Makes It A Double With Launch Of Second American Highway Bourbon Blend
/by Lorie HollabaughBrad Paisley
Brad Paisley is launching his second batch of premium bourbon this spring, American Highway Reserve Route 2.
The brand is the latest release from his bourbon line which is sourced from locations throughout the US. Paisley’s American Highway Reserve Route 2 features aged notes of charred oak and leather combined with a scent of baked apple and almond, and hints of toffee and cinnamon taste.
“Bourbon is like a song: the more life it has lived on its journey, the deeper the story, the richer it becomes,” Paisley explains. “This second batch has seen more miles. I think you will be surprised at the unique character a different journey created.”
In partnership with Bardstown Bourbon Company, Paisley touches every aspect of the product from the selection of barrels, the aging and ultimately the final blend, working closely with VP of New Product Development, Dan Callaway.
“He’s more than a casual consumer–he really understands whiskey so he’s made a great partner in this endeavor. It’s been a fun journey so far and we’re excited to see where the next Route takes us,” adds Callaway.
American Highway Route 2 is 98 proof and offered at an SRP of $99.99. Roughly 10,000 cases will be available in 20 markets across the U.S., and online through Seelbachs.com.
Cam Announces Return To The Road On ‘The Otherside Tour’
/by Lydia FarthingCam
Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Cam will return to the live stage with “The Otherside Tour.”
The 21-city run will support her most recent album of the same name and make stops all across the US and Canada. The trek will feature opening acts Amythyst Kiah and Jillian Jacqueline at select shows with surprise guests along the way.
“This tour is deconstructing things to pure emotions,” Cam explains. “It’s about taking things apart, and examining the pieces in a really pure form. It’s the most intentional show I’ve created in my career and a really high bar I’ve set for myself and the musicians. God I miss those faces in front of me. I can’t tell you how much I need this time with my kind of people. There’s no place I’d rather be-singing, laughing, processing and marching on together.”
Tickets for the tour will go on sale to the public starting Friday, May 13 at 10 a.m. local time with various pre-sales starting May 10.
Cam’s debut full-length album, Untamed, bowed in the Top 15 of the Billboard Top 200 and registered at No. 2 on the Top Country Albums Chart upon its release in 2015. The project also yielded her triple-Platinum Grammy, CMA and ACM-nominated smash single, “Burning House.” Her sophomore release, The Otherside, featured fan-favorites “Diane” and “Till There’s Nothing Left,” plus songwriting from Avicci, Sam Smith, and Harry Styles.
Chayce Beckham Signs With KP Entertainment
/by Lorie HollabaughChayce Beckham. Photo: David McClister
Former American Idol 2021 winner and 19 Recordings/BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records artist Chayce Beckham has signed with Kerri Edwards‘ KP Entertainment for management.
The 25-year-old released his debut song, “23,” a semi-autobiographical account of his struggles with alcohol, and it quickly shot to the top of both the iTunes Country and All Genre charts, racking up more than 85 million on-demand streams.
He recently debuted “Can’t Do Without Me,” a supercharged duet with label mate Lindsay Ell, at country radio. He just released his debut EP, Doin’ It Right, which also features the track “Tell Me Twice.”
Chayce Beckham & Kerri Edwards
“Chayce immediately had my attention during his American Idol audition,” Edwards shares. “When I got the call to take a meeting with him, I didn’t hesitate. I quickly found out his love for country music and the type of artist he wants to be. He is the real deal…songwriter and performer. The team at KPE has had the privilege to be a part of this first release of music and we are so proud of how it turned out. He has all the right things to keep him around for a very long time and we are excited for what his future holds in this business.”
“Something I was really excited about coming off Idol was to get to work with Kerri Edwards,” adds Beckham. “I’m extremely proud to be a part of a great team of people who love and care about the future of country music. I don’t think there was anyone else, or any other team, more meant to help navigate my career.”
TV Titan & Source Honoree Jane Dowden Grams Dies At 90
/by Robert K OermannJane Dowden Grams, a major figure in transforming Nashville into a center for television production, passed away on March 24 in Arizona at age 90.
She made her mark at WSM-TV, Noble-Drury & Associates, Show Biz Inc., WCTV in Chattanooga, Opryland USA and the Gaylord Syndicom Entertainment Group. Dowden was particularly noted for her production of nationally syndicated country-music TV series in the 1960s and 1970s. She was given a Source Foundation Award in 2006, “honoring the women who have been a vital source in the success of Music Row and the Nashville entertainment industry.”
Born Jane Elizabeth Clabough and raised in East Tennessee, she began her career at WGAP radio in Maryville, Tennessee. After marrying Robert Dowden in 1951, she moved with him to Nashville. She joined WSM-TV, which was later rebranded as WSMV. Dowden initially worked in advertising and sales.
During the mid-1950s, she became one of the South’s most influential women in advertising as Vice President – Media Director at Noble-Drury & Associates in Nashville. She began working in television production in 1959.
In 1965, she became President of Show Biz, Inc., and guided it to become the largest producer and syndicator of country television in the world. TV Guide magazine once dubbed Show Biz, “the General Motors of country music television.” Dowden oversaw the production of more than 1,200 country shows.
Two of the most successful Show Biz series were The Porter Wagoner Show (1960-79) and The Wilburn Brothers Show (1963-74). The former introduced the world to Dolly Parton and the latter showcased newcomer Loretta Lynn.
Other Show Biz productions included The Country Place with Jim Ed Brown (1970-72), Billy Walker’s Country Carnival (1968), Del Reeves’ Country Carnival (1969-73) and the company’s leading program, Pop! Goes the Country, hosted by Ralph Emery, followed by Tom T. Hall. This series ran from 1974 to 1983 and at its peak was carried in 140 markets nationwide.
Jim Ed Brown, Jerry Clower and Jim Stafford variously hosted Nashville on the Road (1975-83). Show Biz also syndicated The Bobby Goldsboro Show (1973-76), Marty Robbins Spotlight (1977), Dolly (1976-77), Flatt & Scruggs Grand Ole Opry (1961-65), National Life Grand Ole Opry (1965-69) and That Good Ole Nashville Music (1969-77).
Dowden produced the 1966 feature film Nashville Rebel, starring Waylon Jennings. She was also behind “Nashville in the Garden,” two live, multi-artist concerts at Madison Square Garden in the early 1970s.
In 1981, Multimedia Inc. purchased the Show Biz empire for $4.4 million. Dowden had departed by then. In 1975, she was named President and General Manager of WTVC in Chattanooga, becoming the first woman general manager of a network-affiliated television station. She served for four years on the ABC Affiliates Board of Directors, another first for a woman.
She married Harold Grams in Chattanooga in 1977. Her volunteer work included the Chattanooga Symphony, The University of Tennessee and Chattanooga Public Television.
In 1984, she returned to Nashville to join Opryland USA. As Vice President of its new division Gaylord Syndicom, she was charged with developing new syndicated television programming. While at Gaylord, she became the recipient of the Silver Circle Award from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS).
Jane Dowden Grams retired in 2006, the year she was honored by the Source Foundation in Music City, alongside such key figures as Anita Kerr, Mae Boren Axton, Hattie Louise “Tootsie” Bess and Brenda Lee.
In retirement, Jane Dowden Grams became a Master Gardener in Sedona, Arizona. She passed away in Scottsdale, Arizona and is survived by daughters Janie Dail Dowden of Scottsdale and Jennifer Dowden Burritt of Longmeadow, Massachusetts, as well as by a sister and two nephews.
Zach Bryan Blasts Onto MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellZach Bryan
Oklahoma-born singer-songwriter Zach Bryan makes a huge leap on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week, heading from No. 102 to No. 4. His meteoric rise is fueled by the tunes “Something In The Orange,” “From Austin,” and “Highway Boys.”
Shane McAnally returns to No. 1 this week with five country songs currently charting, including “23” (Sam Hunt), “Everyone She Knows” (Kenny Chesney), “AA” (Walker Hayes), “No Hard Feelings” (Old Dominion), and “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” (Carly Pearce & Ashley McBryde).
Ashley Gorley (No. 2), Ben Johnson (No. 3) and Chase McGill (No. 5) complete the top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
iHeartCountry Festival Wraps Ninth Successful Year
/by Lorie HollabaughZac Brown Band. Photo: Gary Miller/Getty Images for iHeartRadio)
The ninth annual iHeartCountry Festival was held Saturday night (May 7) at the new Moody Center in Austin, Texas, and offered up plenty of great music and a few surprises for the packed crowd.
Lainey Wilson. Photo: Rick Kern/Getty Images for iHeartRadio
Highlights of the show included performances by Carrie Underwood, Maren Morris, Cody Johnson, Dustin Lynch, Scotty McCreery, and Dierks Bentley, who made a surprise appearance joining Morris and Lainey Wilson for the “We’re All Country” Guitar Pull powered by RAM Trucks. The Daytime Village at iHeartCountry Festival also featured performances from Jimmie Allen, Wilson, Ryan Hurd, Ingrid Andress, Caroline Jones, and Conner Smith.
Zac Brown Band pulled out all the stops for their set, performing some of their biggest hits and a few stellar covers.
The band kicked off with “Homegrown” and “Out in the Middle” before performing a mashup of “Colder Weather” and the Eagles’ “Take It To The Limit.” They also covered Rage Against the Machine’s “Bulls On Parade” before wrapping the show with fan favorite, “Chicken Fried.”
Dustin Lynch. Photo: Rick Kern/Getty Images for iHeartRadio
Jimmie Allen. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images
Nick Kaper Promoted To Director, Promotion & Radio Marketing At UMG Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughNick Kaper
Nick Kaper has been promoted to Director of Promotion and Radio Marketing at Universal Music Group Nashville.
A Belmont University graduate, Kaper began his career in the UMG Nashville mailroom. He worked his way up through the ranks as the Mercury Nashville Coordinator before becoming the West Coast Regional Rep for EMI Records Nashville, then Midwest Regional Rep for Mercury Nashville.
In his new position as Director of Promotion and Radio Marketing, Kaper provides airplay analytics and chart strategy for artists across all four UMG Nashville imprints–Capitol Records Nashville, EMI Records Nashville, MCA Nashville, and Mercury Nashville.
“I am incredibly happy to announce Nick Kaper’s promotion to role of Director, Promotion and Radio Marketing,” says UMG Nashville EVP of Promotion Royce Risser. “He has the perfect mind and skillset to handle all the numbers and information hitting him. He started with us as a coordinator and has quickly become a key player in our department. This role is critical to our success, and we are excited to see him step in and crush it.”
“Between the incredible lineup of artists and the all-star promotion department, I’ve been nothing short of spoiled since starting at UMG,” Kaper adds. “I am so excited be working with our entire roster in this next chapter and can’t thank Royce and the promotion team enough for the opportunity to do so!”
Weekly Register: Miranda Lambert’s ‘Palomino’ Earns Top Five Debut
/by Lydia FarthingMiranda Lambert‘s Palomino makes the biggest country album debut this week, earning 36K in total first-week consumption (24K album only/14 million song streams) according to Luminate data. The album, released via Vanner Records/RCA Nashville, comes in at No. 2 on the country charts and No. 4 overall, making the project the highest-debuting country album of 2022.
Lambert’s lead single from the project, “If I Was A Cowboy,” also enters the top five on the country songs chart, earning 6.1 million streams.
Elsewhere on the top country songs chart, Morgan Wallen takes up top two spots. His newest single, “Don’t Think Jesus,” adds 7.4 million streams this week, coming in at No. 1, while “Wasted On You” takes second with 7.2 million streams. Zach Bryan‘s “Something In The Orange” falls one spot to No. 3, earning 6.8 million streams. Walker Hayes‘ “AA” keeps its place at No. 4 with 6.6 million streams, according to Luminate data.
Wallen bookends the top five on the country albums chart this week as Dangerous: The Double Album keeps its spot at No. 1 with 50K in total consumption (1.4K album only/61 million song streams). He also takes fifth as If I Know Me adds 17K in total consumption. Luke Combs claims the remaining two spots as What You See Is What You Get comes in at No. 3 and This One’s For You takes No. 4 with 19K and 18K in total consumption, respectively.
Carly Pearce Celebrates Third Chart-Topper With ‘Never Wanted To Be That Girl’
/by Lorie HollabaughCarly Pearce has racked up her third No. 1 with “Never Wanted To Be That Girl,” featuring Ashley McBryde.
The song officially took the number one spot this week, making it only the second time in nearly 30 years that a female duet has achieved the feat.
Written by Pearce, McBryde and Shane McAnally, the emotionally driven track from Pearce’s 29: Written In Stone album won the trophy for ACM Musical Event of the Year earlier this year. The single joins her previous chart-toppers “Every Little Thing” and “I Hope You’re Happy Now” featuring Lee Brice.
“When Ashley McBryde and I were writing ‘Never Wanted To Be That Girl’ with Shane McAnally, we were just in the moment, thinking about the women we want to be and the way that’s not always how life and love turn out,” Pearce shares. “But nobody ever paused long enough to think about having a No. 1 record or winning an Academy of Country Music Award. We wanted to shake off an honest mistake, and now here we are with the No. 1 song at country radio and the ACM trophy for Music Event of the Year. Sometimes out of something bad comes something good.”
“Writing this song strengthened all our friendships and taught us more about one another and ourselves. Nobody wants to be the other one,” McBryde adds.
Nashville Music Community Remembers Mickey Gilley
/by Lydia FarthingMickey GIlley. Photo: Courtesy of Mickey Gilley Enterprises
Numerous artists and music industry members have offered tributes and memories of the late country singer and actor, Mickey Gilley, who passed away on Saturday (May 7).
Known for launching the Urban Cowboy movement in country music, Gilley celebrated 39 top 10 hits and 17 No. 1 songs throughout his career, including the enduring “Stand By Me,” “Room Full of Roses,” “Lonely Nights,” “Chains of Love,” “Honky Tonk Memories,” “She’s Pulling Me Back Again,” and “Here Comes the Hurt Again.”
Mickey GIlley. Photo: Courtesy of Mickey Gilley Enterprises
A native of Natchez, Mississippi, Gilley was known for his blend of Louisiana rhythm and blues with country-pop. His two famous cousins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart, also influenced his music. He earned numerous accolades including six ACM Awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in 2011. He was one of a select few artists to receive the Academy of Country Music’s Triple Crown Awards.
“I heard Mickey Gilley’s hit version of my song, ‘City Lights,’ on the radio Friday, and marveled for the ump-teenth time at what an incredible record it was. I never dreamed that one day later I would be mourning his passing. He was a great artist, a good friend, and like the rest of our country community, I sure will miss him.” – Bill Anderson
“I am so very saddened by the death of my cousin Mickey Gilley. He and Jimmy Swaggert are like brothers to me. We are asking for prayers for his wife, Cindy and his entire family. I’m sad and praying. I loved him very much.” – Jerry Lee Lewis, cousin of Mickey Gilley and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member
“With the passing of Mickey, the music world has lost a giant. I don’t think there is any argument about that. Mickey, Jerry Lee and myself were raised together. We learned to play piano together. I remember the day that he came to me and said, ‘Jimmy, I want to learn to play the piano.’ We were only about 10 years old. He had already taught himself to play guitar and had done very well. I remember showing him several chords on the piano, and he took it from there. I might quickly say that he took it very well–as everyone has seen for themselves for over a half-century. But alongside all of his achievements in music, the thing that thrilled me the most was that some time ago he called me and said, ‘Jimmy, I’ve made things right with the Lord.’ I saw an immediate change in his life in these last few days and that is the thing that’s far more important to me. The music world will miss him. And the work of God will miss him as well. I will miss him. Our prayers are with his family and friends during this time.” – Reverend Jimmy Swaggart, cousin of Mickey Gilley and Pentecostal televangelist
“Working with Mickey Gilley was undoubtedly one of the top highlights of bringing the Urban Cowboy story to both record and film audiences. Mickey was the real deal and a key component of the ‘Urban Cowboy’ story. He will be missed greatly.” – Irving Azoff, music executive and producer of Urban Cowboy
“Mickey Gilley was more than just a legend to me. I loved him like a brother. We enjoyed a closeness that came from working towards goals that many suggested were unachievable. He was a kind, thoughtful fun-loving friend and partner through the process of making music and his generosity of spirit pulled the best from everyone with whom he worked. I’m overcome with a sadness that only the memory of his mischievous smile, beautiful soul and our special time together can erase.” – Jim Ed Norman, music executive and Mickey Gilley’s longtime producer
“Been a friend of Gilley’s for 50 years. He was one of the good ones–I loved playing Gilley’s in Texas, we played it many, many times. The fact is, that’s where I first met Mickey and Johnny Lee and ol’ Sherwood Cryer. I’m sure going to miss my old friend.” – Bobby Bare, Country Music Hall of Fame member
“The Academy is saddened to lose one of our greats today. He is a seven-time ACM Awards winner including our Entertainer of the Year in 1976 and prestigious Triple Crown award in 2005, which few artists have achieved. His impact on country music, film, and television, can never be understated and will never be forgotten. We’ll always keep this urban cowboy in our hearts, and we send our deepest sympathies to his family and fans around the world.” – Damon Whiteside, CEO, Academy of Country Music
“I’m so very sorry to learn that our good friend and incredible legend in country music, Mickey Gilley has passed. A great singer and a great showman–and always a great friend. Please send your prayers out for his family.” – Gene Watson
“I enjoyed working on Mickey Gilley records as a backup singer, with the great Eddie Kilroy as producer. One of the first big concerts I played was Gilleys in Pasadena, TX and was amazed at the bucking bull machine! Mickey’s image and memory will be forever.” – Janie Fricke
“I am heartbroken by the passing of Mickey Gilley. I started out my career opening for Mickey. He was such a great person and entertainer. I have loved him ever since.” – Crystal Gayle
“My heart will forever break over the loss of my dear friend Mickey Gilley. He believed in me when no one else did. Losing Gilley feels like a bad dream and sadly it’s not. He loved his fans more than anything in the world and taught me everything I needed to know about country music. He always told me if I thought it was going to rain, to always grab my umbrella. My prayers are with Cindy during this very difficult time.” – Johnny Lee
“Every loss to our country music community is a great loss, but this one hits close to home for me. It breaks my heart! Mickey Gilley was one of my musical heroes. No one could play a honky tonk piano better than Gilley, and no one had a better time on stage than Gilley. After his accident took away his ability to play, he often called me to play piano for him when he was in Nashville. He said I sounded more like Mickey Gilley than he did. That’s one of the greatest compliments I’ve ever had or will ever have. Not long ago, Jeannie Seely and I opened for Mickey at a festival in Illinois. He invited me on his bus where we visited for over an hour. I don’t know if he even realized how special that time was for me. My prayers go out to Cindy and the rest of his family and friends. Tonight I’m playing a show in Kentucky, and you can bet I’ll be singing “The Girls All Get Prettier At Closing Time” in honor of Mickey Gilley and the honky tonk sound he loved.” – Tim Atwood
“My heart is broken at the loss of Mickey. I treasure all the times we got to work together and there were never enough. He and Johnny Lee brought a new dimension to country music with the urban Cowboy trend and brought new fans to the genre. Whether it was a boogie or a ballad, Mickey made it his own, no matter how many times it had been done before, and it would become my favorite version. He was loved and respected and he will be so greatly missed.” – Jeannie Seely
“I grew up on Mickey Gilley music! What a great loss. He was a true stylist! Seeing him live in concert as a kid, and the way he owned the stage…helped me realize that being an entertainer was often as important as the music itself. My deepest sympathies go out to his family. He will forever be a legend and rightfully so!“ – Heidi Newfield
“When I learned of the passing of Gilley my heart just sank! What a trailblazer he was his entire career!! Being a fellow Texan of course, his music blared on my radio and record player and 8 track player!! And then, Urban Cowboy, Gilley’s in Pasadena, he is a member of the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame I am just getting started with all of his accolades. He used to sit and listen to me sing at the piano bar where I played for several years at the Sheraton Music City. He was an encourager to me and he was my friend. RIP Gilley.” – Linda Davis