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
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
Craig Morgan Plots ‘God, Family, Country Tour 2022’ For Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughCraig Morgan. Photo: Courtesy of Monarch Publicity
Craig Morgan will launch his headlining Operation Finally Home Welcomes “God, Family, Country Tour 2022” this fall. Kicking off Oct. 19 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, special guest Ray Fulcher will open the tour’s dates.
The 11-date run in October and November will visit Iowa, Florida, South Carolina, Ohio, and more. The trek will also include a special Veterans Day Show on Nov. 11 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, which will mark Morgan’s first headlining date at the famed venue.
Tickets are on sale beginning Friday, May 13 at CraigMorgan.com.
“I feel like this tour has been a lifetime in the making,” shares Craig. “Musically and personally, God, family and country are the most important things to me and I’m excited to share this in my upcoming memoir and in my tour as me and the band play some fan favorite songs, some album cuts and some new songs you’ve not even heard yet.”
Morgan’s “God, Family, Country Tour 2022” will follow on the heels of his personal memoir of the same name, releasing Sept. 27 in partnership with Blackstone Publishing.
Carrie Underwood, Jon Pardi, More To Help Kick Off CMA Fest Week At The Grand Ole Opry
/by Lorie HollabaughGrand Ole Opry members Carrie Underwood and the Oak Ridge Boys, along with Jon Pardi, Henry Cho and June Opry NextStage artist Morgan Wade will kick off the Opry’s CMA Fest week with two shows on Tuesday, June 7 at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Highlights of the special Tuesday Night Opry show will air on Saturday, June 11 as the Saturday night Opry Live on the Circle Network, Circle All Access Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
A free Opry Plaza Party will also return with the “Opry Loves the 90s” Plaza Party, set to begin earlier in the afternoon on June 7 as well as on June 10-11 with music and activities. The Plaza Party will include food trucks, vendors, and feature performances by Hannah Ellis (June 7), Ray Fulcher (June 11) and more to be announced in the coming weeks.
Among others scheduled for upcoming Opry and Opry Country Classics shows are Trace Adkins, Lauren Alaina, Del McCoury Band, The Isaacs, Craig Morgan, Lorrie Morgan, Carly Pearce, Maggie Rose, Jeannie Seely, Elvie Shane, Rhonda Vincent, The War and Treaty, Charlie Worsham, and more.
Tickets for 2022 Opry performances are on sale now.
Anne Wilson Nabs First Gold Certification For ‘My Jesus’ [Exclusive]
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Hudson Plachy, CCMG Co-President, Anne Wilson, Brad O’Donnell, CCMG Co-President. Photo: Anna Moos
Capitol CMG recording artist Anne Wilson has landed her first career RIAA Gold certification for her hit single, “My Jesus.”
The track, which also earned a 2022 Billboard Music Award nomination for Top Christian Song, was the longest running No. 1 song on the Billboard Christian Airplay Chart of 2021 at seven weeks. It made her the first female artist to top the Christian chart with a debut single.
“The moment that Hudson [Plachy] and Brad [O’Donnell] surprised me with the news that ‘My Jesus’ had officially been certified Gold is a moment I’ll never forget for the rest of my life!” says Wilson. “I’m so unbelievably thankful that Jesus is using this song to touch so many lives. All Glory to God!”
Pictured (L-R): Jackie Jones, RIAA VP of Artist and Industry Relations and Anne Wilson. Photo: Anna Moos.
“It’s so exciting to be able to be present when an artist receives their first Gold record,” notes Jackie Jones, RIAA VP of Artist and Industry Relations. “Welcoming Anne into the Gold & Platinum program was a true honor and I know we will celebrate many more in the future.”
Wilson’s debut album, My Jesus, made history upon its release in April for having the biggest debut week in over 15 years by a Capitol Christian Music Group-signed new artist. Since then, the album has toppe the Billboard Top Christian & Gospel Albums, Billboard‘s Top 200 Christian & Gospel, and Top 10 on Billboard’s Album Sales Chart.
Country Singer & Actor Mickey Gilley Dead At 86
/by LB CantrellMickey Gilley
Country singer and actor Mickey Gilley, known for launching the Urban Cowboy movement in country music, died Saturday in Branson, Missouri. He was 86 and had just come off of the road after playing 10 shows in April.
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.”
A native of Natchez, Mississippi, Gilley was known for his signature blend of Louisiana rhythm and blues with country-pop. His two famous cousins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart, also influenced his music.
Mickey Gilley
In 1971, Gilley opened his world-famous honky-tonk Gilley’s in Pasadena, Texas, which sparked a chain of the famous nightclubs. In 1980, he appeared in the hit movie Urban Cowboy alongside John Travolta, Debra Winger and Johnny Lee. Gilley’s served as the backdrop for the film. After appearing on the hit movie, Gilley went on to star in popular television series including Murder She Wrote, The Fall Guy, Fantasy Island and Dukes of Hazzard.
Throughout his career, Gilley was honored with numerous accolades as a musician, actor and venue owner. He earned six Academy of Country Music 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 only a handful of artists to receive the Academy of Country Music’s Triple Crown Awards.
Gilley was preceded in death by his wife, Vivian. He is survived by his wife Cindy Loeb Gilley, his children Kathy, Michael, Gregory and Keith Ray, four grandchildren and nine great grandchildren and his cousins Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart.
The family respectfully requests privacy at this time.
Family, friends and invited guests will gather on Friday, May 27, 2022, at 1 P.M. CST for Gilley’s Celebration of Life at the Mickey Gilley Grand Shanghai Theatre in Branson, Missouri. A live stream of the event will also be available and more details will be posted on the Mickey Gilley Facebook page.
There will be a public memorial later this summer in Nashville with more details to follow soon.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary at bestfriends.org or the Animal Shelter of your choice.