Remembering Mickey Gilley

It always pains us to receive press releases like this.

Country singer and actor Mickey Gilley, known for launching the Urban Cowboy movement in Country music and hit songs including “Stand By Me,” “Room Full of Roses” and “Lonely Nights,” died Saturday in Branson, Missouri.

Gilley was 86 and had just come off of the road, his favorite place, having played ten shows in April. He passed peacefully with his family and close friends by his side.

Gilley, a native of Natchez, Mississippi, influenced generations of country singers for decades with his signature, haunting combination of Louisiana rhythm and blues and country-pop crossover melodies. He grew up with his two famous cousins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart, surrounded by the influence of music and earned 39 Top 10 hits and 17 No. 1 songs throughout his career.

In 1971, Gilley opened his world-famous honky-tonk Gilley’s in Pasadena, Texas, which sparked a chain of the famous nightclubs.

The son of Arthur Fillmore Gilley and Irene (Lewis) Gilley, Gilley learned how to play piano from Lewis and dabbled in boogie-woogie and gospel music early in his career before finding his professional footing in the ’70s with “Room Full of Roses.” Hits “Chains of Love,” “Honky Tonk Memories,” “She’s Pulling Me Back Again,” and “Here Comes the Hurt Again” followed as his honky-tonk gave way to the more progressive countrypolitan.

In 1980, Gilley splashed into pop culture when he appeared in the smash hit movie “Urban Cowboy” alongside John Travolta, Debra Winger and Johnny Lee. Gilley’s served as the backdrop for the film, which helped launch his acting career and put his music career on a whole new level. Gilley went on to star in popular television series including “Murder She Wrote,” “The Fall Guy,” “Fantasy Island” and “Dukes of Hazzard.”

Gilley was widely recognized for his work in music and movies, earning numerous accolades, including 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.

Here is what some of his peers are saying:

• Bellamy Brothers – So sorry to hear the news of @MickeyGilley1’s passing, a great friend and amazing artist. #restinpeace #thegirlsallgetprettieratclosingtime
• Bill Anderson – 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.
• Billy Bob’s Texas – We are saddened to hear of the loss of our friend, Mickey Gilley. We were honored to share years of friendship (and a little competition) with him. We will continue to honor Mickey Gilley in our Wall of Fame for years to come. Our thoughts are with his family during this time.
• Bobby Bare – 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 Tomberlin – What a career! Over 30 hits and Mickey was still performing just last month in Laughlin. I especially loved the records that he and Jim Ed Norman made. While working in Branson in 2018 and 2019, I got to hang with Mickey a couple of times and it was quite entertaining backstage before the show and during intermission. He was so much fun and so full of life and still owned the stage.
• Charlie Daniels Jr. – Mom and I are saddened to hear about the passing of @MickeyGilley1. Prayers for his friends and family. Heaven has gained a helluva piano player.
• CMA – We are saddened to hear the news of Mickey Gilley‘s passing. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
• Crystal Gayle – I am heart broken 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.
• Dallas Wayne – With the Urban Cowboy movement of the 1970s, Mickey Gilley introduced his unique piano playing style to a whole new generation. He was one of the greatest entertainers I have ever had the pleasure of witnessing, as well as a warm and wonderful friend. Our deepest condolences go to his wife Cindy, cousins Jerry Lee Lewis, Jimmy Swaggart, and Linda Gail Lewis, his family, and millions of fans around the world. He will be greatly missed
• Damon Whiteside (CEO of ACM) – 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.
• David Frizzell – Mickey Gilley and I have been friends since his ‘Urban Cowboy’ and my ‘Any Which Way You Can’ movie days. We had performed a lot around the country together and especially at his Gilley’s Club in Texas. We had quite a time! Gonna miss you!
• Eddie Bayers – Mickey was the first No. one record I played on and I  had 10 consecutive overall with him. He was a gift to not only country music, but the world of music. One cannot think of the motion picture ‘Urban Cowboy’ without thinking of Mickey Gilley.
• Flat River Band – Mickey taught is that the girls get prettier at closing time. A true one-of-a-kind music legend. You will be missed greatly.
• Gene Watson – 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.
• Grand Ole Opry – During tonight’s Opry show, we took a moment to recognize Mickey Gilley and his contributions to country music. You’ll be missed, Mickey.
• Heidi Newfield – 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!
• Irving Azoff – 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.
• J.D. Shelburne – I am saddened to hear the passing of the legendary Mickey Gilley. One of the biggest names in the business. I was honored to perform in his famous nightclub in Vegas many times. Prayers to his family.
• J.P. Pennington (Exile) – Far too much of this kind of news lately. So sorry to hear of another music icon gone. He was an incredible person and an amazing artist. RIP Mickey.
• Jake Bush – Mickey Gilley passed away. I remember how huge he was when I was a kid in deer park. He was a household name. Sad day today
• Janie Fricke – 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.
• Jeannie Seely – 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.
• Jerry Lee Lewis – 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.
• Jim Ed Norman – 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.
• Joe Bonsall (Oak Ridge Boys) – Once again we have lost another country music star and a long-time friend. Rest In Peace Mickey Gilley until we all sing again. In the meantime, we will miss you brother.
• Joey Canyon – In 1980, Mickey Gilley and his country nightclub Gilley’s, was the scene for the movie ‘Urban Cowboy’, and along with his great music, was instrumental in introducing country music to a global audience. What a legacy!
• Johnny Lee – 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.
• Kent Blazy – Mickey Gilley, a true legend and star. Cousin to Jerry Lee Lewis, (who taught him to play piano) and Jimmy Swaggart! He was versed in gospel, the blues, country and pop and he wove it all into his own unique sound. His bar “Gilleys” basically started the Urban Cowboy movement.I miss the piano player/singers that were stars. I would like to see that come back.Thanks for the music Mickey.
• Lacy J. Dalton – Mickey and I did so many shows together. I feel Mickey and Johnny are like brothers from another mother and this loss hits hard and he will be sorely missed. I truly respect him as a musician and he was a great entertainer. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
• Lane Brody – Gilley’s love of music and people was beautiful. Gifted far beyond talent, he was genuine, loyal, fearless and charming . He warmly welcomed artists and fans from across the globe and all walks of life into his world.  A country music ambassador extraordinaire! May his memory be eternal.
• Larry Gatlin – My old friend Mickey Gilley was one of a kind..a great entertainer and a great guy. RIP old friend
• Linda Davis – 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.
• Lisa Matassa – My heart aches hearing of the passing of the incomparable Mickey Gilley. I was blessed to have known him and to have had the honor to record a song with him. He was an amazing person and someone I will truly miss. Rest In Peace my dear friend until we meet again in paradise.
• Makenzie Phipps – I am saddened to hear of the passing of yet another country legend, Mr. Mickey Gilley.  I was first exposed to Mr. Gilley and his music when I watched “Urban Cowboy”. His rendition of “Stand By Me” is a true country classic.  From hits such as “Don’t The Girls All Get Prettier At Closing Time” to “Room Full of Roses” in addition to his world-famous Gilley’s Bar, Mr. Gilley will go down in history as one of the all-time greats.
• Mary Sarah – I am beyond sad to hear the news of Mickey Gilley. Growing up in Texas, the name was all too well known to me. So many #1 songs that will never be forgotten and neither will he. Rest In Peace Mickey. We will see you again.
• Paige King Johnson – It breaks my heart to hear of Mickey’s passing! He has been a staple in music for many years & his spirit will truly be missed.
• Randall King – Aw man, RIP to the legend
• Reverend Jimmy Swaggart – 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.
• Rhonda Vincent – Another great loss in Country Music – so sad to hear of the passing of Mickey Gilley.  Our paths crossed a few times being in Branson; and Gene Watson and I did his TV show.  I loved the day I was fortunate to hang out backstage with Johnny Lee & Mickey Gilley during one of their shows. Great stories and great memories. May He Rest In Peace.
• Ricky Skaggs – Mickey Gilley was a great artist, and he was always nice to me. I won’t forget you Mickey. Rest in peace.
• Shane Owens – Mickey Gilley is one of the most famous country singers of all time. Not only was he a great singer he owned the biggest nightclub in Texas at one time. Truly a country Icon and cousin to the one and only Jerry Lee Lewis. RIP to a legend and truly one of a kind!
• Steve Azar – Mississippi lost a great one today What a legacy he left us on all! Blessings to his family! RIP
• T. Graham Brown – We just lost a great human being. Mickey Gilley has been honky-tonkin’ since the ’50s. ‘Urban Cowboy’ secured him a spot in America’s consciousness and he’s been in our minds ever since. He lived a full life and left us with a great catalog of hits. One of the things that I’m most proud of is that over the years we have become close. The times we spent together doing shows, cruises, or just talking were a gift. Sheila and I will miss him a lot. Please keep his family and friends in your prayers.
• T.G. Sheppard – Just when I think my heart can’t take anymore loss, I get the news that my dear close friend Mickey Gilley has passed. He truly altered the course of country music. I was fortunate to have gotten to see one of his last concerts 3 weeks ago. Prayers for Cindy, family and his fans.
• Tess Frizzell – Mickey Gilley and Conway Twitty announced my birth on the ACM awards and showed my grandmother, Dottie West the first video footage of me when I was born. Now, all three – him, Conway and my grandmother have left this earth and sing in heaven. Mom and uncle David played Gilley’s club in Texas so much when I was a kid. What an era. Sad to see him go.
• The Oak Ridge Boys – Just heard that MICKEY GILLEY has just passed away … wow … another singing friend has gone home … Bye Mickey … until the day
• Tim Atwood – 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.
• Zachariah Malachi – I’m saddened to hear of the passing of Mickey Gilley. Few could hold a candle to his genuine honky tonk sound. When you hold these icons so high on a musical pedestal, we forget that they are mortal just like the rest of us. Prayers for all the fans and of course, his family. Gilley’s forever!