Mickey Gilley was a legendary country music star whose Texas bar Gilley’s Club was the inspiration for the 1980 film “Urban Cowboy.”
- Died: Saturday, May 7, 2022. (Who else died on May 7?)
- Details of death: Died at the age of 86 in Branson, Missouri.
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Gilley’s Club
Mickey Gilley was a country music singer-songwriter who charted 39 top ten songs and 17 number one country songs. A cousin of rock legend Jerry Lee Lewis, he opened a popular Texas honky tonk club called “Gilley’s Club” in the 1970s. The popularity of his club and their famous mechanical bull became the basis for the popular 1980 film “Urban Cowboy.” The movie starred John Travolta and Debra Winger and the movie’s popularity boosted Gilley’s career. His smash hits included “Window Up Above,” “Don’t the Girls All Get Prettier at Closing Time,” and his version of “Stand by Me,” which was featured on the “Urban Cowboy” soundtrack. Gilley had a theater in Branson, Missouri, and had been performing there as recently as last month.
Notable Quote
“I thank John Travolta every night before bed for keeping my career alive.” “It’s impossible to tell you how grateful I am for my involvement with “Urban Cowboy.” “That film had a huge impact on my career, and still does.” – He told AP in 2002
Tributes to Mickey Gilley
Full Obituary: Billboard
