Born in Natchez, Mississippi and raised in Ferriday, Louisiana, Mickey
Gilley was born into a family of musicians. Most of that musical
influence sure came from two of his famous cousins, Jerry Lee Lewis
and Jimmy Swaggart. The sound of rhythm and blues attracted this young
fella while walking the streets of Louisiana to listen to music. At an
early age, Mickey learned how to play piano, and he soon enough
recorded his first record titled, Ooh we Baby. This hit, however, was
much more than just an everday country single. The song was later used
in a commercial for Yoplait yogurt. In 1959, Mickey had the success of
his first chart record, “Is It Wrong for Loving You?” in which
Kenny Rogers was featured playing the bass. This chart hit boomed his
career and he continued to play in cities all over the south and
eventually settled in the city of Pasadena performing at the popular,
Nesadel Club. After 10 years being a part of the night life in the
city and recording yet another charted record, some would say that is
where he developed into being one of the most popular and hoped for
acts. Soon enough, Mickey and his business partner, Sherwood Cryer,
opened the world famous Gilley’s night club in Pasadena, Texas. As
the club grew to be famous, it also entered into the Guinness Record
Book as the World’s Largest Honly-Tonk. Forward to the
mid-seventies, his songs were hitting the country charts with
regularity. With the club rising in popularity so to did Mickey's. But
it was when Esquire Magazine caught wind of the excitement of
Mickey’s success and featured an article called "The Ballad of the
Urban Cowboy" that influenced Gilly's to develop into an Urban Cowboy
craze. Hit after hit, and even movie after movie. Mickey was to
feature in a Paramount pictures to film movie in 1979. The movie,
Urban Cowboy, would also star John Travolta and Debra Winger; while
also featuring the famous Gilley’s Club. Upon the movie's release
Urban Cowboy became a phenomenon. The soundtrack featured many popular
artists including a huge hit by Mickey, "Stand By Me", which went
platinum and it made Mickey a household name. This led to GRAMMY
awards and even awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, while
also performing for two presidents throughout his career. It is no
surprise that his success has been far from disappointing. Though, the
most difficult moment might have been when a fire destroyed the
Gilley’s building and had to shut down. But that didn’t stop him.
Mickey decided to build his own theatre in his new home, Branson, MO.
However, the unthinkable thing happened. An electrical short in a neon
sign located outside of the building created a spark and the theatre
burned to the ground. Mickey had picked up his shoulders and didn’t
let these events in his life put him down. In 2009 he had suffered a
major fall injuring him to be paralyzed for 3 months causing him the
inability to play the piano. However, with the help and encouragement
from his family and fans, his voice was better than ever and he was
ready to show everyone what he’s still got. Today Gilley "walks" out
on the stage unassisted and proceeds to sing his hits and share his
musical career. You never really know what Gilley is going to say and
do and the audience loves it. Gilley's number one love is his music,
but he also continues to give back to the community he lives in. He
recently received the Pioneer Award presented to him by the Branson
Area Chamber of Commerce. Mickey also still continues to participate
in local benefits, veteran shows, and promotes Branson all over the
United States.
music
concerts
blues
funk
nightlife
nightclub
cinema
business
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03/09/2015 Last update