Gilley spawned the “Urban Cowboy” country music phase

Country legend Mickey Gilley has died at the age of 86 in a Branson, MO hospital. Pasadena, TX Mayor Jeff Wagner first announced the news on Facebook with Gilley’s publicist confirming a short time later.

“Pasadena has lost a true legend. Mickey Gilley passed away today, surrounded by his loved ones,” Wagner writes. “It was my great honor to know this man most of my life. Mickey was a true musical talent who charted 42 singles in the Top 40 country charts over a span of two decades. His talent and larger-than-life personality helped ignite a new interest in country music as he introduced the world to Pasadena through his dance hall and Urban Cowboy in 1980. We were so honored to have Mickey perform at our State of the City in February, 2020. Our prayers for comfort and peace are with Mickey’s family, his loved ones and his fans.”

He passed peacefully with his family and close friends by his side following a run of ten shows in April. No word on the cause of death, but Gilley had canceled his May dates due to some health issues.

“I am so sorry to have cancelled the May dates at the theatre in Branson. The last couple of weeks, my energy level and some health issues kept me from being 100% at my shows. So, I’ve been seeking doctors to get me back on track,” Gilley shared on May 1st. “I certainly don’t like to cancel at the last minute, but unfortunately I had to make the late decision this weekend. I’ve cancelled all Branson shows through May to give anyone planning on seeing our shows the information so your plans could be adjusted accordingly. I hope to be reenergized, healthy and back in full swing to see you at our shows soon! With great appreciation for your ongoing support.”

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Gilley, who was from Mississippi, pioneered the “Urban Cowboy” phase of country music in the 80’s following a string of No. 1 hits including “City Lights,” “I Overlooked An Orchard” and “Don’t The Girls All Get Prettier At Closing Time.”

Gilley moved to Pasadena, TX in 1971 where he opened his world-famous Gilley’s Dance Hall & Night Club. In what has been called “the Studio54 of the West,” Gilley’s Club, was a football-field-sized dancehall in the gritty refinery town of Pasadena, Texas — the center of the cowboy universe in 1978. With a capacity of 6,000, the largest honky-tonk on the planet was frequented by an assortment of patrons that ranged from oilfield roughnecks to movie stars. It was the place to see and be seen until it all ended in accusations, threats and a suspicious fire that would leave the club in ashes.

In 1980, his popularity spawned the film Urban Cowboy, starring John Travolta and Debra Winger, which was filmed at Gilley’s. The movie was a success and Gilley became a household name after “Stand By Me” was included on the soundtrack. The film also helped launch Gilley’s 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 has been a staple in Branson, MO since the 90’s, performing regularly at the Mickey Gilley’s Shanghai Theater. He had tour dates lined up through the fall, many with Johnny Lee.

Gilley, who charted 39 Top 10 hits and 17 No. 1 songs throughout his career, 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.

Earlier this year, it was announced that a limited series based on Gilley and the rise and fall of his world-famous nightclub is in development. No word on when the show will premiere.

Gilley was a guest on The Music Universe Podcast in May 2020.

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