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Country singer Mickey Gilley, whose bar launched ‘Urban Cowboy,’ dies -Breaking

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© Reuters.

By Bill Trott

(Reuters) – Country singer Mickey Gilley (whose Texas-sized honky–tonk bar is the originplace of “Urban Cowboy”) music and fashion fads in the 1980s died on Saturday.

Gilley was a first cousin to Jerry Lee Lewis’ rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Jerry Lee Lewis as well as television evangelist Jimmy Swaggart. His Facebook page stated that Gilley “had just been off the road…having played 10 shows during April.”

Branson employee Mickey Gilley Theater confirmed his death, but did not reveal the reason.

Gilley’s country songs included honky toonk tunes such as “Don’t The Girls All Get Prettier At Closing Time” or “The Power of Positive Drinkin'”, and ballads such “A Headache Tomorrow” (or a Heartache Tonight). However, he is best remembered as the man who owned the bar that inspired the film “Urban Cowboy”, which was released in 1980. John Travolta danced with Gilley while riding a bull on his back and trying to throw it off.

Born in Natchez, Mississippi and raised in Ferriday (La. ), Gilley is the son of Arthur Fillmore Gilley. He was also taught piano by his parents, Irene Gilley. In Houston, Texas, he moved where he did day jobs, sang, and played the piano at bars.

Gilley’s Nightclub was opened in Pasadena by him and a partner in 1970. This was a large, dark place that had a concrete roof and concrete floors. The nightclub opened every day from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. and attracted large crowds.

Gilley’s was able to hold 6,000 people, had a rodeo area, recorded studio, and even a souvenir shop. The world’s largest honky-tonk, it boasted a mechanical bucking bull that cowboys, cowgirls, and other wannabe rodeo competitors could use to test their skills.

El Toro was the mechanical bull that Gilley used in the movie “Urban Cowboy”. It is one of Houston’s most popular tourist attractions.

Bob Claypool, author of “Saturday Night At Gilley’s”, wrote that “It was quite simply the most Texan among them all,” and “It wasn’t the loudest, danceiest, or brawlingest of them all”

The “Urban Cowboy”, which made Gilley’s appear like a legendary place, helped to set off a boom in country music popularity and a new fashion trend. The first big Western hats, boots and snap-button tops began to be seen not only in Houston or Dallas but also in New York, San Francisco, Chicago and San Francisco.

Gilley made a brief appearance in the film and was featured on two tracks – “Here Comes the Hurt Again”, and “Stand by Me,” – which were included on the soundtrack. His appearances on TV shows like “Murder She Wrote”, Fantasy Island, and “The Dukes of Hazzard” were later.

Other hits included “Roomful of Roses”, “I’m The One Mama Wrote You About” as well “Your Memory Ain’t What It Used To Be”.

Gilley was born March 9th, 1936. His cousins Lewis and Swaggart were also there. The three of them grew together in a society that encouraged drinking, gambling and religion. The Assembly of God was attended by all three of the boys.

Lewis was to become one of the most influential rock musicians of the 1950s, with hit songs like “Great Balls of Fire”, and “Whole Lotta’ Shakin’ On”. Swaggart was a Pentecostal theatrical preacher who developed an international TV ministry. He was later implicated in a scandal that involved a prostitute.

Gilley’s fame declined with the end of “Urban Cowboy”, but Gilley was still a big star. Gilley’s partner and Gilley fought over the closure of the nightclub in 1989. The nightclub was demolished in arson an year later.

Gilley recovered by being a frequent performer at Branson, Missouri’s hotbed for country music. There he also established a theatre. Gilley also started a Gilley’s bar in Dallas. However, it didn’t achieve the same success.

Gilley became partially paralysed in 2009 after he injured his back while moving furniture for a friend. Following therapy, he was able to resume singing in Branson. However, he could not play the piano.

Gilley had four children and was twice married.

(Writing, reporting and editing by Bill Trott; additional reporting by David Gregorio. Editing by Will Dunham and David Gregorio.

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