Mickey Gilley, the country singer-songwriter who crossed over into mainstream pop culture after his club was featured as the backdrop of 1980’s “Urban Cowboy,” died in Branson, Mo. on Saturday. He was 86 years old.
News of Gilley’s death was confirmed by his management at 117 Entertainment Group. The musician had recently completed a road tour, performing in ten shows through April. “He passed peacefully with his family and close friends by his side,” according to a statement by his representation.
Credited with popularizing the Urban Cowboy movement, Gilley’s music, including hit songs like “Stand By Me,” “Room Full of Roses” and “Lonely Nights,” created a bridge from the artist’s country roots to an ascension on pop charts.
Born in Natchez, Miss. on March 9, 1936, Gilley grew up surrounded by music, eventually earning 39 Top 10 hits and 17 No. 1 songs across his career.
In 1971, Gilley launched the honky-tonk Gilley’s in Pasadena, Texas, which would later feature in the hit 1980 romantic drama “Urban Cowboy,” starring John Travolta and directed by James Bridges. Gilley’s honky-tonk served as the setting for the film, which led to the musician’s ascension into screen acting, with roles in television series such as “Murder She Wrote,” “The Fall Guy,” “Fantasy Island” and “Dukes of Hazzard.”
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Post source: variety
