Mickey Gilley American country singer and musician Date of Birth: 09.03.1936 Country: USA

1. Biography of Mickey Gilley
2. Early Life and Influences
3. Early Career
4. Breakthrough and Success
5. Transition to Pop Music

Biography of Mickey Gilley

Mickey Gilley is an American country singer and musician. He began his career in the 1970s, performing classic country songs. However, in the 1980s, after the release of the movie "Urban Cowboy," Gilley shifted his focus towards a more pop-oriented sound, which proved to be successful. Some of his most notable songs include "Room Full of Roses," "Don't the Girls All Get Prettier at Closing Time," and a soul remake of "Stand by Me."

Early Life and Influences

Mickey Gilley was born in Natchez, Adams County. He grew up in the shadow of his cousin, the popular rock and roll performer Jerry Lee Lewis. They were practically neighbors, with the Mississippi River being the only thing that separated them. Mickey, Jerry, and their third cousin Jimmy Swaggart learned to play the piano together from a young age. They would often perform boogie-woogie and gospel music together. Although Gilley did not initially see himself as a professional musician, his perception changed when Jerry Lee Lewis found success in the 1950s.

Early Career

In the late 1950s, Mickey Gilley released several singles and had his first recording session at "Dot" studios in 1958, which sold fairly well. During the 1960s, he played successfully at clubs and bars. In 1967, he released his first album, "Down the Line," followed by "Now I Can Live Again." In 1970, Gilley opened his first club in Pasadena, Texas, known as "Gilley's Club," which replaced the popular "Shelley's Club" in the area. The club quickly gained a reputation as the "world's greatest honky-tonk destination."

Breakthrough and Success

In 1974, Mickey Gilley recorded a new song called "Room Full of Roses," originally intended as a joke. The song was released by "Astro Records" and later acquired by "Playboy Records." It quickly climbed the charts and remains one of the best songs of that era. By the end of the 1970s, Gilley had already achieved chart-topping success in the country music scene.

Transition to Pop Music

In the 1980s, after the release of the movie "Urban Cowboy," Mickey Gilley shifted his musical direction towards a more pop-oriented sound. This change in strategy proved successful as he enjoyed another wave of success. His soul remake of "Stand by Me" became a popular standalone hit, inspiring other artists such as Eddie Rabbitt, Juice Newton, Kenny Rogers, and Dolly Parton to incorporate similar styles into their music.

Overall, Mickey Gilley's career has spanned several decades and genres, making him a respected and influential figure in both country and pop music.