COUSINS JERRY LEE LEWIS AND JIMMY SWAGGART ALONG WITH IRVING AZOFF AND MORE REMEMBER MICKEY GILLEY
(click to download)
Photo ID (L to R): Jimmy Swaggart, Jerry Lee Lewis, Mickey Gilley in 2020
Photo Courtesy Matthew Swaggart
Low-Res Final Performance Footage
*April 24, 2022 in Branson, Mo. at Mickey Gilley’s Grand Shanghai TheatreMemorial Service Details will be released in the coming days likely including public memorials in Branson, Mo. and Nashville, Tenn. and private in Pasadena, Texas and Ferriday, La.
– Jerry Lee Lewis, cousin of Mickey Gilley and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member
(see Gilley and Lewis together on Pop Goes The Country: Click Here)
(see Gilley perform at Lewis’ 85th Birthday in 2020: Click Here)
– Reverend Jimmy Swaggart, cousin of Mickey Gilley and legendary Pentecostal televangelist
“Working with Mickey Gilley was undoubtedly one of the top highlights of bringing the Urban Cowboy story to both record and film audiences. Mickey was the real deal and a key component of the ‘Urban Cowboy’ story. He will be missed greatly.”
– Irving Azoff, music executive and producer of “Urban Cowboy”
Mickey Gilley was more than just a legend to me. I loved him like a brother. We enjoyed a closeness that came from working towards goals that many suggested were unachievable. He was a kind, thoughtful fun-loving friend and partner through the process of making music and his generosity of spirit pulled the best from everyone with whom he worked. I’m overcome with a sadness that only the memory of his mischievous smile, beautiful soul and our special time together can erase.”
– Jim Ed Norman, music executive and Mickey Gilley’s longtime producer
“Been a friend of Gilley’s for 50 years. He was one of the good ones – I loved playing Gilley’s in Texas, we played it many, many times. The fact is, that’s where I first met Mickey and Johnny Lee and ol’ Sherwood Cryer. I’m sure going to miss my old friend.”
– Bobby Bare, Country Music Hall of Fame member
“The Academy is saddened to lose one of our greats today. He is a seven-time ACM Awards winner including our Entertainer of the Year in 1976 and prestigious Triple Crown award in 2005, which few artists have achieved. His impact on Country Music, film, and television, can never be understated and will never be forgotten. We’ll always keep this urban cowboy in our hearts, and we send our deepest sympathies to his family and fans around the world.”
– Damon Whiteside, CEO, Academy of Country Music
“Gilley’s love of music and people was beautiful. Gifted far beyond talent, he was genuine, loyal, fearless and charming . He warmly welcomed artists and fans from across the globe and all walks of life into his world. A country music ambassador extraordinaire! May his memory be eternal.”
– Lane Brody, fellow artist
“Mickey was the first No. one record I played on and I had 10 consecutive overall with him. He was a gift to not only country music, but the world of music. One cannot think of the motion picture ‘Urban Cowboy’ without thinking of Mickey Gilley.”
– Eddie Bayers, Country Music Hall of Fame drummer, played on many of Mickey Gilley’s records
– Bill Anderson“I’m so very sorry to learn that our good friend and incredible legend in country music, Mickey Gilley has passed. A great singer and a great showman–and always a great friend. Please send your prayers out for his family.”
– Gene Watson“I am heartbroken by the passing of Mickey Gilley. I started out my career opening for Mickey. He was such a great person and entertainer. I have loved him ever since.”
– Crystal Gayle“My heart is broken at the loss of Mickey. I treasure all the times we got to work together and there were never enough. He and Johnny Lee brought a new dimension to country music with the urban Cowboy trend and brought new fans to the genre. Whether it was a boogie or a ballad, Mickey made it his own, no matter how many times it had been done before, and it would become my favorite version. He was loved and respected and he will be so greatly missed.”
– Jeannie Seely
“I grew up on Mickey Gilley music! What a great loss. He was a true stylist! Seeing him live in concert as a kid, and the way he owned the stage…helped me realize that being an entertainer was often as important as the music itself. My deepest sympathies go out to his family. He will forever be a legend and rightfully so!“
– Heidi Newfield
“When I learned of the passing of Gilley my heart just sank! What a trailblazer he was his entire career!! Being a fellow Texan of course, his music blared on my radio and record player and 8 track player!! And then, Urban Cowboy, Gilley’s in Pasadena, he is a member of the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame I am just getting started with all of his accolades. He used to sit and listen to me sing at the piano bar where I played for several years at the Sheraton Music City. He was an encourager to me and he was my friend. RIP Gilley.”
– Linda Davis
“Once again we have lost another country music star and a long-time friend. Rest In Peace Mickey Gilley until we all sing again. In the meantime, we will miss you brother.” – Joe Bonsall / The Oak Ridge Boys
“We just lost a great human being. Mickey Gilley has been honky-tonkin’ since the ’50s. ‘Urban Cowboy’ secured him a spot in America’s consciousness and he’s been in our minds ever since. He lived a full life and left us with a great catalog of hits. One of the things that I’m most proud of is that over the years we have become close. The times we spent together doing shows, cruises, or just talking were a gift. Sheila and I will miss him a lot. Please keep his family and friends in your prayers.” – T. Graham Brown
“Another great loss in Country Music – so sad to hear of the passing of Mickey Gilley. Our paths crossed a few times being in Branson; and Gene Watson and I did his TV show. I loved the day I was fortunate to hang out backstage with Johnny Lee & Mickey Gilley during one of their shows. Great stories and great memories. May He Rest In Peace.” – Rhonda Vincent
– Janie Fricke