Since 1957, the Mississippi native has been creating music based on the sound of Louisiana rhythm and blues. Gilley grew up surrounded by the influence of music with his two famous cousins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart.

Gilley debuted at the top of the charts with her song “Is It Wrong For Loving You”, and had a total of 39 Top 10 hits, 17 of which reached No. 1.

After moving to Pasadena, Texas in 1971, he opened his famous honky-tonk nightclub, Gilley’s.

In 1980, he appeared in the movie “Urban Cowboy” alongside John Travolta, Debra Winger and Johnny Lee. He went on to star in many popular TV series including ‘Murder She Wrote’, ‘The Fall Guy’, ‘Fantasy Island’ and ‘Dukes of Hazzard’.

He has won numerous accolades, including six ACM Awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.

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LOOK: Mickey Gilley returns to Urban Cowboy, 40 years later