Gilley’s honky-tonk, which featured a mechanical bull, got a boost when “Urban Cowboy” was released. The movie, which starred John Travolta and Debra Winger, is considered by many movie buffs as a country version of Travolta’s 1977 disco film blockbuster, “Saturday Night Fever.”
“I thank John Travolta every night before bed for keeping my career alive,” Gilley told the AP in 2002. “It’s impossible to tell you how grateful I am for my involvement with ‘Urban Cowboy.’ That film had a huge impact on my career, and still does.”
Gilley earned numerous awards including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and induction into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame, according to the Chronicle.
“I’m so very sorry to learn that our good friend and incredible legend in country music, Mickey Gilley has passed,” country music legend Gene Watson said in a statement. “A great singer and a great showman — and always a great friend. Please send your prayers out for his family.”