Dave Ward interviews country legend Mickey Gilley

ABC13 anchor emeritus Dave Ward discovers why country legend Mickey Gilley initially resisted putting a mechanical bull in his iconic club, and how 'Urban Cowboy' changed everything in 1980.
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[@BusinessLawyerGA]

RIP Mickey Gilley. I have loved your music since I was a little boy, and your music has often lifted my spirits. I hope and pray you are performing in heaven with all the other legends.

[@rowdyways4228]

He just performed at Jerry Lees 85th birthday bash, he’s amazing

[@tomdayton5914]

Mickey Gulley is a very sweet man!! I had the honor of meeting him in Hemet California. Great concert and was kind enough to speak to individual fans and he signed our books and photos and let us take photos of us with him. Great memory

[@kbchaffin53]

I met Jerry Lee I 1973 and he also went out of his way to be nice. They're good folks.

[@therosarylady]

Love you Mr Gilley! Great guys both of you! God bless!

[@thegodfatherofthesec1748]

Mickey Gilley ! 🤠🎙🎹 He’s a true ICON ! Hello from Alabama!

[@wildestcowboy2668]

HELLO from muscle shoals Alabama. Where is u from man?

[@jrbland18]

THIS WAS A GREAT INTERVIEW ON MICKEY. REST IN PEACE. YOU WERE TRULY TALENTED.

[@thomasboren3580]

Mickey Gilley is still one who has great music listened to , he made Pasadena ,Texas famous not just because of the movie but every time his place was open it was packed

[@karenherridge1941]

MICKEY GILLEY IS SO DOWN TO EARTH MAN, WHAT A AWESOME MUSICIAN, THERE NEVER EVER BE ANOTHER GILLEY'S, BUT STAY TUNED, THANK YOU GILLEY FOR YOUR LOVE AND MUSIC ALL.THESE BEAUTIFUL YEARS, GOD BLESS YOU MICKEY ❤❤

[@BeingMe23]

I used to live in S Texas from 1975 till about 1987. My older sister still lives in Houston TX area. I was a fan of Mickey too!

[@jasonk4323]

I am 49 years old and in Texas. I can’t even begin to explain the influence Mickey has on me. We email back and forth. Some say my music and tone is “Little Mickey” a title I am just fine with. He’s a good man.

[@barryprice4202]

Saw him perform with Jeanie Seelly (sp) and Johnny Lee in September 2019 in McCleansboro, Illinois. Still had the magic. Great evening.

[@marshathake2349]

Love Mickey's songs, piano playing! 🤗❤️🌟Thank you Mickey! 👏🏻👏🏻🎤🎹💕💕

[@theresaard92]

I got to see Mickey Gilley and Johnny Lee at Renfro Valley 2 years ago. I was disappointed at the fact I wouldn't be able to see Muckey play the piano, but WOW! What a dream come true getting to see him live. The Urban Cowboy Tour was awesome!!!! Always and forever a fan!!!

[@marilyn3826]

LOVE YOU MICKEY! you are a super star . thumbs up from Houston Texas

[@donnadoering5125]

My husband an I saw Micky at the Center in Square in Kitchener Ontario Canada 🇨🇦 years ago. Mickey was such a great guy so much fun, he was my husband's favorite ❤️. Love the show. From Ontario Canada 🇨🇦

[@anitacook6143]

Saw Mickey and Johnny Lee in Branson they put on a good show love their songs .

[@karensykes2108]

Saw him in Dallas isn 83. He kissed my hand while singing Stand By Me. I will always cherish that. X

[@zwgroup7408]

I was at your place in Branson in the 90's. This is when Jerry Reed was alive and performing there. You gave me an original Belt Buckle from Gilley's and signed my cowboy hat. So much of a strong memory I have. God Bless.

[@natechance9826]

My grandma worked for him. I grew up in his house. Love Mr.Gilley

[@aubreyhollins95]

🌟🎹🎹🌟YES!!!! SIR!!!! WE LOVE ❤️ OUR MR. MICKEY 🎹GILLEY HERE IN HOUSTON TEXAS!!!! 🌟👍🏿🌟GOD BLESS YOU SIR !!!!!! FOR ALL THE GREAT SONGS AND PUTTING OUR HOME TOWN HOUSTON AND PASADENA TEXAS ON THE 🗺 MAP!!!!! ✨🎤✨

[@marilyn3826]

one of my favorites movies of all times I have copies of it and still watch it. your life has been very blessed ...so sorry about your wife. Happy Trails to you Mickey love you thumbs up from Houston

[@thinking6307]

So nice Mickey mentioned his wife and their very long marriage.

[@rhapsodyindarain3872]

Awwh...Mickey passes away today. ...5-7-2022. We will miss him. Always thought he was sooo dang good looking. RIP 🙏

[@priscillaregan7252]

Mickey you still a very handsome man, love your singing

[@suzanneeads4540]

Seen You Mickey in 1999 At Your Show In Branson, Met You & And Got A Kiss From You Right On My Forehead 💙 I'll Cherish That For The Rest Of My Life♥️ Your A Treasure To All Of Country Music! Your Show Was Fabulous & Your Singing Was Unbelievable! I Loved Your " Stand By Me " ♥️ Thank You For So Much Fabulous Music❣

[@lewhite99]

Mickey Gilley a true entertainer and showman! One of my favorites. Watch him at Church Street Station 1986, he had that audience from start to finish.

[@wendellgrigsby5070]

I've been to Branson a dozen times and l Always went to Mickey's show when he was In town. I believe that he is a living legend, and will be missed greatly.

[@babycakes1402]

Mickey Gilley's version of 'Stand by Me' is my favorite, that's the best one I've ever heard. His chatting/joking with his keyboard player in Branson in the 90s, I have a copy of a VHS that my brother & sister in law brought home, watching those two together was hilarious, I need to copy it to a DVD.

[@jamescook6564]

That's amazing that "Room Full of Roses" was the "B" side of the album and it was his first #1 hit Dave ward has been with channel 13 over 50 years

[@gussplat]

RIP Gilley...THAnKS for the MUSIC !!!

[@Goot253]

I can't get enough of Mickey Gilley! I got kicked out of Gilleys back in 1981, because I laid my head on the table to sleep. I had worked a long day and got dragged to go out with friends. They assumed I was drunk so they kicked me out for sleeping! Glad he's looking so well! (And it was a blast from the past when he mentioned KENR radio station.) #houstonproud

[@beachbum1523]

Don't know if it's still the case, but back in '81 it was a violation of TABC laws to rest your head on the bar. It wasn't a blue law; it was enforced. It was also against the law to have aspirins behind the bar. Not sure why that was. I lived in Houston in the early 1970's, and I remember KIKK, but I'd forgotten about KENR. I listened to KNUZ, 1430AM, and KILT, "The Big 610"AM.

[@Keeshablu]

So sad to hear of Mickey Gilleys passing. Now he can play n heaven R.I.P Mickey Gilley you were a great entertainer.& had some great songs.

[@bobcarter4343]

Sat next to Mickey Gilley on an airplane back in the early 70's and had a nice chat. He told me that everyone would be buying CB radios in the next 6 months and guess what, he was right. I remember he had rings on almost of his fingers. He was also a very kind interesting man. Keep on truckin Mickey.

[@doreenvanminsel1960]

R.I.P. and Thanks for the songs.

[@maggiesale4993]

Love to you Mickey Gilly. Love all your music and many blessings to you. Enjoying your amazing interview..💞

[@melvinwalker2402]

He’s one of the nicest guys I have ever met in my life.

[@nascarfan88ta]

He's aged physically, but his voice still sounds pretty good for 84

[@dntamuu76]

Rest In Peace, Mickey Gilley. We will miss you.

[@susanray8515]

God gave longevity and great musical Talent to the Gillies and Lewis's and Reverend Swaggart

[@musicfanhawk4523]

I like this guy doing the interview!! Excellent questions and allows MG to answer fully. Really love Mickey, been a fan since I was a kid, loved his piano playing.

[@redsammy7789]

That is Dave Ward, was the main anchor guy for channel 13 news in Houston for many years, he retired a long time ago.

[@thinking6307]

Very good point musicfan! He let Mickey go where Mickey wanted to go...and still asked good questions. It is obvious that Mickey has a million stories to tell!

[@allenpew8544]

Love his music ! Really nice seeing Dave Ward doing another great interview.

[@torreybreton3928]

I remember how young i was when urban cowboy came out wow different times back then awsome memories

[@gloriasmith7443]

I am happy you made a big success in your music I always had a lot of Faith in you your friend from years ago Gloria Rossi

[@johnperrone3907]

Saw him and Johnnie Lee at Stampede Houston back a few years ago best concert ever

[@elosogonzalez8739]

Love Mickey Gilley! Some of my favorite songs were his.

[@mimiisme2728]

He is the ultimate entertainer. We went to a concert at a Casino a year ago and he still has it!

[@siggeammitz1644]

What a wonderful man ❤️❤️

[@Trauma___Mama]

What a nice surprise

[@MDavidG1]

Wow, what a great interviewee! Mickey is as sharp as a tack. If only Joe Biden were 1/10th this coherent!

[@MDavidG1]

@@foobarmaximus3506 Wow, you seem to have some anger issues my friend. And please watch your language.

[@shannonsmith9060]

What a great man RIP Mickey

[@marilyn3826]

watched this again...lol, what a great story! I love you and your music ( and Johnny too) so much! They don't make them like you any more. Oldie but a Goodie lol the Best! Hope you live to be over 100 years old. You look good! You are a household name here in Houston. Watched Jerry Lee's birthday party man ....can his sister play that piano! what a talented family your all are!

[@sallyhunt1680]

I saw him at gilleys in Pasadena rode the bull there .been there plenty of times I miss that club.then I saw him in the airport at hobby airport he is a very nice mam

[@michaelbickley9801]

I love mickey gilley and also his cuz Jerry lee they both still look and sing very well for there age, no pun intended!

[@sharonrhoads6279]

Rest in peace Mickey. Love this man ❤

[@tombasye1016]

Mickey Gilley Is A Legend Set In Time, From A Musical Artist To Steps With Hollywood Actor's.

[@shawnduncan5779]

My aunt and uncle loaned my mom and dad of Mickey Gilley's albums. I also remember seeing Mickey Gilley on the Dukes of Hazzard

[@ReneeStorm777]

As a native Houstonian I grew up watching Dave Ward on the evening news. He is aging well. I knew of Mickey Gilley and Gilley's in Pasadena, although I never went there. "Room Full of Roses" was my favorite song of Mickey Gilley. Enjoyed the interview.

[@msharic85]

Saw them at The Barge 295 in Seabrook 2 wks ago 🤠 He's right about Urban Cowboy's success. I'm 35 & have went to 3 of his shows. He even let me sit on his lap!!! 😊

[@jgatkinson744]

Mickey Gilley a great entertainer I have a listen to him for years I remember when he first got started and when urban cowboy came out and two weeks later everyone was wearing boots and hats clubs were playing Texas two steer music everywhere you went. me and Mickey are about the same age rest in peace Mickey Gilley

[@jrbland18]

What an Incredible guy and PERFORMER.

[@myrtlejoles5960]

I remember I saw mickey long time ago when I saw him at fair ground I was pregnant with my first baby boy he was wearing a yellow bright western shirt I was right there he was singing under a tent I did'n" have a camera Mickie still got it going on!!

[@kszyman59]

Great interview. Enjoyed catching up with one of my favorite artists.

[@elgenacovington4753]

I visited Gilly's restaurant and show in Branson. He is one of my favorites. So is Jerry Lee Lewis. Talk about playing the piano, they can.

[@Rolling_Smoke_BBQ_Cooking]

My and my wife was at the Coushatta show in Louisiana I’m glad we went it was an awesome show R.I.P Mickey Gilley one of the greatest of all time.

[@suzanneeads4540]

I Forgot To Mention, I Still Have Your Signed Autograph.....I've Never Seen Such Penmanship As Mickey Gilleys Signature....Loved It❣

[@cliffordlenard7919]

Love Gilleys Music. Got to open for him in 82. What a show and evening.

[@YouTubeGalPal]

Two Houston legends right here!!!❤❤

[@wildestcowboy2668]

To be his age he be done be being good. U Mr Gilley is my favorite country singa. My fav song is your duet with that pretty lady

[@velvetheart7683]

I still live in Pasadena...I'm honestly not a big country music fan compared to most in these parts, lol...but my all time favorite song, that always brings tears, is You don't know me...by Mickey Gilley. ONLY Mickey Gilley's version..it is the best and if he thinks Ray Charles version is the better he is so wrong. That song, the way it was arranged, his voice, his piano...his style....it is like the song was written just for him. I have heard all the versions that I have been able to find...and none compare, which is why it is the only version that went number one. Back in the early days, I went to Gilley's one time because everyone was going there and it was right here...and I saw Mickey...he didn't perform that night but he was walking around just looking good. I am so glad, after listening to this interview that he is still having a great life performing! I am so happy for him! And I thank him from the bottom of my 70 year old heart for that song that can touch me like no other.

[@robertcowan3462]

A Pasadena history lesson .

[@Sissygirl481]

Still handsome as ever

[@Goot253]

Nice to see Dave Ward, too!

[@krisone5253]

Micky Gilley is so nice. His Partner in business Burned GILLEYS PLACE DOWN RIGHT TO THE GROUND. 🔥🔥🔥 He LIT IT UP LIKE THE FOURTH OF JULY. 🌟✨💥🎊 BURNED IT RIGHT DOWN.

[@marilyn3826]

I saw you on American Pickers. Mike and Frank had a blast . I think Frank made a lot off of the piano.. I would of bought that Gilleys neon sign! thumbs up from Houston Texas. Love xoxo

[@brendaniebel1355]

When i moved to tx, gilleys, burned down. That was a rotten outburst. I wish i could have seen it.

[@jrbland18]

ONR GREAT PIANO PLAYER AND SINGER. WHO KNOWS HOW TO PERFORM

[@knowmusicman157]

Smartest of the 3 cousins

[@BR-jf9sh]

Fact

[@karlrosten9091]

Mickey Gilley is great ,he has fueled up at my fathers Truck Stop back in the 80's in West Peabody Mass.On Rte 1,Nb. His Guitarist Rocky Stone is from the Lynn .Saugus area he also played Guitar with The Nashville Sounds with Ronny&Donny De'on,Bob Riley & The Music Masters, me Karl Rosten on Drums .Rocky Stone also had his own Band Wheatstraw that's where Mickey Gilley discovered him Rocky open the show for him in New York.

[@arthurleporin4611]

Great person and Singer ,Artie Leporin

[@Sissygirl481]

Love Mikey Gilley 💙

[@earlenem5745]

I love John Travolta

[@mikebottiaux5850]

Great interview!

[@brendasuelong-bryant3855]

😭😭😭😭❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@xbigshot1]

I was at Coushatta that he mentions at 30:50 .........yes, it was packed!

[@earlenem5745]

Urban Cowboy what is the best movie ever and love the song always loved Mickey Gilley Jimmy Swaggart and yes Jerry Lee Lewis Great Balls of Fire and I love Jimmy Swaggart preaching

[@sherryshelton8284]

Does anyone know what year this interview was? How about the song, "If I had it my way?....what year was it recorded?

[@dekelanson5280]

This interview would be this year, cause he mentions urban cowboy turns 40. that was last June.

[@rowdyways4228]

Is was 2020, not exactly sure what month. His wife just passed in December 2019. He turned 84 in March of 2020, but during the interview he says he’s 83. The video was uploaded in June 2020, but I’m thinking before his birthday in March it was filmed.

[@MM-ku2jt]

He forgot or didn't know that joh John Travolta was coming off Grease not Saturday Night Fever.

[@TheEdie1958]

Troubadours and cowboy poets along with Big Band Swing bandleader Bob Crosby and the Bobcats along with founding member bassist song arranger Bob Haggart. Edward Lewis Wallant prolific writer the Pawnbroker with actor Rod Steiger. God bless Sir and family.

[@runningdoe6288]

osiyo I have been there many years ago,

[@janeturner4485]

Went to Brandson several times an had to Gilleys each time. What ever happen to Joey Riley.

[@charlesbrown2088]

W

[@TheEdie1958]

Everything coming up Roses the Alfred Sisley peach/white, Desdomonia blush rose, John Betjemann poet laureate rose thus the days of wine and roses Cinsault Roche Mazet. God bless.

[@Tomcaatt]

Mickeys not FAKE is he!

[@musicfanhawk4523]

Nope I would say he is the real deal! Honest and genuine!

[@dwcoop5390]

I have met MG.. very nice guy 😎👍 It use to bug him his cousin Jimmy Swaggart makes more money than he and Jerry Lee 🤣👍

[@7550375503]

Not only did Gilley bite the hand.. He took Sherwoods life. (death by broken heart).

[@frankwolf3857]

Take away... don't move furniture... get young guys to do that stuff.

[@JustMe-yg4fd]

That’s scar that Dave Ward has in between his eyes above his nose that is my fault sorry we went on a field trip until the astrodome in 1980 and he was going up the stairs and I was running to the bus not realizing what was about to happen I bumped into him he fail and that’s how it happened sorry Dave

[@dondesnoo1771]

Gilley is better singer than jerry lee lewis 🤗 jerry better piano man

[@mvarino64]

We saw him at least 3 times in Branson, at his theater. Great show every time!

[@7550375503]

Sherwood Cryer took a total screwing from Gilley.

[@billhonn2701]

My sister was at gillys n did ride the mechanical bull for 5 seconds before she said it flipped her like a rag doll. When i visited her jn 2005 there was no more gillys. I waa upset i wanted to go.