Country singer Mickey Gilley, a style superstar in the 70s and 80s, died on Saturday at the age of 86.
It was the mayor of the city of Pasadena, Texas, where the singer ended his days, who announced the news in a touching tribute. “Pasadena has lost a true legend. Mickey Gilley passed away today, surrounded by his loved ones. It was a great honor for me to know this man almost all my life,” Jeff Wagner told American media TMZ.
“Mickey was a true musical talent who ranked 42 Top 40 Country Chart singles over a span of two decades. His talent and larger-than-life personality helped spark a new interest in country music as he introduced Pasadena to the world through his dance hall and “Urban Cowboy” in 1980,” he said. added.
Mickey Gilley’s death comes days after several of his tour dates were canceled due to ill health. “For the past two weeks, my energy level and some health issues have kept me from being 100% at my shows. So I looked for doctors to get me back on track. […] I hope to come back in good shape and in good health soon,” said the singer on his personal Facebook page on May 1.
Great loss for the world of country, several American figures of country song wanted to pay tribute to him on social networks.
“Mickey was one of the greatest entertainers of all time, a true legend and a great friend,” country singer Gene Watson wrote on Facebook.
“I enjoyed working on Mickey Gilley records as a backing vocalist, with the great Eddie Kilroy as producer. One of the first big gigs I played was Gilley’s, in Pasadena, Texas. […] The image and memory of Mickey will be eternal,” testified singer Janie Fricke.
The causes of the singer’s death are not yet known.