Mickey Gilley is as well known for his music as his famous Texas nightclub, Gilley's. Gilley was raised in Ferriday, Louisiana, and was inspired to pursue a music career by the success of his cousin, Jerry Lee Lewis. Playing country, rock, and blues at bars and clubs throughout the 50's and 60's, Gilley got his first small hit in 1968. It was in 1970, however, that Gilley was asked to become a partner in reopening a nightclub in Pasadena. Mickey Gilley performed regularly at the club, now called Gilley's, and brought in other live acts.

As Gilley's musical career began to take off, so did the club's success. Gilley's 1974 single "Room Full of Roses" rose to number one on the country charts, followed by 16 more number one hits, including "City Lights", and the popular "A Headache Tomorrow (or a Heartache Tonight). "The Girls all Get Prettier at Closing Time" became Mickey's signature anthem. Gilley won six Academy of Country Music in 1976. Gilley's club also was receiving attention by the music industry.

Gilley's became one of the most sought after places to perform by top country artists, and one of the most famous and popular honky tonks for patrons. To accommodate the ever increasing crowd, Gilley's was expanded to house 6,000 people. Its popularity was based on live country performances, as well as its own mechanical bull. Gilley and the mechanical bull were featured in the 1980 John Travolta/Debra Winger movie, Urban Cowboy, which brought Gilley another hit song for the soundtrack "Stand By Me".

Mickey Gilley sold his club, which had become a shrine to country music. The club was later destroyed by fire. Mickey Gilley became one of the first county artists to open his own theater in Branson, Missouri, in the early 90's.