• Artist Name: Jay Kutcher
• Hometown: Jonquière Québec Canada

What project(s) are you currently working on?

My second album

What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?

My own family (Father, Uncles etc) are musicians, signers. So since I’m young.

If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?

I’m really good in construction.

What is your favorite downtime activity?

To be with my family.

Who is your biggest celebrity crush?

Luke Bryan

Who is your favorite sports team(s)?

Montreal Canadians NHL Hockey Team

What is the last movie that you watched?

James Bond

What is the last album you listened to?

Tucker Wetmore

If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Jay Kutcher album

What is the greatest country song of all time?

Too many great songs to have only one.

What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?

Nashville

What is your favorite meal?

Tomahawk on Kamado Grill.

Who is your dream duet partner?

Luke Bryan

Who would you like to go on tour with?

Luke Bryan Thomas Rhett, Keith Urban, Morgan Wallen

What is your ultimate career goal(s)?

To play at the Bell Center, Madisson Square Garden, CMA in Nashville all and big festivals !!!

How can fans connect with you on Social Media?

Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok

Photo Credit: Peter Yang

Sad news to report, as we’ve gotten the below press release announcing the passing of Kris Kristofferson.  Scroll down to the bottom to see what his peers are saying in remembrance of his passing:

Artist, singer, songwriter, actor and activist Kris Kristofferson passed away peacefully in his home in Maui, Hawaii Saturday, September 28, surrounded by family. He was 88 years old.

Born Kristoffer Kristofferson in the border town of Brownsville, Texas on June 22, 1936, Kristofferson changed the language of country music, with extraordinary internal rhymes, Shakespearean iambic pentameter, and socially progressive subject matter that found the personal within the political.

He was a Rhodes Scholar in Oxford, a defensive back, a bartender, a Golden Gloves boxer, a gandy dancer, a forest firefighter, a road crew member, and an Army Ranger who flew helicopters. He was a peacenik, a revolutionary, an actor, a superstar, a sex symbol, and a family man. He was commissioned to teach English at West Point, though he gave that up to become a Nashville songwriting bum.

Sam Peckinpah cast him as Billy the Kid. Willie Nelson recorded an entire album of his songs, then joined him in supergroup The Highwaymen, with Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings. Muhammad Ali sat side-stage at his concerts. Mama Cass Elliot called him “No Eyes.” Atlantic Monthly published his short stories.

He believed that songwriting is a spiritual communion of mind, body, and soul, and he believed that William Blake was correct in asserting that anyone divinely ordered for spiritual communion but buries his talent will be pursued by sorrow and desperation through life and by shame and confusion for eternity.

“(Blake) is telling you that you’ll be miserable if you don’t do what you’re supposed to do,” Kristofferson said in the Ken Burns’ documentary Country Music.

Kristofferson’s devotion to spiritual communion brought much in the way of sorrow, desperation, and misery, but it led to triumph.

His work ethic was evident from an early age, celebrated by his parents and, when he was a teenager, a construction supervisor on Wake Island said he was the best worker on the construction crew.

“I took pride in being the best laborer, the guy that could dig the ditches the fastest,” he said. “Something inside me made me want to do the tough stuff . . . Part of it was that I wanted to be a writer, and I figured that I had to get out and live. I know that’s why I ran in front of the bulls in Pamplona.”

The son of a major general and a philanthropic mother, Kristofferson spent his childhood learning lessons in honor and civility, though he arrived at different notions of these things than did his parents. He graduated high school in San Mateo, California, in 1954, then attended Pomona College, where he played football (“I was pretty slow, but I was small,” he said) and studied writing under Dr. Frederick Sontag, who pushed him to apply for a Rhodes scholarship. At Oxford, he wrote stories and examined the works of William Blake.

Kristofferson earned his master’s from Oxford in 1960, then returned to California, married his high school sweetheart, joined the Army, and learned to fly helicopters. In the Army, he wrote funny songs inspired by Hank Williams, until he fell under the sway of folk maestro Bob Dylan.

“The direction Dylan was pointing in made it a respectable ambition, a respectable thing to do,” Kristofferson said.

The Army assigned Kristofferson to teach literature at West Point, a duty that frightened him once he found that he’d have to turn in lesson plans, explaining to superiors exactly what he’d be teaching in class. He said, “It sounded like hell to me.”

And so, in 1965, he came to Nashville to visit with Marijohn Wilkin, the songwriter of “Long Black Veil” and a relation of Kristofferson’s Army platoon leader. On Kristofferson’s first Nashville night, he met Cowboy Jack Clement, a renegade creative who would become a lifelong friend. Soon after that, Wilkin helped Kristofferson get a backstage pass to the Grand Ole Opry, where he met a pacing panther named Johnny Cash. In less than two Music City weeks, Kristofferson decided to resign his Army post and move to Nashville to write songs. Soon after, he met successful songwriter Tom T. Hall in a Nashville bar. Kristofferson introduced himself to Hall, who said “Good to see you . . . It’s a hairy-legged town.”

Kristofferson scuffled for more than four years in Nashville, entering his 30s as what his parents considered a ne’er do well who was dragging down the family name. He worked as a janitor at CBS’s Nashville studio, happy to empty trash cans and make coffee in exchange for access to recording sessions by Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, and others. He rode around on a well-bruised Honda motorcycle, and neglected family matters in ways that came to haunt him and that doomed his first marriage. He was heartened by praise from the people whom he hoped would become peers. When his “From the Bottle to the Bottom” was recorded by Grand Ole Opry star Billy Walker in 1969, Tom T. Hall said, “God, that’s a great song” and quoted lines back to the fledgling talent.

“That kind of thing was enough to keep me going back then,” Kristofferson said.

After more than four years in songwriting purgatory, things began to roll Kristofferson’s way. Ray Stevens recorded his “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” and Johnny Cash recorded the same song and took it to the top of the country charts. Cash performed “Sunday Mornin'” on his ABC television show, and, despite the cries of network censors, refused to change Kristofferson’s line “Wishing, Lord, that I was stoned” to “Wishing, Lord, that I was home.” That song was voted the Country Music Association’s song of the year in 1970.

Roger Miller, one of Kristofferson’s songwriting heroes, recorded “Me and Bobby McGee,” a song inspired by publisher and Monument Records boss Fred Foster’s suggestion that a song should be written about Foster’s secretary, Bobby McKee. And Kristofferson’s “For the Good Times” was recorded by the great Ray Price and became a No. 1 country hit.

After arguing with Foster about his validity as a recording artist (Kristofferson said, “I sing like a fucking frog,” to which Foster replied, “Yes, but like a frog that can communicate.”), Kristofferson’s first solo album came out in April of 1970. It contained now-classics including “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” “Me and Bobby McGee,” “To Beat the Devil,” “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” “Just the Other Side of Nowhere,” “Darby’s Castle,” and “Best of All Possible Worlds.” It began with “Blame It On the Stones,” a song that opened with the decidedly non-traditional line, “Mr. Marvin Middle Class is really in a stew/ Wonderin’ what the younger generation’s coming to.”

With that debut album, Kristofferson emerged as a luminous figure whose fame expanded far beyond country music. Janis Joplin recorded “Me and Bobby McGee,” which became her signature hit. And Kristofferson became a counter-culture darling, beloved by artists and listeners who had never before paid attention to country music.

“You can look at Nashville pre-Kris and post-Kris, because he changed everything,” said Bob Dylan.

Kristofferson’s second album, The Silver Tongued Devil and I, came out on Monument Records in 1971 and contained “The Pilgrim – Chapter 33,” a song he claimed to write about friends Cash, Chris Gantry, Funky Donnie Fritts, and others but later admitted was mostly about himself. “He’s a walkin’ contradiction, partly truth and partly fiction,” he sang. “Taking every wrong direction on his lonely way back home.”

All those wrong directions led to some spectacular locales. In 1971, Kristofferson began a side career as an actor. He would go on to win a Golden Globe award for his role in A Star Is Born, and to act in numerous films including Semi-Tough, Songwriter, Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea, Lone Star, and Blade. He toured the world with his band and with Rita Coolidge, his wife from 1973 until 1980. He moved from Nashville to California. And he released seven solo albums between 1972 and 1979.

This flurry of activity and the accompanying celebrity did not ease Kristofferson’s mind, which was prone to depression, or his problematic drinking habit. The heady years of grand success proved to be some of the most difficult of his life.

“The darkness is driving me farther away from the shore/ Throw me a rhyme or a reason to try to go on,” he wrote and sang in “Shipwrecked in the 80s.” He found rhyme and reason in the graceful form of Lisa Meyers, who married Kristofferson in 1983 and helped him get his life under control. The couple would have five children together.

In 1985, Kristofferson joined Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson to form the supergroup now called The Highwaymen. The group returned Kristofferson’s voice to radio, provided a larger audience for him to relay his critical and sometimes controversial views on American foreign policy, and offered him great joy.

“Every time I look at a picture of Willie and me and John and Waylon, I find it amazing that they let the janitor in there,” he told journalist Mikal Gilmore.

After two roundly ignored solo albums for Mercury Records, Repossessed and Third World Warrior, Kristofferson began working with producer Don Was in 1995. Their creative partnership proved fruitful, with Was’ restrained production allowing the gristly character in Kristofferson’s voice to be heard to full effect, and with Kristofferson writing pensive, eloquent songs that rank with his finest works. “It’s about making sense of life at this end of the game,” Kristofferson said about his 2009 Closer to the Bone album, and that comment also applies to Was-produced works A Moment of Forever (2006), This Old Road (2009), and Feeling Mortal (2013). On his 80^th birthday in 2016, Kris released The Cedar Creek Sessions, which was nominated for a Grammy for best Americana Album six months later.

Until the pandemic in 2020, Kristofferson toured incessantly in the 21st century, a quiet man in worn brown boots, commanding stages with only his guitar and harmonica for accompaniment. His Gibson acoustic might go out of tune . . . no matter. In his final years he performed with Merle Haggard’s band, The Strangers.

In 2003, Kristofferson received the Free Speech Award from the Americana Music Association and in 2004 he became a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Since then, he received lifetime achievement honors from BMI, The Recording Academy, the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music, among many others.

“When I got started, I was one of the people hoping to bring respect to country music,” he said. “Some of the songs I had that got to be hits did that. I imagine that’s why somebody might vote me into a Hall of Fame. I know it’s not because of my golden throat.”

On the back cover of The Silver Tongued Devil and I, Kristofferson advised that his songs were “Echoes of the going ups and coming downs, walking pneumonia and run-of-the-mill madness, colored with guilt, pride, and a vague sense of despair.”

Sometimes divine communion, then, is holy hell. Kristofferson brought some of that hell on himself, and he lived through times when guilt and despair were anything but vague, and when pride was hard to conjure. Asked about regrets, he said, “Listen, I have those. But my life has turned out so well for me that I would be afraid to change anything.”

Kristofferson’s survived by his wife, Lisa; eight children, Tracy, Kris Jr., Casey, Jesse, Jody, John, Kelly, and Blake; and seven grandchildren, who offer the following consolatory statement:

“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news our husband/father/grandfather, Kris Kristofferson, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 28 at home. We’re all so blessed for our time with him. Thank you for loving him all these many years, and when you see a rainbow, know he’s smiling down at us all.” – The Family of Kris Kristofferson

The family asks for privacy during this time.

Here is what his peers are saying about his passing (we’ll be updating this as we get more quotes to add):

• Alan Jackson  – Thanks for all the inspiration. Rest in Peace Kris Kristofferson.
• Anne Murray – Gooodbye Kris. What an extraordinary songwriter and joy to work with you were!
• Anthony Smith – The songwriter that influenced me, the most and the coolest guy I ever knew. The great Kris Kristofferson.
• Ashley McBryde – Thank you for teaching us to write.  And for teaching me how to beat the devil.  Rest now Mr. Kristofferson.
• Bellamy Brothers – We were asked to produce an album by a Record Label in Europe with lots of stars from Switzerland and American singers duetting together. All of the singers wanted to do ‘Bobby McGee’ but we hadn’t seen Kris for a while and didn’t have a contact for him. A friend of ours mentioned he knew how to reach him and so we asked him to explain the project and see if Kris would be part of it. He answered us almost immediately and said he would love to do it and to tell Howard and David just to send the tracks to his studio in Hawaii and he’d record the vocals. Of course all of the Swiss Artists were so excited they all wanted to sing with him, and so they did, from the Yodelers to the Rock Stars to the Folk Singers and everything in between because Kris’ music is Universal, everyone knows it and everyone loves to sing it & everyone will miss Kris Kristofferson so much but his Legacy will live on. We love you Kris. #whymelord
• Big Kenny – Rest in peace @kristofferson What an amazing poet, songwriter, actor and inspiration to so many in our time. Forever grateful for his spoken contribution to our song the 8th of November. Blessed we got to share some time and laughs. Such a great spirit. Sending condolences to his wife Lisa and family and all his fans.
• Bill Anderson – Kris Kristofferson was the songwriter’s songwriter. We all looked up to him and wished we could have written with such “elegant simplicity.” His music will live forever, and I will forever treasure the times I got to spend with him. Rest in peace, my friend, knowing that you were the best.
• Billy Dean – Kris Kristofferson taught us the difference between simplicity and trite, sexy and vulgar, broken and reborn.
• Billy Ray Cyrus – The magnitude of Kris Kristofferson’s greatness is beyond words. As a man, a musician, a songwriter, a singer, an actor, and a humanitarian… he set the bar for what it means to live fully and authentically. His legendary impact on music and humanity will resonate forever.
• Blackberry Smoke – Rest in peace, brother Kris Kristofferson. We love ya
• Carolyn Dawn Johnson – This is truly sad….what a gentle spirit and brilliant poet…..I have been around him only once and he was so kind…….I hope I leave this kind of legacy
• Cody Jinks – This is a real picture of me and Ward looking in at the man himself, Ward and I had the honor of playing a show with him some years ago. There might as well have been a light radiating from that room as Ward and I waited. We pondered on what we would say when we got to say hi. To songwriters like us this man was larger than life, still is. The importance of his contributions to music will go on as he is arguably one of the greatest God has blessed us with. Let’s all sing Why Me Lord, today. Thank you Kris Kristofferson!
• Collin Raye – I’m very saddened this week at the news that the great Kris Kristofferson has passed away. Even though Kris lived a long life, it’s still difficult to accept that he’s gone. Of all the amazing songwriters who influenced and inspired me, and there are many, no one else wrote more songs that touched me deeply than Kristofferson. A consummate lyricist who changed country music songwriting forever. His passing, coming only days after the death of my friend Hugh Prestwood, whom like Kris wrote so many lyrical and musical masterpieces, has made this week a devastating loss for our industry and music. Kris penned my favorite line of all time: ‘I’d trade all of my tomorrows, for one single yesterday.’ May you be at peace, Kris. I most assuredly will be paying tribute to Kris and to Hugh onstage for quite some time. May God bless and comfort these men. Two of His finest poets.
• Cory Morrow – May The Lord receive your soul and may you rest in His peace and Love forever.  Like so many others, Kris Kristofferson has been a tremendous influence, not just in the music that we strive toward, but in the men we desire to be for those around us. I didn’t know him personally, but have met him on more than one occasion. Nothing but genuine kindness and grace did I see. I am going to be playing me some Kristofferson music today!! May God bless you all today. Stop and give thanks today for the blessings in your life.
• Dallas Wayne – We lost a friend and hero yesterday for all of us who look upon country music songwriting as poetry. Kris Kristofferson was the gold standard in sharing emotions and stories in song. Condolences go out to his wife Lisa and their entire family. Thank you for showing us all how it’s done. Rest well.
• Darius Rucker – We lost one of the kindest most beautiful souls that God gave us. I will miss u my friend. I love u Kriss. I just love u man!!
• Daryl Worley – Meeting Kristofferson was one of the huge highlights of my life. He was so kind and an absolute perfect gentleman. He even knew one of my songs, ‘Second Wind,’ and of course that made my head swell. He was a brilliant man but I think his greatest offerings came in the songs. My goal in life was always to be the best songwriter I could be. Looking back over his work is probably the best example anyone could ever see. Thanks Kris. You served us all in many different ways and we are forever indebted. You will be missed.
• David Frizzell – I am always at a special event when I see Kris. The last two times were when him and my brother Lefty were getting inducted in to “The Texas Country Music Hall of Fame” and we both were gonna do a show for the event (he had heard I forgot my harmonica for the show and gave me one of his) and then a few years ago The NSAI had their 50th anniversary event and I was there with Shelly to do “You’re The Reason God Made Oklahoma” and got to visit with Kris before the show. What a great talent and we are gonna miss him!
• Deana Carter – So sad to lose this special soul. Thank you for your love and brilliance @kristofferson. One of a kind. Sending all my love to Lisa & the whole family.
• Deborah Allen – I am heartbroken to hear that Kris Kristofferson has pass away. He was such a beautiful human being, a prolific poet, a brilliant, legendary songwriter and an Icon in the world of music and film. I’m so grateful to God that I had the honor and privilege of calling him my friend. He was a gift to all of us and he will be Loved, Missed and Remembered… Forever. Rest in Heavenly Peace Kris…
  PS… I cant help but think about how perfectly God had it so poetically planned to bring Kris home on this “Sunday Morning Comin’ Down” …and how, Kris now knows all the answers to the questions he asked in his amazing song, “Why Me Lord.”   I love theses heartfelt words from his family in their statement this evening:  (Sunday, September 29) We’re all so blessed for our time with him. Thank you for loving him all these many years, and when you see a rainbow, know he’s smiling down at us.”

  Dennis Quaid – Our thoughts and prayers are for his family.  God’s love flowed out of Kris through his songs and his very being. God has a special place for him.  A life well-lived, a great soul now become a guiding star.
• Dolly Parton – Kris Kristofferson. What a great loss.  What a great writer.  What a great actor.  What a great friend.  I will always love you, Dolly
• Don McLean – Kris and I shared a magical weekend together. We both were introduced by legends at The Newport Folk Festival in 1969. Johnny Cash brought him and introduced him. Pete Seeger brought me and introduced me. If that were not enough, other artists made their debut as well such as James Taylor and Van Morrison. To top it off we landed a man on the moon that weekend and everybody was writing songs. Whenever I saw him we would always talk about it. Kris was a fine man
• Duane Allen (Oak Ridge Boys) – When The Oak Ridge Boys were searching for a way to grow our career we listened to Kris Kristofferson’s music. The stories in his songs were things we were experiencing. Then, he wrote, “Why Me Lord”. When we heard that song the message struck home. It assured us that we were on the right track. We love Kris and his beautiful family. Please remember them in your prayers.
• Eric Church – Kris, The ultimate life well lived. Thank you for being a beacon of light in a darkening world. You were my hero and my role model. And even then, you managed to exceed my expectations when you became my friend.  So long Captain. Till we meet again.  PS I found this on my phone.
• Exile – We had the pleasure of being around Kris Kristofferson several times… He was a true genius. He may be gone but his songs will live forever… Rest in Peace
• Gary LeVox – U will be missed my friend! Ur legacy and that smile will live on forever! Rip
• Gary Morris – A heartbreaking loss…. an American icon.
• Gene Watson – RIP Kris Kristofferson. Prayers to your family.
• George Strait – So sad to hear of the passing of Kris Kristofferson. Artists and songwriters of this caliber come along very rarely and he certainly made his mark on the world. My family, like most people, were huge fans and we will all miss him. I knew him on a professional level only but I always felt like it was more because of the kindness and respect he showed me on the times we met. I’ll treasure those times forever.  He lived one heck of a life and I’m hoping it has only just begun for him. God bless Kris and all of the Kristofferson family.
• Georgette Jones – A huge piece of Country Music history and a wonderful, kind and talented man has left us. My parents new him as a friend and genius. I never met him and it’s a regret I’ll always have. RIP Mr Kris Kristofferson. You are forever remembered.
• Gord Bamford – Sad news, R.I.P. Kris Kristofferson. The world has lost a music legend.
• Hailey Whitters – we lost a real one over the weekend @kkristofferson
• Heath Wright (Ricochet) – I was saddened to find out a few minutes ago that one of America’s great poets is gone! Kris Kristofferson was a true Renaissance man, a Rhodes scholar, a soldier, a helicopter pilot, a songwriter/recording artist, an actor, an author, and more. But to me, he was the living legend that made me feel good about myself at an award show one night when he ran us down to tell us how much he enjoyed our performance! RIP Kris Kristofferson – “Please don’t tell me how the story ends
• Jack Ingram – Kris Kristofferson is brilliant. A unique, solitary soul who dedicated his entire life to mastering the gift he was given. A kind soul. A generous heart. His lucky boxers were black polka dot!!!
• James Otto – RIP to one of the greatest poets country music ever had. Kris Kristofferson lived to be 88. His life story is legend at this point.
• Jamie Lin Wilson – Kris Kristofferson.  Once, I stood so close to him I could have touched him. Or at least said hi.  I studied his songs so much that I have them written down with notations. I stole his melodies, his phrasing. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind, in fact I think he’d have encouraged it. “let’s all get together and steal each other’s songs”, of course.  His swagger, his confidence, his intelligence, insight, humor, and sensitivity. What a legend.  That generation of songwriter – how they encouraged each other and sang each other’s songs – that’s what motivates me to make friends in music. We’re not competitors. It’s art. We’re builder-uppers.  Damn. What a loss, but what a life.  I heard that he heard my cover of “Just the Other Side of Nowhere” and he approved. Can’t beat that feeling.
• Janie Fricke – I’ll always cherish the memory of singing harmonies on “Why Me Lord” with Kris and Willie on the country homecoming show – I recorded that song he wrote and sing it at every concert I do – thanks to my friend Kris.
• Jay DeMarcus – Saddened to hear about the loss of Kris Kristofferson… we keep losing all the good ones and Heaven is getting full. RIP Kris…
• JD Shelburne – RIP Kris Kristofferson
• Jeannie Seely – As our music industry is ever-changing, this is one loss that will be felt from now on. We will never hear songs like his again. His legacy will be one of respect for the kind of man he was, as well as his music.
• Jennifer Nettles – We are blessed to have had such a talent in our lifetime. Musician, songwriter, actor, he remains an inspiration. Rest in grace with music all around. @kristofferson Thank you for the gifts of your art.
• Jimmy Wayne – I’ve shared the stage with many acts, artist and lots of legends. September 11, 2004 was a very special evening. #KrisKristofferson met me backstage at a venue and introduced himself. We talked for a few minutes and then he asked me if I would tune his guitar. I was so nervous. I took my time and made sure his guitar was perfectly in tune. Shortly before Kris went on stage I handed him his guitar. He walked out to the microphone and stood in front of thousands of people and performed his hits with the guitar I’d just tuned. I watched his show from the side of the stage and thought to myself, “ I just tuned Kris Kristofferson‘s guitar. I think I’m gonna be telling this story for the rest of my life.” That was one very cool and unforgettable experience.  RIP, Mr. Kristofferson.
• John Ford Coley – This is another one that just really hurts. We are losing the cream of the crop. I so admired Kris Kristofferson. I remember the first time that I heard “Me and Bobby McGee” and I thought who in the world wrote this one. I learned that thing backwards and forwards. Just the one line of “pulled my harpoon out of my dirty red bandanna” to this day still has to be one of the best visuals lyrics I’ve ever heard. I was in love with his music ever since. What a remarkable writer.
• John McEuen – Kris Kristofferson made great music for us that was brought to life by Elvis, Cash, Joplin, and Kris himself (and many others). What a sad day to lose him. I recorded with him at John Carter Cash’s cabin studio on a Carter Family song (Gold Watch and Chain), and met up with him several times over the years before and after that. While watching his solo show in St. Petersburg, Florida I was amazed at the calm control and love he got from his audience.
• John Rich – So sad to hear Kris Kristofferson has passed. He and I became friends over the years, and it was a distinct honor every time I got to work or hang out with him. He was one of the greatest lyricists to ever live, and a true class act. He set the bar so very high. Miss ya brother
• Johnny Lee – I have known Kris my entire career. He was truly one of a kind! My prayers for his family.
• Josh Grider – I have seen the morning burning golden on a mountain in the sky.  Aching with the freedom of the feeling of an eagle when she flies.  I’ve heard people play the “best opening lines of a song” game. They don’t get much better than those right there for me.  Rest in peace, Mr Kristofferson. Thank you for the songs.
• Kyle Young (Country Music Hall of Fame CEO) – Kris Kristofferson believed creativity is God-given, and those who ignore such a gift are doomed to unhappiness. He preached that a life of the mind gives voice to the soul, and his work gave voice not only to his soul but to ours. He leaves a resounding legacy.
• Lacy J. Dalton – In my opinion, Kris was one of the greatest songwriters ever – an incredible role model for me with my own writing – a hero, and a great, great man.  I will miss him terribly.
• Larry Gatlin – It would take a wordsmith as good as Kris Kristofferson himself to express the feelings going through me right now, but since Kris is not here I’ll just say, I’m sad that he’s not still here with us on earth, but I’m happy he’s in Heaven with Johnny and Waylon and Roger. Almost forgot JESUS. As in ‘Lord Help Me Jesus.’ And they are having one Heaven of a time.
• LeAnn Rimes – an epic human with the biggest heart  you will be so, so missed. rest easy, my friend.
• Lee Greenwood – Hard to believe my friend Kris Kristofferson has left us. He was successful in all areas of his life. A champion boxer, a world-class actor, a spectacular songwriter and singer, and a hero to everyone fortunate enough to know him. I will never forget his support for me when I received my first CMA Country Music Association Male Vocalist of the Year Award – his friendship and encouragement helped validate my career in country music and my place in Nashville. My family and I send our deepest sympathy to Kris’ family. We lost a giant in our industry today!
• Lee Roy Parnell – My heart is heavy today since getting the news of my friend, Kris Kristofferson’s passing.  No words could possibly express all the gratitude I feel for this fine man, both personally and professionally. He was truly one of a kind and his life… was a life well lived. I will miss him.  My thoughts and prayers are with the Kristofferson family.
• Levi Riggs – Rest in peace, Kris Kristofferson. Boxer, Songwriter, Highwayman, and Inspiration.
• Lulu Roman – Kris was always so sweet to me. They would throw us in the cornfield together on Hee Haw; those are some of my fondest memories. My prayers for his family
• Margo Price – I’m lighting a candle for Kris Kristofferson and thinking about of how lucky I was to come into his orbit even if it was just for a short time, because he was one of the best songwriters to ever live. My heart goes out to Lisa, his family and friends who loved and knew him well.
• Mark Powell – This is a sad day. @kristofferson was one of the greatest people and influences I have known. Deepest condolences to Lisa and family. RIP #kriskristofferson #genuine #legend
• Mark Wills – Saddened to learn of the passing of the legend, @kristofferson . Rest in peace, Sir.
• Marty Raybon – Kris was one of country music’s greatest voices.  May the light and incredible gifts he shared with the world live on for countless years to come. Let’s keep his family in our hearts and prayers.
• Matt Kennon – The world has lost another legend!  I’ll never forget how cool and kind he was the day I met him and we flew to LA on the same flight!  He was such a tremendous talent and one of the very best to ever do it!  I’ll never forget when I told him that his “Closer To The Bone” and My self titled Debut both were being released the same day on May 10, 2010, he said  “I’ll be looking for you buddy”. I sent him a shot of Jack and He said Thanks but I’m Drinking Scotch”  I’ll never forget that memory!  Well done Sir!  RIP Kris Kristifferson
• Michelle Wright – Kris Kristofferson has passed. I’ve lost track of how many times I sang Bobby McGee or Help Me Make It Through The Night playing clubs 6 nights a week dreaming of my own music career. Thank you for all the music and memories that I carry with me performing your songs. RIP
• Miranda Lambert – .@kkristofferson thank you for everything. Forever a hero. Your songs will live forever. So thankful I got to share the stage with you.  Rest easy.
• Moe Bandy – Kris had one of the greatest songwriting minds ever. What a gift that he shared with all of us. He was a very talented man. May he rest in peace.
• Oak Ridge Boys – We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the great Kris Kristofferson. Here is a video of us singing his classic, “Why Me,” 40 years ago.
• Old Crow Medicine Show – 10-4 good buddy. We love you forever and we will miss you always.
• Phil Vassar – Kris Kristofferson was one of my favorites. A true legend! He was such a renaissance man! One on one, he was so unassuming and humble. He was a great athlete, an amazing actor and artist. So smart and so incisive. What a storyteller.
• Ray Scott – Just… Damn. RIP. LEGEND..
• Ray Stevens – What a loss. When he first came to town, Bob Beckham called me and offered me any of his first songs to record. I chose ‘Sunday Morning Coming Down.’ It wasn’t a hit for me but it was for Cash. Kris had a way with words like no one else. Rest in Peace, Kris.
• Reba McEntire – What a gentleman, kind soul, and a lover of words. I am so glad I got to meet him and be around him. One of my favorite people. Rest in peace, Kris.
• Rhonda Vincent – I had the honor of playing a few festivals with Kris. I admired his work and know the music community feels a deep loss at his passing.
• Rich O’Toole – Damn. RIP Kris Kristofferson.
• Sheryl Crow – It is hard to imagine a world without Kris Kristofferson in it. Knowing and singing with him has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. I feel certain he will be holding court in heaven. Rip Kris. You will be missed
• Steve Azar – Few wrote them better
• than Kris Kristofferson! His words & melody were an amazing gift to us all! RIP
• Sunny Sweeney – RIP. Damn.
• T. Graham Brown – Kris was one of the greatest all-around talents in history. I’ve sung his songs my entire career. He was an American original and will be greatly missed.
• Terri Clark – While most kids are read bedtime stories by Dr Seuss and AA Milne, I fell asleep to my mother playing guitar and singing the stories of Kris Kristofferson. Thank you for sharing your talent with all of us. Sending love and prayers to his family and friends.
• Terry McBride – There’s not a singer, songwriter or musician of my generation that wasn’t influenced, inspired, or in awe of Kris Kristofferson. RIP.
• TG Sheppard – Another one of our great musical treasures Kris Kristofferson has left for home. He will go down as one of the most prolific writers in music history. To us he will go down as one of the nicest most down to earth talents that our business has ever known. I was honored to have the pleasure of working with him and any time Kelly Lang or I was in his presence it was a wonderful memory. R.I.P. Kris.
• Tim McGraw – Another legend lost…. Honored to have witnessed the great Kris Kristofferson
• Tim Montana – One of the BEST!
• Travis Tritt – Sad to hear of @Kris Kristofferson‘s passing. He was an inspiration to me and I was fortunate to get to know him on the set of “Outlaw Justice” that we filmed in Spain in 1998. My heartfelt condolences go out to Kris’s wife, Lisa and all of his family, friends and fans.
• Trent Tomlinson – This was truly one of the greatest nights of my life. I got to hang out on the bus with Kris and he even asked me to play him a song and as reluctant as I was, I knew it was an opportunity of a lifetime. He listened to every word I had to say, and then said , “Son that’s pretty damn good” that was all I needed to hear to let me know that I made the right decision to move to Nashville to pursue my dream. If it wasn’t for this night, I’m not sure I’d still be here doing what I’m doing. Rest in Peace my friend!
• Trisha Yearwood – This one hurts. The word legend gets tossed around a lot but with Kristofferson the shoe fits. These are shoes that won’t be filled. Rest easy.
• Ward Davis – It’s weird to think that one of the coolest things I ever got to do was change a guitar string with my buddy for the frustrated old man standing in that doorway right there. But it was Kris’ string, and we had no business anywhere near it. Yet, there we were. He was as we all are. A human being. Kris Kristofferson was an exceptional example.  I met a man once, in Marble, Colorado who had gone to college with Kris at Oxford. He told me “Kris…..turned his back on academia.” My response was, “Well, Thank God!” And I meant it. And God blessed us, yall. Giving us that man and his beautiful art. And God bless him for sharing it with us.

New Albums

• Amanda Stewart – Venom
• Dennis Quaid – Fallen:  A Gospel Record for Sinners
• J.D. Shelburne – Neon Hallelujah
• Lee Greenwood – All Time Hits & American Anthems
• Lewis Brice – Product Of
• McBride & The Ride – Marlboros & Avon
• Nicole Witt – Clear (EP)
• Sam Ferrara – Piece of Me
• Zach Cornell – Part 1 (EP)

New Singles

• At Least It Ain’t Raining – Reed Foley
• Beach in Tennessee – Caleb Kelley
• Best Damn Days – Eric Paslay
• Chickens – Emily Ann Roberts
• Country Music Ease My Mind – Jama Touvetti
• God’s Hotel – Peytan Porter
• Hits Different – Colt Ford w/ Krizz Kaliko & HoodBillies
• Honky Tonkin’ About – The Reklaws & Drake Milligan
• It Ain’t You – Chancey Williams
• Jonesin’ – Elvie Shane
• Keeper – Ray Scott
• Last Call – Evanthia Theodorou
• Love Hotline – Austin Tolliver
• Me, Myself and The Tide – Andy Pursell
• Missin’ You in San Antone – Brett Kissel
• Mostly Whiskey – Caleb and Leann
• Pour Decisions – Brady Riley
• Rough Around the Edges – Exile
• That Summer and You – Jake Williams
• The Family Guns – Jake Browning
• The Whiskey – The James Lee Band
• This Town – Bryce Dicus
• Trouble – Laine Loreno
• Where I Am Right Now – Orlando Mendez

Today’s New Albums

• Craig Campbell – The Lost Files:  Exhibit A
• Izzy Miller – Izzy Miller Sings ‘Extra Bacon’ and Other Chart-Topping Hits
• Jaimee Harris – Boomerang Town
• Jesse Jennings – The Last Dance
• Jordan Davis – Bluebird Days
• Matt Jordan – The Gamble (Deluxe)
• Nate Smith – Nate Smith

Today’s New Singles

• Baby I Might – Jeremy Peyton
• Bettin’ On Us – The Pretty Wild
• Bye – Michelle Kay
• Cabin on a Hill – Lance Roark
• Death Before Pop Country – Carly Nash
• Dig – Ian Munsick
• Do What You Gotta Do – Landon Heights
• Don’t Stay Gone Too Long – Kylie Morgan
• For What It’s Worth – Breland & Alana Springsteen
• George Jones – Travis Feutz
• Giving Up On That – Dalton Dover
• Good Years – Kailey Nicole
• Grit – Alexis Wilkins
• Honky Tonk Ways – Dusty Moats
• I’ll Try Texas – Johnny Woods
• If You Were My Girl – Austin Tolliver
• Last Damn That I Gave – John Eason
• Looking at the Numbers – Trey Rose
• Love’s Got a Way Of Letting You Down – Sam Ferrara
• My Everything (Hannah’s Song) – Bubba Westly
• Neon Hallelujah – J.D. Shelburne
• One Horse Town – Charlie Starr & Michael Cleveland
• Or, You Could Be a Pirate – Mark Allan Atwood
• Rodeo Money – Mikayla Lane
• Rust – Alex Engelhardt
• The First and Last Time (Live at the Texas Music Cafe) – Billy Joe Shaver & Eddy Shaver
• This Town – Bryce Dicus
• Wine, Beer, and Whiskey – Cannon Brand
• You Can’t Always Get What You Want – Lainey Wilson

It always pains us to receive press releases like this.

Country singer and actor Mickey Gilley, known for launching the Urban Cowboy movement in Country music and hit songs including “Stand By Me,” “Room Full of Roses” and “Lonely Nights,” died Saturday in Branson, Missouri.

Gilley was 86 and had just come off of the road, his favorite place, having played ten shows in April. He passed peacefully with his family and close friends by his side.

Gilley, a native of Natchez, Mississippi, influenced generations of country singers for decades with his signature, haunting combination of Louisiana rhythm and blues and country-pop crossover melodies. He grew up with his two famous cousins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart, surrounded by the influence of music and earned 39 Top 10 hits and 17 No. 1 songs throughout his career.

In 1971, Gilley opened his world-famous honky-tonk Gilley’s in Pasadena, Texas, which sparked a chain of the famous nightclubs.

The son of Arthur Fillmore Gilley and Irene (Lewis) Gilley, Gilley learned how to play piano from Lewis and dabbled in boogie-woogie and gospel music early in his career before finding his professional footing in the ’70s with “Room Full of Roses.” Hits “Chains of Love,” “Honky Tonk Memories,” “She’s Pulling Me Back Again,” and “Here Comes the Hurt Again” followed as his honky-tonk gave way to the more progressive countrypolitan.

In 1980, Gilley splashed into pop culture when he appeared in the smash hit movie “Urban Cowboy” alongside John Travolta, Debra Winger and Johnny Lee. Gilley’s served as the backdrop for the film, which helped launch his acting career and put his music career on a whole new level. Gilley went on to star in popular television series including “Murder She Wrote,” “The Fall Guy,” “Fantasy Island” and “Dukes of Hazzard.”

Gilley was widely recognized for his work in music and movies, earning numerous accolades, including six Academy of Country Music Awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in 2011. He was one of only a handful of artists to receive the Academy of Country Music’s Triple Crown Awards.

Gilley was preceded in death by his wife, Vivian. He is survived by his wife Cindy Loeb Gilley, his children Kathy, Michael, Gregory and Keith Ray, four grandchildren and nine great grandchildren and his cousins Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart.

The family respectfully requests privacy at this time.

Here is what some of his peers are saying:

• Bellamy Brothers – So sorry to hear the news of @MickeyGilley1’s passing, a great friend and amazing artist. #restinpeace #thegirlsallgetprettieratclosingtime
• Bill Anderson – I heard Mickey Gilley’s hit version of my song, ‘City Lights,’ on the radio Friday, and marveled for the ump-teenth time at what an incredible record it was. I never dreamed that one day later I would be mourning his passing. He was a great artist, a good friend, and like the rest of our country community, I sure will miss him.
• Billy Bob’s Texas – We are saddened to hear of the loss of our friend, Mickey Gilley. We were honored to share years of friendship (and a little competition) with him. We will continue to honor Mickey Gilley in our Wall of Fame for years to come. Our thoughts are with his family during this time.
• Bobby Bare – Been a friend of Gilley’s for 50 years. He was one of the good ones – I loved playing Gilley’s in Texas, we played it many, many times. The fact is, that’s where I first met Mickey and Johnny Lee and ol’ Sherwood Cryer. I’m sure going to miss my old friend.
• Bobby Tomberlin – What a career! Over 30 hits and Mickey was still performing just last month in Laughlin. I especially loved the records that he and Jim Ed Norman made. While working in Branson in 2018 and 2019, I got to hang with Mickey a couple of times and it was quite entertaining backstage before the show and during intermission. He was so much fun and so full of life and still owned the stage.
• Charlie Daniels Jr. – Mom and I are saddened to hear about the passing of @MickeyGilley1. Prayers for his friends and family. Heaven has gained a helluva piano player.
• CMA – We are saddened to hear the news of Mickey Gilley’s passing. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
• Crystal Gayle – I am heart broken by the passing of Mickey Gilley. I started out my career opening for Mickey. He was such a great person and entertainer. I have loved him ever since.
• Dallas Wayne – With the Urban Cowboy movement of the 1970s, Mickey Gilley introduced his unique piano playing style to a whole new generation. He was one of the greatest entertainers I have ever had the pleasure of witnessing, as well as a warm and wonderful friend. Our deepest condolences go to his wife Cindy, cousins Jerry Lee Lewis, Jimmy Swaggart, and Linda Gail Lewis, his family, and millions of fans around the world. He will be greatly missed
• Damon Whiteside (CEO of ACM) – The Academy is saddened to lose one of our greats today. He is a seven-time ACM Awards winner including our Entertainer of the Year in 1976 and prestigious Triple Crown award in 2005, which few artists have achieved. His impact on Country Music, film, and television, can never be understated and will never be forgotten. We’ll always keep this urban cowboy in our hearts, and we send our deepest sympathies to his family and fans around the world.
• David Frizzell – Mickey Gilley and I have been friends since his ‘Urban Cowboy’ and my ‘Any Which Way You Can’ movie days. We had performed a lot around the country together and especially at his Gilley’s Club in Texas. We had quite a time! Gonna miss you!
• Eddie Bayers – Mickey was the first No. one record I played on and I  had 10 consecutive overall with him. He was a gift to not only country music, but the world of music. One cannot think of the motion picture ‘Urban Cowboy’ without thinking of Mickey Gilley.
• Flat River Band – Mickey taught is that the girls get prettier at closing time. A true one-of-a-kind music legend. You will be missed greatly.
• Gene Watson – I’m so very sorry to learn that our good friend and incredible legend in country music, Mickey Gilley has passed. A great singer and a great showman–and always a great friend. Please send your prayers out for his family.
• Grand Ole Opry – During tonight’s Opry show, we took a moment to recognize Mickey Gilley and his contributions to country music. You’ll be missed, Mickey.
• Heidi Newfield – I grew up on Mickey Gilley music! What a great loss. He was a true stylist! Seeing him live in concert as a kid, and the way he owned the stage…helped me realize that being an entertainer was often as important as the music itself. My deepest sympathies go out to his family. He will forever be a legend and rightfully so!
• Irving Azoff – Working with Mickey Gilley was undoubtedly one of the top highlights of bringing the Urban Cowboy story to both record and film audiences. Mickey was the real deal and a key component of the ‘Urban Cowboy’ story. He will be missed greatly.
• J.D. Shelburne – I am saddened to hear the passing of the legendary Mickey Gilley. One of the biggest names in the business. I was honored to perform in his famous nightclub in Vegas many times. Prayers to his family.
• J.P. Pennington (Exile) – Far too much of this kind of news lately. So sorry to hear of another music icon gone. He was an incredible person and an amazing artist. RIP Mickey.
• Jake Bush – Mickey Gilley passed away. I remember how huge he was when I was a kid in deer park. He was a household name. Sad day today
• Janie Fricke – I enjoyed working on Mickey Gilley records as a backup singer, with the great Eddie Kilroy as  producer. One of the first big concerts I played was Gilleys in Pasadena, TX  and was amazed at the bucking bull machine! Mickey’s image and memory will be forever.
• Jeannie Seely – My heart is broken at the loss of Mickey. I treasure all the times we got to work together and there were never enough. He and Johnny Lee brought a new dimension to country music with the urban Cowboy trend and brought new fans to the genre. Whether it was a boogie or a ballad, Mickey made it his own, no matter how many times it had been done before, and it would become my favorite version. He was loved and respected and he will be so greatly missed.
• Jerry Lee Lewis – I am so very saddened by the death of my cousin Mickey Gilley. He and Jimmy Swaggert are like brothers to me. We are asking for prayers for his wife, Cindy and his entire family. I’m sad and praying. I loved him very much.
• Jim Ed Norman – Mickey Gilley was more than just a legend to me. I loved him like a brother. We enjoyed a closeness that came from working towards goals that many suggested were unachievable. He was a kind, thoughtful fun-loving friend and partner through the process of making music and his generosity of spirit pulled the best from everyone with whom he worked. I’m overcome with a sadness that only the memory of his mischievous smile, beautiful soul and our special time together can erase.
• Joe Bonsall (Oak Ridge Boys) – Once again we have lost another country music star and a long-time friend. Rest In Peace Mickey Gilley until we all sing again. In the meantime, we will miss you brother.
• Joey Canyon – In 1980, Mickey Gilley and his country nightclub Gilley’s, was the scene for the movie ‘Urban Cowboy’, and along with his great music, was instrumental in introducing country music to a global audience. What a legacy!
• Johnny Lee – My heart will forever break over the loss of my dear friend Mickey Gilley. He believed in me when no one else did. Losing Gilley feels like a bad dream and sadly it’s not. He loved his fans more than anything in the world and taught me everything I needed to know about country music. He always told me if I thought it was going to rain, to always grab my umbrella. My prayers are with Cindy during this very difficult time.
• Kent Blazy – Mickey Gilley, a true legend and star. Cousin to Jerry Lee Lewis, (who taught him to play piano) and Jimmy Swaggart! He was versed in gospel, the blues, country and pop and he wove it all into his own unique sound. His bar “Gilleys” basically started the Urban Cowboy movement.I miss the piano player/singers that were stars. I would like to see that come back.Thanks for the music Mickey.
• Lacy J. Dalton – Mickey and I did so many shows together. I feel Mickey and Johnny are like brothers from another mother and this loss hits hard and he will be sorely missed. I truly respect him as a musician and he was a great entertainer. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
• Lane Brody – Gilley’s love of music and people was beautiful. Gifted far beyond talent, he was genuine, loyal, fearless and charming . He warmly welcomed artists and fans from across the globe and all walks of life into his world.  A country music ambassador extraordinaire! May his memory be eternal.
• Larry Gatlin – My old friend Mickey Gilley was one of a kind..a great entertainer and a great guy. RIP old friend
• Linda Davis – When I learned of the passing of Gilley my heart just sank! What a trailblazer he was his entire career!! Being a fellow Texan of course, his music blared on my radio and record player and 8 track player!! And then, Urban Cowboy, Gilley’s in Pasadena, he is a member of the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame – I am just getting started with all of his accolades. He used to sit and listen to me sing at the piano bar where I played for several years at the Sheraton Music City. He was an encourager to me and he was my friend. RIP Gilley.
• Lisa Matassa – My heart aches hearing of the passing of the incomparable Mickey Gilley. I was blessed to have known him and to have had the honor to record a song with him. He was an amazing person and someone I will truly miss. Rest In Peace my dear friend until we meet again in paradise.
• Makenzie Phipps – I am saddened to hear of the passing of yet another country legend, Mr. Mickey Gilley.  I was first exposed to Mr. Gilley and his music when I watched “Urban Cowboy”. His rendition of “Stand By Me” is a true country classic.  From hits such as “Don’t The Girls All Get Prettier At Closing Time” to “Room Full of Roses” in addition to his world-famous Gilley’s Bar, Mr. Gilley will go down in history as one of the all-time greats.
• Mary Sarah – I am beyond sad to hear the news of Mickey Gilley. Growing up in Texas, the name was all too well known to me. So many #1 songs that will never be forgotten and neither will he. Rest In Peace Mickey. We will see you again.
• Paige King Johnson – It breaks my heart to hear of Mickey’s passing! He has been a staple in music for many years & his spirit will truly be missed.
• Randall King – Aw man, RIP to the legend
• Reverend Jimmy Swaggart – With the passing of Mickey, the music world has lost a giant. I don’t think there is any argument about that. Mickey, Jerry Lee and myself were raised together. We learned to play piano together. I remember the day that he came to me and said, ‘Jimmy, I want to learn to play the piano.’ We were only about 10 years old. He had already taught himself to play guitar and had done very well. I remember showing him several chords on the piano, and he took it from there. I might quickly say that he took it very well – as everyone has seen for themselves for over a half-century. But alongside all of his achievements in music, the thing that thrilled me the most was that some time ago he called me and said, ‘Jimmy, I’ve made things right with the Lord.’ I saw an immediate change in his life in these last few days and that is the thing that’s far more important to me. The music world will miss him. And the work of God will miss him as well.  I will miss him. Our prayers are with his family and friends during this time.
• Rhonda Vincent – Another great loss in Country Music – so sad to hear of the passing of Mickey Gilley.  Our paths crossed a few times being in Branson; and Gene Watson and I did his TV show.  I loved the day I was fortunate to hang out backstage with Johnny Lee & Mickey Gilley during one of their shows. Great stories and great memories. May He Rest In Peace.
• Ricky Skaggs – Mickey Gilley was a great artist, and he was always nice to me. I won’t forget you Mickey. Rest in peace.
• Shane Owens – Mickey Gilley is one of the most famous country singers of all time. Not only was he a great singer he owned the biggest nightclub in Texas at one time. Truly a country Icon and cousin to the one and only Jerry Lee Lewis. RIP to a legend and truly one of a kind!
• Steve Azar – Mississippi lost a great one today What a legacy he left us on all! Blessings to his family! RIP
• T. Graham Brown – We just lost a great human being. Mickey Gilley has been honky-tonkin’ since the ’50s. ‘Urban Cowboy’ secured him a spot in America’s consciousness and he’s been in our minds ever since. He lived a full life and left us with a great catalog of hits. One of the things that I’m most proud of is that over the years we have become close. The times we spent together doing shows, cruises, or just talking were a gift. Sheila and I will miss him a lot. Please keep his family and friends in your prayers.
• T.G. Sheppard – Just when I think my heart can’t take anymore loss, I get the news that my dear close friend Mickey Gilley has passed. He truly altered the course of country music. I was fortunate to have gotten to see one of his last concerts 3 weeks ago. Prayers for Cindy, family and his fans.
• Tess Frizzell – Mickey Gilley and Conway Twitty announced my birth on the ACM awards and showed my grandmother, Dottie West the first video footage of me when I was born. Now, all three – him, Conway and my grandmother have left this earth and sing in heaven. Mom and uncle David played Gilley’s club in Texas so much when I was a kid. What an era. Sad to see him go.
• The Oak Ridge Boys – Just heard that MICKEY GILLEY has just passed away … wow … another singing friend has gone home … Bye Mickey … until the day
• Tim Atwood – Every loss to our country music community is a great loss, but this one hits close to home for me. It breaks my heart! Mickey Gilley was one of my musical heroes. No one could play a honky tonk piano better than Gilley, and no one had a better time on stage than Gilley. After his accident took away his ability to play, he often called me to play piano for him when he was in Nashville. He said I sounded more like Mickey Gilley than he did. That’s one of the greatest compliments I’ve ever had or will ever have. Not long ago, Jeannie Seely and I opened for Mickey at a festival in Illinois. He invited me on his bus where we visited for over an hour. I don’t know if he even realized how special that time was for me. My prayers go out to Cindy and the rest of his family and friends. Tonight I’m playing a show in Kentucky, and you can bet I’ll be singing “The Girls All Get Prettier At Closing Time” in honor of Mickey Gilley and the honky tonk sound he loved.
• Zachariah Malachi – I’m saddened to hear of the passing of Mickey Gilley. Few could hold a candle to his genuine honky tonk sound. When you hold these icons so high on a musical pedestal, we forget that they are mortal just like the rest of us. Prayers for all the fans and of course, his family. Gilley’s forever!