BRANSON, Mo., September 6, 2013 – “I’m very excited about being able to get out and play. At 77 years old I’m not doing too bad,” said country music legend Mickey Gilley as he prepared to tee off at the Thousand Hills Golf Resort in Branson for his first round of golf since his paralyzing injury in 2009. Gilley, an avid golfer, said that before his injury he had scored “holes in one” four times on the course and on the very day of his injury had played 36 holes prior to the accident which occurred while he was helping a friend move some furniture.
He said that in terms of being 100 percent that he is about 65 percent of the way there and is working out every day to gain that last 35 percent. As he teed off there was a round of applause from those watching in acknowledgment of the incredible come back journey he has completed. In 2009 he lay paralyzed, near death and apparently at the end of “a five decade musical career that generated over 39 hits, including 17 number one hits on the country music charts and numerous awards. Over the last four years he has fought back to the point where he is not only walking, but in 2011 resumed his Branson performances and does a weekly TV show.
He performs his Branson “Mickey Gilley Show Sunday through Wednesday. Backed by the ‘Urbanetts’ and the ‘Urban Cowboy Band’ Gilley takes center stage and, displaying the magic that has made him the legend he is, captivates his audience with a trip through his career complete with all seventeen of his number one hits as well as stories of his past 50 years in show business and those he shared it with, such as his cousin Jerry Lee Lewis.”
His weekly TV show “Gilley’s Place” on RFD TV is currently airing “on Friday’s at 5:30 p.m. CST is 30 minutes of pure entertainment. Mickey Gilley is joined by Branson performer, Dalena Ditto, and together this dynamic duo interviews both local and national favorites. From the Oak Ridge Boys to Daniel O’Donnell, Paul Harris to Tony Orlando audiences of all ages will enjoy the up close and personal feel of ‘Gilley’s Place’. Each episode also has a ‘Mickey’s Musical Moment’ which takes viewers on a journey documenting Mickey Gilley’s career and rise to fame.” The show also features live performances from many of the entertainers as well as some from Gilley himself.
If that’s not enough, he will be the guest host for Branson Tourism Center’s next exclusive Cruise With The Stars event at 11:45 AM on September 19 on Main Street Lake Cruises 100 foot luxury yacht the Landing Princess. This will provide his fans with an unparalleled chance for an up close and personal experience with Gilley including opportunities for autographs and photos.
