Cousin of Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart.

Gilley's nightclub, Gilleys, in Pasadena, Texas, was closed down in 1990 (after an out-of-court settlement with Sherwood Cryer, the owner). He now has a Gilley's nightclub in Branson, Missouri. (The one in Pasadena, Tx me and my Husband use to close the place down! It was a hell of a ride at Gilley’s)

Country singer and pianist.

Prior to becoming a country superstar, worked in the construction field, and had his own recording label, Astro.

Has 17 No. 1 hits on Billboard magazine's country singles chart -- 16 solo from 1974-1983, and one duet. The duet hit, "Paradise Tonight," came in 1983 with fellow country singer Charly McClain.

Many of his No. 1 hits, including the first four, were all cover versions of older country and pop hits -- "Room Full of Roses" and "I Overlooked an Orchid" (1974); "City Lights" and "Window Up Above" (1975); "Bring it on Home to Me" (1976); "True Love Ways" and "Stand By Me" (1980); "You Don't Know Me" (1981); and "Talk to Me" (1983). Two other hits, 1984's "You Really Got a Hold on Me" and "Candy Man" (the latter another duet with Charly McClain) were also covers.

Among his other No. 1 hits were "Don't the Girls All Get Prettier at Closin' Time" (1976); "She's Pulling Me Back Again" (1977); "That's All that Matters" (1980); "A Headache Tomorrow or a Heartache Tonight" (1981); "Lonely Nights" and "Put Your Dreams Away" (1982); and "Fool for Your Love" (1983).