Collection: Gilley's Collection

Gilley's was established in 1971 by country music singer Mickey Gilley and business partner Sherwood Cryer in Pasadena, Texas. The club was almost immediately successful, and grew in popularity thanks to its live music, huge dance floor, mechanical bull riding, rodeo arena, and vibrant atmosphere. It quickly became a popular hotspot for both locals and visitors who would pack the club to see top country music stars like Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn, George Jones, Ernest Tubb, Emmylou Harris, and Mickey Gilley.

Gilley's was massive in size, covering approximately 6.5 acres, and could accommodate up to 6,000 people. Gilley's was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the "World's Largest Night Club," a recognition that lives on today.

For many, the club's most memorable attraction was El Toro, the famous - or infamous - mechanical bull. Most nights would find a line of folks wanting to take a shot at "riding the bull" at Gilley's. Some have joked that the true "star" of the movie Urban Cowboy was El Torro.

At the height of it's popularity, the Gilley's logo adorned many items from bumper stickers to tshirts and hats, and Gilley's souvenirs could be seen all over the world. Gilley's even had its own brand of beer!

In the later years, Gilley's hosted up-and-coming country music artists like George Strait, Randy Travis, and the Judds. Unfortunately, due to business disputes and financial reasons, Gilley's original location in Pasadena closed in 1989 and the building was destroyed by fire in 1990.

The original Gilley's lives on today and and has gained a new generation of fans!