Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Listen to Mickey Giley’s Stunning Rendition of the Classic “Stand By Me”

by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

Stand by Me is one of the most beloved classics of our time and has been covered time and time again. For this rendition, country artist Mickey Gilley has provided us with a stunning rendition, featured in the movie Urban Cowboy.

Mickey Gilley’s Rendition

The original song was by Ben E. King, a singer-songwriter who was inspired to update the early 20th-century gospel hymn by Charles Albert Tindley. The original gospel was based around a psalm:

“will not we fear, though the Earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.”

According to the documentary History of Rock ‘n’ Roll. King had no intention of recording the song himself. His first intention was for the song to go to The Drifters, an R&B Doo-whoop soul group. However, when they passed on it, he had the idea to record it himself.

Mickey Giley, Mickey, Giley, Urban Cowboy
via Mickey Giley’s Official Facebook Page

Gilley released his version of the song in 1980, and it was included in both the album and the movie called Urban Cowboy. It was considered his eighth #1 on the US Country charts and also received #22 on the US Hot 100. It added to his other hits such as covers of the songs “Bring It On Home To Me,” “Window Up Above,” and “City Lights.”

Mickey Giley, Mickey, Giley, Urban Cowboy
via Mickey Gilley’s Official Facebook Page

His recent moves in country music, Gilley teamed up with longtime friend Troy Payne to record Two Old Cats, a record containing 13 duets.

Urban Cowboy

Urban Cowboy is a 1980 American romantic drama film. The plot consists of a love-hate relationship between Buford Davis and Sissy. The film captured the late 1970’s and early 1980’s popularity of country music. Much of the action centers around activities at Gilley’s Club, a football-field-sized honky-tonk in Texas.

Mickey Giley, Mickey, Giley, Urban Cowboy
via Discogs

Listen to the amazing rendition below!

Want to make your everyday country? You can visit us at our official Facebook page!

Latest Stories

LeAnn Rimes Emotional Tribute with He Stopped Loving Her Today at the Opry

LeAnn Rimes’ Emotional Tribute with “He Stopped Loving Her Today” at the Opry

LeAnn Rimes has a remarkable gift for turning every performance into an unforgettable experience, and her tribute to George Jones at the Grand Ole Opry with “He Stopped Loving Her ...

LeAnn Rimes Delivers a Soul-Stirring Acapella Version of "Amazing Grace"

LeAnn Rimes Delivers a Soul-Stirring Acapella Version of “Amazing Grace”

LeAnn Rimes has long been known for her ability to take a song and make it her own, infusing each performance with heartfelt emotion and undeniable talent. One of her ...

Trisha Yearwood Sold Her Tennessee Home Right Before Garth Brooks' Legal Battle

Trisha Yearwood Sold Her Tennessee Home Right Before Garth Brooks’ Legal Battle

After over two decades, Trisha Yearwood has said goodbye to a home that was more than just a house. It was a personal retreat and a sanctuary where she built ...

LeAnn Rimes' Stunning Take on Waylon Jennings' "A Good Hearted Woman"

LeAnn Rimes’ Stunning Take on Waylon Jennings’ “A Good Hearted Woman”

LeAnn Rimes is no stranger to paying tribute to country music legends, and her rendition of Waylon Jennings’ ‘A Good Hearted Woman’ is a testament to her respect for the ...

The 1998 Grammy Award Drama Between LeAnn Rimes and Trisha Yearwood Explained

The 1998 Grammy Award Drama Between LeAnn Rimes and Trisha Yearwood Explained

In one of the most memorable moments in country music history, LeAnn Rimes and Trisha Yearwood found themselves in a surprising and unprecedented situation at the 1998 Grammy Awards. Both ...

How "How Do I Live" Became the Breakthrough Hit for 15-Year-Old LeAnn Rimes

How “How Do I Live” Became the Breakthrough Hit for 15-Year-Old LeAnn Rimes

In 1997, 15-year-old LeAnn Rimes released the song that would change her career forever—”How Do I Live.” Written by Diane Warren, this powerful ballad became a landmark in country music ...

Dolly Parton Donates $1 Million to Support Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts

Dolly Parton Donates $1 Million to Support Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts

Dolly Parton has always been a symbol of generosity and kindness, and her recent response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene shows her dedication to helping those in need. ...

15-Year-Old LeAnn Rimes Stuns with Her Rendition of “I Will Always Love You”

15-Year-Old LeAnn Rimes Stuns with Her Rendition of “I Will Always Love You”

LeAnn Rimes’ cover of “I Will Always Love You” is one of the most remarkable interpretations of the timeless classic. Originally written and performed by country icon Dolly Parton in ...

What Randy Travis' Song "Three Wooden Crosses" Really Means

What Randy Travis’ Song “Three Wooden Crosses” Really Means

Randy Travis’ “Three Wooden Crosses” is more than just a song—it’s a heartfelt story that resonates deeply with listeners. Released in 2002, the song tells a tale of faith, redemption, ...

Merle Haggard's Spot-On Impersonations of Country Stars That Will Amaze You

Merle Haggard’s Spot-On Impersonations of Country Stars That Will Amaze You

Merle Haggard, known for his distinctive voice and masterful songwriting, was a country music icon and a master of impersonations. While many know him for hits like “Okie from Muskogee” ...

Leave a Comment

For security, use of Google's reCAPTCHA service is required which is subject to the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.