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Welcome to The Houston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Houston Texans Training Camp

• Bryce Boettcher to play football, then baseball.

• A deep dive into the life of Mickey Gilley.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out.”

– John Wooden

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Trivia

Which Houston museum is dedicated to the African American experience?

A) The Museum of Fine Arts

B) Buffalo Soldiers National Museum

C) The Menil Collection

D) Houston Museum of African American Culture

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The Houston skyscraper with a unique hole-in-the-roof design is B) Bank of America Center.

The Best Stories Of The Week

💼Business

Cushman & Wakefield out as leasing manager for Greenway Plaza. (link)

Construction starts on Grogan’s Mill Village Center redevelopment, turning former Randalls into library. (link)

🏒Sports

Oregon Two-Sport Athlete Bryce Boettcher To Play Duck Football Before Joining Houston Astros. (link)

Houston Dynamo Football Club Add U.S. Men’s National Team Legend Tim Howard to Ownership Group. (link)

🏦Finance

Memorial Hermann approves $277.5M new tower for Cypress campus. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚾Houston Texans Training Camp: Day 1
NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
Tuesday, Jul 23rd | 8:00 AM | (More info)

⚾ Houston Texans Training Camp: Day 2
NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
Wednesday, Jul 24th | 8:00 AM | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵The Aquabats
House of Blues Houston, Houston, TX
Monday, Jul 22nd | 6:00 PM | (More info)

🎸The Struts
House of Blues Houston, Houston, TX
Tuesday, Jul 23rd | 7:00 PM | (More info)

Family

✈️ Family Story Time
921 Akron St, Houston, TX
Thursday, Jul 25th | 7:00 PM | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Houston with a complex system of waterways and canals” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Houston Historical Events

1917: The Houston riot of 1917.

The Houston Riot of 1917 was a significant and tragic event in the city’s history, reflecting the racial tensions and systemic injustices of the era. On August 23, 1917, a confrontation between black soldiers of the Third Battalion of the Twenty-fourth United States Infantry and white civilians and police officers escalated into violent clashes. The riot was triggered by the brutal treatment of a black soldier by Houston police, which ignited outrage among his fellow soldiers stationed at Camp Logan.

The soldiers, frustrated by ongoing racial discrimination and abuse, marched into Houston armed with rifles, seeking justice. The resulting violence left 15 white civilians and four black soldiers dead. The riot led to a swift and severe response from the military, with over 100 black soldiers court-martialed. Nineteen were executed, and 41 received life sentences, making it one of the largest military trials in U.S. history.

The Houston Riot of 1917 highlighted the pervasive racial discrimination and tensions in the United States, particularly in the South. It underscored the need for addressing systemic racism and the rights of African American soldiers, who fought for their country but faced brutal treatment at home. The event remains a poignant reminder of the struggles for racial equality and justice, shaping the civil rights movement and the ongoing fight against racial injustice in America.

Famous People From Houston

Mickey Gilley (1936–2022): Country music singer and owner of Gilley's nightclub.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1936–1957)

Mickey Leroy Gilley was born on March 9, 1936, in Natchez, Mississippi. Raised in a musical family, Gilley was the cousin of renowned musicians Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart. Growing up in Ferriday, Louisiana, Gilley was surrounded by the sounds of country, gospel, and rock 'n' roll, which deeply influenced his musical style. He began playing the piano at a young age, inspired by the energetic performances of his cousin, Jerry Lee Lewis. By his teenage years, Gilley was performing at local clubs and honing his craft as a musician.

Move to Houston and Early Career (1958–1970)

In the late 1950s, Gilley moved to Houston, Texas, where he began to build his career in the music industry. He performed at various clubs around the city, gradually gaining a following with his energetic piano playing and heartfelt vocals. During this period, Gilley recorded several singles, achieving moderate success on the regional music charts. His blend of honky-tonk and country music resonated with the local audience, setting the stage for his eventual breakthrough.

Rise to Fame and Success in Country Music (1971–1980)

Mickey Gilley's big break came in the early 1970s when he opened Gilley's Club in Pasadena, Texas, a suburb of Houston. Gilley's quickly became one of the largest and most famous honky-tonks in the world, featuring live music, a mechanical bull, and a lively dance floor. The nightclub's popularity helped catapult Gilley's music career, and he began recording a string of hit songs. His cover of "Room Full of Roses" in 1974 became a number one hit on the country charts, followed by other successful singles like "City Lights," "Window Up Above," and "Don't the Girls All Get Prettier at Closing Time." Gilley's success in the 1970s solidified his status as a leading figure in country music.

Urban Cowboy and Mainstream Recognition (1980–1985)

The release of the movie "Urban Cowboy" in 1980, starring John Travolta, brought national attention to Gilley's Club and the Houston country music scene. The film, which was set in Gilley's Club, popularized the urban cowboy movement and introduced country music to a broader audience. Gilley's involvement in the film and its soundtrack significantly boosted his career, leading to increased record sales and concert tours. Songs like "Stand by Me," featured in the movie, became iconic hits, further cementing Gilley's place in country music history.

Connection to Houston and Cultural Impact (Throughout Life)

Mickey Gilley's connection to Houston was central to his career and legacy. Gilley's Club became an iconic venue in the Houston area, attracting visitors from around the world and contributing to the city's cultural landscape. Gilley's influence extended beyond his music, as he helped shape the urban cowboy image and lifestyle that became synonymous with Houston's vibrant nightlife. His contributions to the local music scene and his role in promoting Houston as a center for country music were significant, leaving a lasting impact on the city's cultural identity.

Challenges and Resilience (1986–2005)

Despite his success, Gilley faced numerous challenges throughout his career. In the late 1980s, Gilley's Club was damaged by a fire and eventually closed, marking the end of an era. Additionally, Gilley experienced personal and professional setbacks, including financial difficulties and health issues. However, he remained resilient, continuing to perform and record music. Gilley's determination and passion for music kept him active in the industry, and he maintained a loyal fan base despite the challenges he faced.

Later Career and Continued Influence (2006–2022)

In his later years, Mickey Gilley continued to tour and perform, delighting audiences with his classic hits and charismatic stage presence. He also opened a new Gilley's Club in Dallas, Texas, which became a popular destination for country music fans. Gilley's legacy as a performer and entertainer endured, and he received numerous accolades for his contributions to country music, including inductions into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame and the Delta Music Museum Hall of Fame. His influence on the genre and his role in popularizing the urban cowboy movement remained significant.

Legacy and Influence (2022–Present)

Mickey Gilley passed away on May 7, 2022, but his legacy continues to resonate in the world of country music and beyond. His contributions to the genre, his iconic nightclub, and his role in the urban cowboy movement have left an indelible mark on American culture. Gilley's music continues to be celebrated, and his influence is felt by new generations of country artists and fans. The impact of his career on Houston's cultural landscape is particularly noteworthy, as he helped shape the city's identity as a hub for country music and entertainment.

Key Achievements:

• Achieved numerous hit singles in the 1970s and 1980s, including "Room Full of Roses" and "Stand by Me."

• Founded Gilley's Club, one of the largest and most famous honky-tonks in the world.

• Played a central role in the urban cowboy movement and contributed to the success of the film "Urban Cowboy."

Summary:

Mickey Gilley's life and career were marked by his remarkable contributions to country music and his enduring connection to Houston. From his early days performing in local clubs to his rise as a country music star and nightclub owner, Gilley's influence on the genre and the cultural landscape of Houston was profound. His role in popularizing the urban cowboy movement and his iconic nightclub left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and entertain. Mickey Gilley's legacy as a performer, entrepreneur, and cultural icon endures, reflecting his significant impact on country music and American culture.

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