NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Legendary country music artist Mickey Gilley was presented the Calgary White Hat Saturday night at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
“It was a great honor receiving the White Hat in Calgary, just about like when I got the star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, it was awesome!” said Gilley.
The Calgary White Hat recognizes the recipient as an honorary citizen of Calgary and is a symbol of friendship and hospitality that has been bestowed upon celebrities and government officials alike since 1948. Other notable recipients include former U.S. Presidents Clinton and Bush, the Dalai Lama, Oprah and the Rolling Stones.
“It is a distinction given to visiting dignitaries as an Official City Welcome, making our guests Honorary Calgary citizens,” said Kevin Hendrickson of the Calgary Stampede Promotional Committee. “Mr. Gilley was chosen for his lifelong work in the country music industry. We wanted to extend our respect and the lifelong work that he has brought to country music.”
Mickey Gilley is currently traveling and performing both solo and together with Johnny Lee on their “Urban Cowboy Reunion Tour.” The tour kicked off earlier this year and the two have been playing to sold out crowds all over the country.