Unveiling the Tale Behind Mickey Gilley’s “That’s All That Matters To Me”
“That’s All That Matters To Me“
(Composed by Hank Cochran)
Mickey Gilley’s Magnificent Journey (#1 in country, #101 in pop, 1980)
In a turning point for his career, Mickey Gilley credited his third producer, Jim Ed Norman, with a pivotal role. Together, they embarked on a musical journey, exploring ballads like Cindy Walker’s soulful creation, “You Don’t Know Me,” and Hank Cochran’s emotionally resonating masterpiece, “That’s All That Matters To Me.” Through this artistic shift, Gilley managed to step out of the lingering shadow of Jerry Lee Lewis, solidifying his unique identity in the music world.
Norman’s adept selection of songs proved to be a game-changer, catapulting Gilley’s popularity to new heights. It wasn’t only the song choices that elevated Gilley’s status; his vocal prowess also underwent a transformation during his initial recording sessions with Epic Records. One notable example of this transformation was during the recording of “That’s All That Matters To Me,” a song with a rich history that dates back several years. The song’s original version, released in 1964 by Ray Price, had reached only #34 on the Billboard chart.
Despite initial reservations about his ability to do justice to “That’s All That Matters To Me,” Gilley was reassured by producer Norman, who believed in his vocal capabilities. Displaying exceptional determination, Mickey delivered a powerful vocal performance. However, upon listening to the playback, one particular line troubled him. Determined to capture perfection, Gilley returned to the studio a few days later, re-recording that single line until he was fully satisfied.
The culmination of these efforts bore fruit when “That’s All That Matters To Me” claimed the coveted #1 spot on the Billboard country singles chart on December 20, 1980. This achievement marked Mickey’s third chart-topper of the year and his remarkable tenth at that juncture of his illustrious career. This triumph was further highlighted as the single ascended to the zenith of Billboard’s “Bubbling Under” pop chart at #101.
Reflecting on the journey, “That’s All That Matters To Me” emerged as one of the two records that Gilley believed were beyond improvement—the other being “You Don’t Know Me.” Gilley showered praise on Jim Ed Norman’s exceptional talent in crafting exquisite arrangements for these songs. Moreover, Norman’s unique ability to draw out flawless vocal performances from Gilley stood as a testament to their collaborative brilliance.
During this period, Mickey Gilley’s star power was undeniable, extending beyond his records. The fan club experience was artfully woven into his album sleeves, offering a captivating array of Gilley-themed merchandise, including mugs, tee shirts, belt buckles, and bumper stickers. Demonstrating his penchant for innovation, Gilley even ventured into the realms of literature with “Saturday Night At Gilley’s,” a book that resonated with his fans. As a delightful novelty, he also introduced an empty Gilley’s beer can, an intriguing collector’s item that found a place in the hearts of his ardent supporters.
Artist: Mickey Gilley
Lyrics
I know, I’m not your first love
There’s been others before me,
But I’m the one that’s got you now.
That’s all that matters to me.
And I know other arms have held you
I’m not jelous of these,
Mine are thee arms that hold you now,
That’s all that matters to me.
I came alive when you came along,
You brought life into me .
Honey, I don’t care, what’s in your past,
Your as far as I can see.
And I know other lips have kissed you
I know you’ve been thrilled and pleased,
But mine are the lips that kiss you now
That’s all that matters to me.
Mine are the lips that kiss you now
That’s all that matters to me…
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