Family Tradition

Even after announcing their touring retirement in the early ‘90s – only to relocate to Branson, Mo., and run their own theater – country music fans still couldn’t get enough of country-gospel trio Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers.

The trio has come a long way since its start doing appearances on Slim Willet radio and TV shows in their hometown of Abilene, Texas, at ages 2, 4, and 6; to Grammy and White House performances.

“My folks took us to those old fashioned Southern style quartet concerts, and it was love at first sound,” says the 61-year-old leader of the sibling ensemble, Larry. “My first hero was James Blackwood of the Blackwood Brothers Quartet. I just knew somehow from that moment that I wanted to be a singer for the rest of my life. “

The brothers, Larry, Steve, and Rudy, have definitely grown since their humble start, and it can be seen in their latest album, Pilgrimage, the first studio CD from the guys since 1992.

This latest effort will draw listeners with the classic sounds only The Gatlin Brothers could create, but Pilgrimage is far from “something that’s been heard before.” The typical country track about life, loneliness, and love can be heard in “I’ve Done Enough Dying Today.” Where “Penny Annie” is an acoustic pleasure about the loss of innocence.

A former English major at the University of Houston with “a love affair with the English language,” Larry’s lyrical, songwriting talents shine throughout this album. “American’s That’s Who,” flows as if telling a story. This is no surprise as Larry has had decades of experience when it comes to songwriting. In the early ‘70s the eldest Gatlin brother moved to Nashville to write songs with help from legend Dottie West. These songs would later be recorded by artists and other music legends, including Johnny Cash, Barbara Streisand, Tom Jones, and even Elvis Presley.

During next couple of decades the trio played to devoted fans throughout America. But with the release of The Adios Tour album and corresponding tour, the brothers decided to stop touring in 1992. Larry quoted Bob Dylan on the subject saying, “Things they’re a changing.”

Now out of their semi-retirement, although still attempting to play golf on an almost daily basis, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers are back to show listeners the way.