Singer larry gatlin biography

Larry Gatlin (born May 2, 1948 in Seminole, Texas) is an American singer, songwriter, stage actor, and author.

The son of an oil field worker, he was the eldest of three Gatlin boys who all began singing together as small boys at family and church socials. A star football in high school, after graduating he studied at the University of Houston on a football scholarship. His singing and songwriting anilities eventually led him to Nashville, Tennessee and to Monument Records where he had several successful solo records beginning in the mid 1970s and became part of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee 1976.

In 1977, Larry Gatlin won the Grammy Award for Best Country Song for his composition of ""Broken Lady" and in 1979 he was voted the "Top Male Vocalist of the Year" by the Academy of Country Music.

However, he is also well known for his 1980s hit songs with the Gatlin Brothers on the Columbia Records label, notably their No.1 hits "All the Gold in California" (1979) and "Houston (Means I'm One Day Closer to You)" (1983).

In 1985, Larry Gatlin teamed up with Barry Gibb to write the song "Indian Summer" that he would record as a duet with singing legend, Roy Orbison.

After a decade singing together, in December of 1992 the Gatlin Brothers embarked on a farewell tour before retiring to their own theater in Branson, Missouri. Larry Gatlin went on to star in the Broadway production of "The Will Rogers Follies."

Larry Gatlin wrote a book called "All the Gold in California" that was published in 1998.

Who is Larry Gatlin? A Brief Career Overview

Meet Larry Gatlin, an iconic American country and Southern gospel singer-songwriter, best known for his rich tenor voice and heartwarming storytelling through music. With roots deeply embedded in the Nashville sound, Gatlin has amassed a treasure trove of timeless hits both as a solo artist and as the charismatic leader of the Gatlin Brothers trio, alongside his brothers Steve and Rudy. From the late 1970s to the 90s, their harmonious blend of vocals and captivating lyrics captured the hearts of country music fans everywhere.

What sets Larry apart is not just his impressive catalog of chart-topping singles like "All the Gold in California" and "Houston (Means I'm One Day Closer to You)" but also his deep connection to vinyl culture. A true vinyl aficionado, his recordings resonate with collectors and listeners alike, creating an enduring legacy that reflects the beauty of music on vinyl. Join us as we dive into the life, influences, and musical journey of Larry Gatlin, a true legend in the music industry!

Larry Gatlin's Early Life and Background

Larry Gatlin was born on May 2, 1948, in Seminole, Texas, a small town that would prove to be an unlikely starting ground for a future music legend. Growing up in a family that cherished country gospel, Larry's formative years were filled with melodies sung together as a family. He often performed alongside his brothers and sister LaDonna in local churches and on regional radio stations, laying the groundwork for their future as a celebrated family trio.

In an environment where hard work and faith intertwined, Larry's love for music blossomed. His early exposure to Southern gospel music instilled a passion that would guide him throughout his career. Despite being a standout quarterback in high school and briefly entertaining a future in sports, it was clear that music had captured his heart. This passion for music would guide h

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Biography

Larry Gatlin was born in 1948 in Seminole, Texas, the son of a driller in the oil field. The oldest of the three Gatlin brothers, he was by age seven, already accompanying younger brothers, Steve and Rudy in singing at family and church events.

After high school, Larry went to the University of Houston on a football scholarship. Larry majored in English and developed “a love affair with the English Language” that later served him well in his songwriting.

On the strength of his songwriting talents, Larry Gatlin became known throughout the Nashville music industry. While Steve and Rudy were finishing college, Larry was already touring the small club and listening room circuit as a solo act, looking forward to the time when he could afford to expand his live show to include his brothers.

From 1976 to 1992 the brothers toured extensively throughout the United States, Canada and overseas.  They racked up hit after hit and and banked some of the most prestigious awards in the industry.  Larry penned every Gatlin Brothers hit you’ve ever heard.  Larry Gatlin has written songs that were later recorded by Elvis Presley, Glen Campbell, Barbra Streisand, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Charlie Rich, Johnny Mathis, Dottie West and many more.   December of 1992 marked a farewell to concert touring for the Gatlin Brothers as they completed their ADIOS TOUR with a CD of the same name. Then came a major turning point in his career. Larry took the lead role on Broadway in the Tony Award-winning musical “The Will Rogers Follies.”  The musical then toured throughout the nation to rave reviews.

Throughout the next decade Larry would go on to write an autobiography, All The Gold In California, record a solo album, In My Life, and would occasionally tour solo.

In the early 2000’s the brothers reunited for selective road dates and 2008, recorded their first album in nearly two decades, Pilgrimage. In 2015 the brothers

American country music group

Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers are an American country music vocal group. The group consists of lead singer Larry Gatlin (born May 2, 1948) and his brothers, Rudy and Steve Gatlin. The group achieved considerable success within the country music genre, performing on 33 top 40 country singles.

The group is known for Larry's tenor voice and for the country songs that they recorded in the 1970s and 1980s. Some of Gatlin's greatest hits include "Broken Lady", "All the Gold in California", "Houston (Means I'm One Day Closer to You)", "She Used to Be Somebody's Baby" and "Night Time Magic". During this time, country music trended toward slick pop-music arrangements in a style that came to be known as Countrypolitan. Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers came to prominence and enjoyed their greatest success during this period with hit singles that showcased the brothers' rich gospel-inflected harmonies and Larry's poetic lyrics.

Early life

Larry Wayne Gatlin was born in Seminole in Gaines County, Texas, United States, next to the New Mexico border. His father was an oilfield worker, and the family lived in several locations while he was a youth, including Abilene and Odessa. He was reared listening to country and Southern gospel music. He has performed with his brothers Steve and Rudy since childhood. When they were younger, they often sang at their local church along with their sister LaDonna and occasionally performed on local radio and television shows. They also recorded a gospel music album for the Sword and Shield label and topped Roy Orbison in a local talent contest.

Gatlin was a quarterback at Odessa High School. After graduation in 1966, he was eligible to serve in the military during the Vietnam War, but he chose to attend the University of Houston. As a wide receiver on the football t