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The Gatlin Brothers - 2016

  • Writer: TCHOF
    TCHOF
  • Nov 19, 2015
  • 4 min read

Updated: Jun 24


Award winning musicians & 2016 RSSoT recipients.


Induction Year: 2016

Born:

  • Larry Wayne Gatlin – May 2, 1948, Seminole, Texas

  • Steven Daryl Gatlin – April 4, 1951, Olney, Texas

  • Rudy Michael Gatlin – August 20, 1952, Olney, Texas

Primary Discipline: Entertainment

Profession / Role: Country Music Recording Artists and Songwriters

Primary Skills: Vocal Harmony, Songwriting, Live Performance

Known For: Grammy Award–winning country trio with multiple No. 1 hits including “All the Gold in California.” 2016 recipients of the Rodeo Spirit of Texas Award (RSSoT)


Early Life and Background

Larry, Steve, and Rudy Gatlin were raised in a musical family in West Texas as the sons of Curley and Billie Gatlin. Their father played guitar and their mother played piano, and gospel harmony singing formed the foundation of their musical style. Influenced by groups such as the Blackwood Brothers and the Statesmen Quartet, the brothers began singing publicly as children.


After winning a local talent show, “Cavalcade of Talent” on March 8, 1955, in Abilene, Texas, they started performing on the “Slim Willet TV Show” at KRBC TV. They sang at church and recorded several gospel albums. In 1964, they performed at the World’s Fair in New York City.


Larry Gatlin attended the University of Houston, where he studied English and law. In 1971, after auditioning for the Imperials, he met country artist Dottie West, who encouraged his songwriting and helped him establish connections in Nashville. Through West, Larry met Kris Kristofferson, whose introduction to Monument Records led to a recording contract. Larry’s debut solo album, The Pilgrim, was released in 1974, with liner notes written by Johnny Cash.


Professional Career and Rise

Steve and Rudy Gatlin completed their studies at Texas Tech University before joining their brother in Nashville. In 1976, the trio formally became known as Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers. That same year, they won a Grammy Award for Best Country Song for “Broken Lady.” All three brothers were inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1976.


The group achieved major commercial success in the late 1970s and 1980s. Their 1979 album Straight Ahead earned Album of the Year honors from the Academy of Country Music, while the single “All the Gold in California” reached No. 1 on the country charts and earned ACM Single of the Year recognition. Larry Gatlin was named ACM Male Vocalist of the Year.


Additional No. 1 hits included “Houston (Means I’m One Day Closer to You),” “I Don’t Wanna Cry,” “I Just Wish You Were Someone I Love,” “Statues Without Hearts,” “Love Is Just a Game,” and “Night Time Magic.” Over the course of their career, the Gatlin Brothers accumulated seven No. 1 singles, 32 Top 40 records, more than 20 studio albums, and five BMI “Million-Air” Awards.


Larry Gatlin became recognized as one of country music’s leading solo songwriters, ranking among Billboard’s top writers of self-penned Top 40 hits. His songs have been recorded by artists including Elvis Presley, Barbra Streisand, Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, Kris Kristofferson, Roy Orbison, and others.


The Gatlin Brothers performed internationally and appeared on major television programs, including The Tonight Show, Hee Haw, and their own ABC variety special. They have performed at Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, the White House, presidential inaugurations, and numerous major sporting events, including the World Series and the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.


Though they concluded full-time touring in the early 1990s with their “Adios Tour,” the brothers later returned to selective touring and special engagements. They celebrated their 60th anniversary in 2015 and continued recording and performing. Larry Gatlin also wrote and produced the musical Quanah, staged in 2017.


Legacy and Impact

The Gatlin Brothers represent a significant chapter in country music history, blending gospel-rooted harmonies with contemporary country songwriting. Their crossover appeal, songwriting achievements, and sustained presence in American entertainment have secured their place among influential country vocal groups.


Their recognition by the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2016 with the Rodeo Spirit of Texas Award reflects their long-standing support of Western heritage, patriotic events, and performances connected to rodeo and Texas culture.


In addition to their musical achievements, the brothers have performed extensively for U.S. military personnel domestically and abroad and have maintained a visible presence in charitable and civic events. Their career reflects both artistic accomplishment and public service.


Later Years

The Gatlin Brothers continue to perform select engagements and special events. Larry Gatlin has remained active in broadcasting and songwriting, while Steve and Rudy have pursued musical production, speaking engagements, and charitable involvement. The trio’s legacy continues through recordings, live performances, and ongoing recognition within country music and Western heritage communities.


HONORS AND RECOGNITION

  • Grammy Award, Best Country Song (“Broken Lady”), 1976

  • Inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, 1976

  • ACM Album of the Year (Straight Ahead), 1979

  • ACM Single of the Year (“All the Gold in California”), 1979

  • ACM Male Vocalist of the Year (Larry Gatlin), 1979

  • Inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame, 2006

  • Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award, Academy of Country Music 2011

  • Rodeo Spirit of Texas Award, Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame 2016


LINKS AND REFERENCES

 


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