Larry Gatlin & Company: The Brothers Three

Larry Gatlin, and the Gatlin Brothers, appearing for their opening night last week at the Will Rogers Theater, started a run of shows that will carry them through Christmas. It was a tremendous pleasure to see and hear them perform. Larry and his two brothers, Steve and Rudy, all hail from Seminole, Texas, and have been around stage lights and music for as long as they can remember. They have been delighting audiences around our globe for four decades.

Larry has played Will Rogers on Broadway and for a national touring company. I have read of and watched old films of Will Rogers, his witticisms and down to earth country lore that made him the voice of the American conscience in the twenties and thirties. Will Rogers was not a legend until after his death in 1935. I can honestly say that Larry Gatlin, in his own time, is a legend in 2002.

Larry has been working hard for the past decade to become a truly nice person. From what I have seen of him, he has made it in spades. Larry, as well as his brothers, is a truly nice fellow. Larry can be compared to Will Rogers in many ways. One of which would be his ability to spin humor at the drop of anything available. Larry is funny and he mixes it up with the audience in many unexpected ways. One is never sure what he will say, do, or come up with next. He may even come into the audience and share some poor, unsuspecting souls popcorn.

Larry also has thoughts that are relevant for today’s world and it is done in good taste mixed with a rich dose of humor. Larry likes bantering with his fans and has a great time doing it. The fans respond with love and affection for him, because he is admired, not only as a musician, but also as a man, a human, and Larry Gatlin.

During the show, I learned to admire the brothers three not only for their fine musical talent, which is truly awesome, but I watched them personally and found them to be just as nice as they sound. They are truly professional and their talent goes off the scale.

Steve Gatlin, the middle Gatlin brother, graduated from Texas Tech and worked for Tammy Wynette for a number of years in Nashville. Steve, a performer in his own right, is the back-up comedy for the trio. Steve loves to wear a bold pinstriped suit during the show and is incredibly funny. Steve is renown for his musical talent and his zany, crazy antics on the show. Steve and his family live just outside Nashville in Brentwood, Tennessee.

Rudy, the youngest of the Gatlins is also a graduate of Texas Tech and is the quiet one of the bunch. After graduating from college, Rudy worked as a substitute teacher. Fans everywhere are so glad that Rudy gave up his day job to continue performing. Rudy is into snazzy, colorful vests, especially one symbolizing the Lone Star state flag. Rudy is noted for his musical abilities and adds great talent to the brothers routines.Rudy, as did brother Larry, starred in Oklahoma and then appeared in the starring role in Annie Get Your Gun.

Larry, had his third throat operation, in February this year. By all odds, rules and medical knowledge, he should not be singing at all. He should not even have a voice. At their performance, I heard a voice that only an archangel could have possessed. His high notes were truly impressive. I swear the man was not that good decades ago. He has a voice that has not and we all trust will not ever leave him. That would be quite a loss, for music fans the world over, to endure.

Larry is very open and honest talking about himself on stage. He will tell of his family, his Marine Corps Father, his brothers and his drinking problems of the past. Everything is told in good taste with plenty of good humor thrown in. I may have said it before, but I will be redundant and tell you that Larry is a truly funny guy. He is not only a funny guy but he is a remarkable person as well.

He has written many songs that have been recorded, not only by his own group, but also by stars like, Barbara Streisand, Johnny Mathis, Johnny Cash and yes, even Elvis. He and his brothers have also recorded a long string of number one hits, including All The Gold In California, I Don’t Wanna Cry, Love Is Just A Game, and of course, Broken Lady.

One segment of their show is devoted to Boogie and Beethoven. A large screen drops down center stage and a long haired, blue blooded string group join the Brothers on screen, as they boogie their way into the hearts of every person in the audience. It is an unusual performance and one you will think about for a long time following the show.

The show they present as Larry Gatlin and The Gatlin Brothers is a great show and one you will not want to miss. They sing their hits and many oldies of years past. The show always opens, instead of closes, on a patriotic note. Larry believes in standing up for America and standing up against the bad guys. The Gatlins open their show with a tribute to America and all its people with America The Beautiful. That is a cool thing to do. Did I mention the Gatlins are cool?

Will Rogers once said, It is great to be great, but it is greater to be human. Larry Gatlin has followed the advice of the great Will Rogers. Larry has learned a lesson that few in show business ever learn. Larry Gatlin is a great man, a legend in his own lifetime, but he is first and foremost, human. How fortunate we are to know him. How fortunate indeed.

Editor’s Note: For show information and tickets, toll free, call Ozark Ticket and Travel at 1-888-493-1222.