Bacon starts the interview by mentioning their first public appearance at the Cavalcade of Talent at Hardin-Simmons University.
Larry Gatlin shared that he remembers but doesn’t believe the other boys still remember singing one of their songs.
Then, the Gatlin Brothers discussed their first award, the Cavalcade of Talent, at Hardin-Simmons University. Bacon also recalled when the Gatlin Brothers were with Slim Willet in the KRBC studio, where they appeared live on TV.
Regarding returning home, Larry mentioned that his aunt Neil was the parliamentarian, enforcer, or ‘something’ at a gig with The Blackwood Brothers and Statesmen at Rose Field House. James would sell out records with others in the lobby.
Larry shared that their aunt Nell lived on Shelton Street, the other side of Abilene High School. Larry mentioned that their aunt walked up to Blackwood and told him she had three little nephews who could outscore all the Blackwood Brothers.
Larry said his brother Rudy had to stand on a Dr. Pepper box from the Dr. Pepper plant, which they lived behind, to get to the microphone. According to the Gatlin Brothers, Slim Willet was at that show and called their mom, and then the brothers showed up the following Wednesday night.
Rudy shared the picture with Bacon on the Third Annual Cavalcade of Talent Contest at the Rose Field in Abilene. Johnny Harper was the director, and Eagle Orchestra and Band Booster Club produced the event. Rudy then mentioned that the event also had Lynn Johnson, Slim Willett, and Sterling Price. He also believed they were the judges.
Larry said that an old gentleman at KWKC Radio was a Jewish man who converted to Christianity and paid the Gatlin Brothers $1 a week. The man at KWKC Radio paid them a dime of peace and said, ‘I’ve lost sister Gatlin, I’ve lost one of my sponsors, and I can’t afford the dollar.’
Regarding the Gatlin family leaving Abilene and moving to Odessa, Larry mentioned that their dad worked as an oil rigger for 4E Thomas Drilling Company, which became 4E and Saxon once Bill Saxon bought it out.
Larry mentioned that the first sad day of his life was when he found out R.W. Blackwood and Bill Lyles died in a plane crash in Clanton, Mississippi. Larry expressed he couldn’t go to school the next day. Larry also noted that leaving Abilene High and Miss Erica Brown on a day with sleet was very emotional. He also mentioned that he had a black and gold jersey with black letters and the number 21, which was Glenn Gregory’s number, which his mom made for him.
Before moving to Odessa, Larry mentioned that in December, they moved to Olney with their grandma and their dad. Larry mentioned he picked up some family members and moved them to Odessa. Then he spoke about his dad living in man camps until he finally found a little place and didn’t leave.
When the brothers were in high school, they also played football and baseball. Larry also attended the University of Houston and played college football for them. Steve mentioned one of the brothers’ struggles was juggling sports and their music career. They would sing on Saturdays and Sundays, then practice and play their sports for the rest of the week. Sometimes, they’d have to miss a sporting event or a concert.
On the Gatlin Brothers reaching the national level, Larry mentioned that he was in law school at the University of Houston and a lady named Rudy Campbell had a gospel family group. Larry went to their house and wrote a song with Larry Goss from the Goss Family Trio from Atlanta. Larry was a waiter then, and waiters and waitresses saved their tips that day to fund Larry’s trip to Las Vegas, throughout an event where he got offered to sing in Las Vegas, although he didn’t make it.
Larry then sang with Jimmy Dean in Phoenix at the Phoenix Star Theater. When Greg Gordon flunked his draft physical, they hired Gordon and sent Larry home. Larry mentioned that the Gatlin Brothers are gospel singers God wanted to use differently.
“Our faith and direction have never wavered because his love and protection have never wavered toward us,” shared Larry.
The Gatlin Brothers did not believe they would have been together for a long time, and they just thought about the next album and tour; however, it would not necessarily last. Larry also shared that the West Texas work ethic kept the band’s success alive.
Steve shared that what contributed to their success is that they share beliefs in God and their music. Regardless of their differences in ideas and politics, it doesn’t get in the way of the Gatlin Brothers. Steve then shared their unique talent, and he mentioned that one of his brothers is good at songwriting, while the other is good at the technical stuff. The band noted that a calling from God motivates the band to remain successful.
For more information on the tour dates and locations, click on their website.
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