Gene Watson's Peers within the country music industry believe in the sheer talent of this unassuming man from east Texas, so much so that Gene is regarded by many of them as 'the singer's singer' - and rightly so!
All of Gene Watson's Peers, who were contacted by The Gene Watson Fan Site, during 2014, were most gracious with their time and words.
It is here, within this special part of The Gene Watson Fan Site, that you have an opportunity to read a quote from Larry Gatlin, which he submitted to this site on Monday 24 November 2014.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say 'thank you' to Larry Gatlin who made a special contribution to this unique part of this online 'celebration of a Lone Star Hero'.
Sean Brady would also like to say 'thank you' to Sarah Brosmer at Lytle Management in Nashville and Terry Choate at The Crosswind Music Group, without whom the acquisition of this Gene Watson 'Peer's Quote' from Larry Gatlin would not have been possible.
Larry Gatlin
This quote was submitted on Monday 24 November 2014.
'My friend Gene Watson is, without a doubt, one of the very best country singers - ever!
On top of that, he is a good 'Sumbich'.
In Texas, that is considered a great compliment.
When he sang 'Bitter They Are, Harder They Fall', with me on 'Country Family Reunion', it was one of the really coolest things in my life.
I just love my friend, the one and only Gene Watson'
Thank you, Larry Gatlin, for your support of Gene Watson.
About Larry Gatlin...
Larry Gatlin was born Larry Wayne Gatlin, in Seminole, Texas on Sunday 2 May 1948, and was raised listening to country music and gospel music.
Since childhood, Larry Gatlin and his brothers, Steve Gatlin (born on Wednesday 4 April 1951) and Rudy Gatlin (born on Wednesday 20 August 1952), have always sung and performed together. When they were younger, they often sang in their local church. They sometimes performed on local radio stations, and occasionally on television shows. The Gatlin Brothers also recorded a gospel music album for the gospel music label Sword & Shield Records.
The Gatlin Brothers even managed to beat out the legendary Roy Orbison (Thursday 23 April 1936 - Tuesday 6 December 1988) in a local talent contest around this same time. After graduating from Odessa High School in 1966, Larry Gatlin attended college at University of Houston. A wide receiver on the football team, Jarry Gatlin caught a touchdown pass in a game in which University of Houston scored one hundred points.
Larry Gatlin later auditioned for, and joined the gospel music group, The Imperials, who went on to perform in Las Vegas, Nevada in January 1971 at Jimmy Dean's Las Vegas Revue.
While walking through the showroom, Larry Gatlin caught legendary country singer Dottie West's attention when she thought he looked like Mickey Newbury (Sunday 19 May 1940 - Sunday 29 September 2002).
Dottie West (Tuesday 11 October 1932 - Wednesday 4 September 1991) soon met Larry Gatlin and was impressed with his songwriting skills, so impressed, in fact, that she recorded two of Larry Gatlin's compositions in 1971, 'You're The Other Half of Me' and 'Once You Were Mine'.
Dottie West (Tuesday 11 October 1932 - Wednesday 4 September 1991) recorded Larry Gatlin's 'You're The Other Half of Me' and included the track on 'Have You Heard...Dottie West' (RCA Records, 1971).
Dottie West (Tuesday 11 October 1932 - Wednesday 4 September 1991) recorded Larry Gatlin's 'Once You Were Mine' and included the track on 'Have You Heard...Dottie West' (RCA Records, 1971).
Dottie West (Tuesday 11 October 1932 - Wednesday 4 September 1991) also passed one of Larry Gatlin's demo tapes around Nashville and arranged for him to relocate there, purchasing a plane ticket for him - a story he related on an episode of 'Larry's Country Diner' on RFD-TV in November 2009.
Dottie West (Tuesday 11 October 1932 - Wednesday 4 September 1991) later recorded other compositions by Larry Gatlin, which would later become hit singles for him, including 'Broken Lady', which was included on Dottie West's 'Dottie' (Records, 1978).
Larry Gatlin became known for his rich tenor voice and for the string of pop-inflected hit songs he wrote and recorded throughout the 1970s and 1980s. During this time, country music trended heavily towards polished pop music arrangements in a style which came to be known as 'countrypolitan'. Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band came to prominence, and enjoyed their greatest success during this period with hit singles that showcased the brothers' powerful three-part harmonies and Larry Gatlin's evocative falsetto voice.
With the assistance of Dottie West (Tuesday 11 October 1932 - Wednesday 4 September 1991), Larry Gatlin found work in Nashville as a background singer for Kris Kristofferson.
Dottie West (Tuesday 11 October 1932 - Wednesday 4 September 1991) recorded Larry Gatlin's 'Try To Win A Friend' and included the track on 'If It's All Right With You / Just What I've Been Looking For' (RCA Victor Records, 1973).
Dottie West (Tuesday 11 October 1932 - Wednesday 4 September 1991) recorded Larry Gatlin's 'Bitter They Are, Harder They Fall' and included the track on 'If It's All Right With You / Just What I've Been Looking For' (RCA Victor Records, 1973).
In 1973, Larry Gatlin finally landed a solo recording contract with Monument Records and saw the release, in December 1973, of his debut album, 'The Pilgrim' (Monument Records, 1973), which included liner notes written by Johnny Cash (Friday 26 February 1932 - Friday 12 September 2003).
Larry Gatlin's debut album, 'The Pilgrim' (Monument Records, 1973), included two tracks, which were minor hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
'Sweet Becky Walker' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.40, 1974)
'Bitter They Are, Harder They Fall' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.45, 1974) / this track also reached No.47 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1974 / this track was also recorded by Gene Watson, who included it on 'Because You Believed In Me' (Capitol Records, 1976) / this track was re-recorded by Gene Watson, who included it on 'Real.Country.Music' (Fourteen Carat Music, 2016)
Larry Gatlin's debut album, 'The Pilgrim' (Monument Records, 1973), also included the following tracks:
'My Mind's Gone To Memphis' (written by Larry Gatlin)
'The Heart' (written by Larry Gatlin)
'Try To Win A Friend' (written by Larry Gatlin)
'It Must Have Rained In Heaven' (written by Larry Gatlin)
'To Make Me Wanna Stay Home' (written by Larry Gatlin)
'Light At The End of The Darkness' (written by Larry Gatlin)
'Dig A Little Deeper' (written by Larry Gatlin)
'Penny Annie' (written by Larry Gatlin)
Larry Gatlin's debut album, 'The Pilgrim' (Monument Records, 1973), reached No.33 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1973.
Elvis Presley (Tuesday 8 January 1935 - Tuesday 16 August 1977) recorded Larry Gatlin's 'Help Me' and included the track on 'Promised Land' (RCA Records, 1973).
Connie Smith recorded Larry Gatlin's 'Help Me' and included the track on 'God Is Abundant' (Columbia Records, 1973).
Dottie West (Tuesday 11 October 1932 - Wednesday 4 September 1991) recorded Larry Gatlin's 'My Mind's Gone To Memphis' and included the track on 'Country Sunshine' (RCA Victor Records, 1973).
Dottie West (Tuesday 11 October 1932 - Wednesday 4 September 1991) recorded Larry Gatlin's 'Help Me' and included the track on 'Country Sunshine' (RCA Victor Records, 1973).
In September 1974, Larry Gatlin saw the release of 'Rain / Rainbow' (Monument Records, 1974), which included one track, which was a hit single on the Billboard country music singles chart:
'Delta Dirt' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.14, 1974) / this track was also Larry Gatlin's only entry on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart, when it reached No.84 in 1974 / this track also reached No.15 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1974
Larry Gatlin's 'Rain / Rainbow' (Monument Records, 1974) also included the following tracks:
'Rain' (written by Larry Gatlin)
'Found & Lost' (written by Larry Gatlin)
'Those Also Love' (written by Larry Gatlin)
'Healin' Sunshine' (written by Larry Gatlin)
'Help Me' (written by Larry Gatlin) / this track was also recorded by Gene Watson, who included it on 'Real.Country.Music' (Fourteen Carat Music, 2016), and 'My Gospel Roots' (Fourteen Carat Music, 2017)
'Jannie' (written by Larry Gatlin)
'Takin' A Chance On You' (written by Larry Gatlin)
'Love' (written by Larry Gatlin)
'Rainbow (Runnin' Through My Mind)' (written by Larry Gatlin)
Larry Gatlin's 'Rain / Rainbow' (Monument Records, 1974), reached No.37 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1974.
Kris Kristofferson & Rita Coolidge recorded Larry Gatlin's 'Rain' and included the track on 'Breakaway' (Monument Records, 1974); the track reached No.87 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1974, No.44 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart in 1974, and No.40 on the Canadian RPM Adult Contemporary Chart in 1974.
Dottie West (Tuesday 11 October 1932 - Wednesday 4 September 1991) recorded Larry Gatlin's 'Good Lovin' You' and included the track on 'House of Love' (RCA Records, 1974).
In 1975, Larry Gatlin saw the release, on Monument Records, of 'Let's Turn The Lights On', a non-album single, which reached No.71 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1975.
In August 1975, Larry Gatlin saw the release of 'High Time' (Monument Records, 1975), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
'Broken Lady' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.5, 1975) / this track, which earned Larry Gatlin a Grammy Award for 'Best Country Song' in 1975, also reached No.5 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1975
'Warm & Tender' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.43, 1976)
'Statues Without Hearts' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.5, 1976)
Larry Gatlin's 'High Time' (Monument Records, 1975) also included the following tracks:
'Ginny-Shaped Hole In My Heart'
'Lay Down Lady Blues'
'High Time'
'Jacob & Marcie'
'By The Way'
'Take Back It's Over'
'Any Way I Can'
'What Will I Do Now'
'Mercy River'
Larry Gatlin's 'High Time' (Monument Records, 1975), reached No.14 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1975.
Tammy Wynette (Tuesday 5 May 1942 - Monday 6 April 1998) recorded Larry Gatlin's 'Brown Paper Bag' and included the track on 'I Still Believe In Fairy Tales' (Epic Records, 1975).
In February 1976, Larry Gatlin saw the release of 'Larry Gatlin With Family & Friends' (Monument Records, 1976), an album which, for the first time, featured brothers Steve Gatlin (born on Wednesday 4 April 1951) and Rudy Gatlin (born on Wednesday 20 August 1952), and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
'Broken Lady' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.5, 1975) / this track, which earned Larry Gatlin a Grammy Award for 'Best Country Song' in 1975, also reached No.5 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1975 / this track was also recorded by Dottie West (Tuesday 11 October 1932 - Wednesday 4 September 1991), who included it on 'Dottie' (United Artists Records, 1978)
'Warm & Tender' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.43, 1976)
Larry Gatlin's 'Larry Gatlin With Family & Friends' (Monument Records, 1976) also included the following tracks:
'Trying To Matter'
'Ode To The Road'
'Maggie Lou's Massage Parlor Blues'
'He's A Star'
'Silence of The Mornin'
'Dealt A Losing Hand'
'Fagan's Chapel'
'The Heart Is Quicker Than The Eye'
Larry Gatlin's 'Larry Gatlin With Family & Friends' (Monument Records, 1976), reached No.24 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1976.
Larry Gatlin's 'Larry Gatlin With Family & Friends' (Monument Records, 1976) also included the following tracks:
'Trying To Matter'
'Ode To The Road'
'Maggie Lou's Massage Parlor Blues'
'He's A Star'
'Silence of The Mornin'
'Dealt A Losing Hand'
'Fagan's Chapel'
'The Heart Is Quicker Than The Eye'
Larry Gatlin's 'Larry Gatlin With Family & Friends' (Monument Records, 1976), reached No.24 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1976.
Elvis Presley (Tuesday 8 January 1935 - Tuesday 16 August 1977) recorded Larry Gatlin's 'Bitter They Are, Harder They Fall' and included the track on 'Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee' (RCA Records, 1976).
Roy Orbison (Thursday 23 April 1936 - Tuesday 6 December 1988) recorded Larry Gatlin's 'Circle' and included the track on 'I'm Still In Love With You' (Mercury Records, 1976); in 2002, the album was re-issued in the United Kingdom, on CD, by Spectrum Music, with a different track order.
Tammy Wynette (Tuesday 5 May 1942 - Monday 6 April 1998) recorded Larry Gatlin's 'The Heart' and included the track on 'Til I Can Make It On My Own' (Epic Records, 1976).
Mickey Gilley recorded Larry Gatlin's 'I Just Can't Get Her Out of My Mind' and included the track on 'Smokin' (Playboy Records, 1976).
Jackie DeShannon recorded Larry Gatlin's 'Try To Win A Friend' and included the track on 'You're The Only Dancer' (Amherst Records, 1977).
In June 1977, Larry Gatlin saw the release of 'Love Is Just A Game' (Monument Records, 1977), which included four tracks, which were hits on the Billboard country music singles chart:
'Anything But Leaving' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.12, 1977)
'I Don't Wanna Cry' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.3, 1977)
'Love Is Just A Game' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.3, 1977)
'I Just Wish You Were Someone I Love' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.1 for one week in February 1978)
Larry Gatlin's 'Love Is Just A Game' (Monument Records, 1977) also included the following tracks:
'Tomorrow' (written by Larry Gatlin)
'If Practice Makes Perfect' (written by Larry Gatlin)
'Everytime A Plane Flies Over Our House' (written by Larry Gatlin)
'Kiss It All Goodbye' (written by Larry Gatlin)
'It's Love At Last' (written by Larry Gatlin)
'Steps' (written by Larry Gatlin)
'Alleluia' (written by Larry Gatlin)
Larry Gatlin's 'Love Is Just A Game' (Monument Records, 1977), reached No.7 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1977.
Billie Jo Spears (Thursday 14 January 1937 - Wednesday 14 December 2011) recorded Larry Gatlin's 'Last Rose of Summer' and included the track on 'Lonely Hearts Club' (United Artists Records, 1978).
In April 1978, Larry Gatlin saw the release of 'Oh, Brother' (Monument Records, 1978), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
'Night Time Magic' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.2, 1978)
'Do It Again Tonight' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.13, 1978)
'I've Done Enough Dyin' Today' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.7, 1978) / this track was also recorded by Teea Goans, who included it on 'That's Just Me' (Crosswind Corporation, 2012)
Larry Gatlin's 'Oh, Brother' (Monument Records, 1978) also included the following tracks:
'L.A. You're A Killer' (written by Larry Gatlin)
'I've Got You' (written by Larry Gatlin)
'Standin' By Me' (written by Larry Gatlin)
'You Happened To Me' (written by Larry Gatlin)
'Nothin' You Do' (written by Larry Gatlin)
'Cold Day In Hell' (written by Larry Gatlin)
'Everything I Know About Cheatin' (written by Larry Gatlin)
Larry Gatlin's 'Oh, Brother' (Monument Records, 1978), reached No.7 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1978.
Dottie West (Tuesday 11 October 1932 - Wednesday 4 September 1991) recorded Larry Gatlin's 'Broken Lady' and included the track on 'Dottie' (United Artists Records, 1978) / the original version of this track was recorded by Larry Gatlin, who included it on 'High Time' (Monument Records, 1975); Larry Gatlin's version of the track reached No.5 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1975, and earned Larry Gatlin a Grammy Award for 'Best Country Song' in 1975.
In October 1978, Larry Gatlin saw the release of his first 'Greatest Hits' compilation, 'Larry Gatlin's Greatest Hits' (Monument Records, 1978), which included the following tracks:
'Broken Lady' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.5, 1975)
'Night Time Magic' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.2, 1978)
'Sweet Becky Walker' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.40, 1974)
'I Just Wish You Were Someone I Love' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.1 for one week in February 1978)
'Delta Dirt' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.14, 1974) / this track also reached No.84 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1974
'I Don't Wanna Cry' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.3, 1977)
'Do It Again Tonight' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.13, 1978)
'Bitter They Are Harder They Fall' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.45, 1974) / this track was also recorded by Gene Watson, who included it on 'Because You Believed In Me' (Capitol Records, 1976) / this track was re-recorded by Gene Watson, who included it on '' ()
'Statues Without Hearts' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.5, 1976)
'Love Is Just A Game' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.3, 1977)
Larry Gatlin's 'Larry Gatlin's Greatest Hits' (Monument Records, 1978), reached No.10 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1978.
The Gatlin Brothers (Steve Gatlin, Larry Gatlin and Rudy Gatlin)
In September 1979, Larry Gatlin moved from Monument Records to Columbia Records and decided to have his brothers, Steve Gatlin and Rudy Gatlin, given equal billing on all his singles and albums.
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band saw the release of 'Straight Ahead' (Columbia Records, 1979), which included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
'All The Gold In California' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.1 for two weeks in October / November 1979)
'The Midnight Choir' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.43, 1979)
'Taking Somebody With Me When I Fall' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.12, 1980)
'We're Number One' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.18, 1980)
As a result of the success of 'All The Gold In California' (No.1 for two weeks in October / November 1979), Larry Gatlin was awarded the 'Top Male Vocalist of The Year' Award by the Academy of Country Music (ACM).
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band's 'Straight Ahead' (Columbia Records, 1979), reached No.7 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1979.
In September 1980, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band saw the release of 'Help Yourself' (Columbia Records, 1980), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
'Take Me To Your Lovin' Place' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.5, 1980)
'It Don't Get No Better Than This' (No.25, 1981)
'Wind Is Bound To Change' (No.20, 1981)
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band's 'Help Yourself' (Columbia Records, 1980) also included the following tracks:
'Must Be All The Same You'
'Until She Said Goodbye'
'I Still Don't Love You Anymore'
'Help Yourself To Me'
'Straight To My Heart'
'Daytime Heroes'
'Songwriter's Trilogy'
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band's 'Help Yourself' (Columbia Records, 1980), reached No.11 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1980.
Billie Jo Spears (Friday 14 January 1938 - Wednesday 14 December 2011) recorded Larry Gatlin's 'Broken Lady' and included the track on 'Only The Hits' (Liberty Records, 1981).
Anne Murray recorded Larry Gatlin's 'Bitter They Are, Harder They Fall' and included the track on 'Where Do You Go When You Dream' (Capitol Records, 1981).
In September 1981, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band saw the release of 'Not Guilty' (Columbia Records, 1981), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
'What Are We Doin' Lonesome' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.4, 1981)
'In Love With Each Other' (No.15, 1982)
'She Used To Sing On Sunday' (No.19, 1982)
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band's 'Not Guilty' (Columbia Records, 1981) also included the following tracks:
'Can't Take It With You'
'Rain'
'Hard Workin' Hands'
'My Last Love Song'
'Someone Else's Day'
'Good Wilbur'
'You Wouldn't Know Love'
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band's 'Not Guilty' (Columbia Records, 1981) reached No.10 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1981.
In September 1982, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band saw the release of 'Sure Feels Like Love' (Columbia Records, 1982), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
'Sure Feels Like Love' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.5, 1982)
'Almost Called Her Baby By Mistake' (No.20, 1983)
'Easy On The Eye' (No.32, 1983)
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band's 'Sure Feels Like Love' (Columbia Records, 1982) also included the following tracks:
'Anything But Leaving'
'What A Wonderful Day To Die'
'Luau'
'Only Been Wounded'
'Whole World Stood Still'
'Something Like Each Other's Arms'
'Home Is Where The Healin' Is'
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band's 'Sure Feels Like Love' (Columbia Records, 1982) reached No.18 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1982.
Dottie West (Tuesday 11 October 1932 - Wednesday 4 September 1991) recorded Larry Gatlin's 'Bitter They Are, Harder They Fall' and included the track on 'Full Circle' (Liberty Records, 1982), which was produced by Larry Gatlin.
Dottie West (Tuesday 11 October 1932 - Wednesday 4 September 1991) recorded Larry Gatlin's 'Here In My Arms' and included the track on 'Full Circle' (Liberty Records, 1982), which was produced by Larry Gatlin.
Dottie West (Tuesday 11 October 1932 - Wednesday 4 September 1991) recorded Larry Gatlin's 'Try To Win A Friend' and included the track on 'Full Circle' (Liberty Records, 1982), which was produced by Larry Gatlin.
Dottie West (Tuesday 11 October 1932 - Wednesday 4 September 1991) recorded Larry Gatlin's 'The Dream That Got A Little Out of Hand' and included the track on 'Full Circle' (Liberty Records, 1982), which was produced by Larry Gatlin.
In November 1982, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band saw the release of an album of Christmas material, 'A Gatlin Family Christmas' (Columbia Records, 1982), which included the following tracks:
'Silent Night'
'Sweet Baby Jesus'
'Hark The Herald Angels Sing'
'What Child Is This'
'O, Come All Ye Faithful'
'Steps'
'Alleluia'
'O, Holy Night'
'Away In A Manger'
'First Noel'
'O, Little Town of Bethlehem'
'Angels We Have Heard On High'
'I Know That My Redeemer Liveth'
'Messiah'
'Alleluiah Chorus'
In October 1983, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brotheers Band saw the release of a second 'Greatest Hits' compilation, 'Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers' Greatest Hits, Volume 2' (Columbia Records, 1983), which included the following Billboard country music hit singles:
'All The Gold In California' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.1 for two weeks in October / November 1979)
'Almost Called Her Baby By Mistake' (No.20, 1983) / this track also reached No.16 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1983
'She Used To Sing On Sunday' (No.19, 1982)
'What Are We Doin' Lonesome' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.4, 1981)
'Sure Feels Like Love' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.5, 1982)
'Houston (Means I'm One Day Closer To You)' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.1 for two weeks in December 1983 / January 1984)
'Take Me To Your Lovin' Place' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.5, 1980)
'Taking Somebody With Me When I Fall' (No.12, 1980)
'We're Number One' (No.18, 1980)
'The Midnight Choir' (No.43, 1979)
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brotheers Band's second 'Greatest Hits' compilation, 'Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers' Greatest Hits, Volume 2' (Columbia Records, 1983), reached No.22 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1983.
In March 1984, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band saw the release of 'Houston To Denver' (Columbia Records, 1984), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
'Houston (Means I'm One Day Closer To You)' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.1 for two weeks in December 1983 / January 1984)
'Denver' (No.7, 1984)
'The Lady Takes The Cowboy Everytime' (No.3, 1984)
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band's 'Houston To Denver' (Columbia Records, 1984) also included the following tracks:
'Dream That Got A Little Out of Hand'
'Daylight Lovin' Time'
'It Takes One To Know One'
'When The Night Closes In'
'Not Tonight I've Got A Heartache'
'If You're Ever Down & Out'
'It's Me'
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band's 'Houston To Denver' (Columbia Records, 1984) reached No.9 on the tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1984.
On Saturday 19 January 1985, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band performed 'All The Gold In California' (No.1 for two weeks in October / November 1979) at the nationally-televised 50th Inaugural Gala, the day before the second inauguration of Ronald Reagan (Monday 6 February 1911 - Saturday 5 June 2004).
In November 1985, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band saw the release of 'Smile' (Columbia Records, 1985), which included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
'Runaway Go Home' (No.43, 1985)
'Nothing But Your Love Matters' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.12, 1986)
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band's 'Smile' (Columbia Records, 1985) also included the following tracks:
'One On One'
'Say'
'I Saved Your Place'
'Everytime Freedom Changed Hands'
'Can't Stay Away From Her Fire'
'Get Me Into This Love, Lord'
'I'd Throw It All Away'
'Indian Summer'
'Special People Place'
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band's 'Smile' (Columbia Records, 1985) reached No.35 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1985.
In December 1985, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers saw the release of a third 'Greatest Hits' compilation, 'Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers' 16 Greatest Hits' (Columbia Records, 1985), which included the following Billboard country music hit singles:
'Broken Lady' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.5, 1975)
'Night Time Magic' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.2, 1978)
'Sweet Becky Walker' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.40, 1974)
'I Just Wish You Were Someone I Love' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.1 for one week in February 1978)
'I Don't Wanna Cry' (No.3, 1977)
'Statues Without Hearts' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.5, 1976)
'Love Is Just A Game' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.3, 1977)
'Denver' (No.7, 1984)
'All The Gold In California' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.1 for two weeks in October / November 1979)
'Almost Called Her Baby By Mistake' (No.20, 1983)
'She Used To Sing On Sunday' (No.19, 1982)
'What Are We Doin' Lonesome' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.4, 1981)
'Sure Feels Like Love' (No.5, 1982)
'Houston (Means I'm One Day Closer To You)' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.1 for two weeks in December 1983 / January 1984)
'Take Me To Your Lovin' Place' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.5, 1980)
'Taking Somebody With Me When I Fall' (No.12, 1980)
It was also in 1985 when Larry Gatlin composed 'Indian Summer' with Barry Gibb (of The Bee Gees fame); The Gatlin Brothers and Barry Gibb recorded the track as a duet with Roy Orbison (Thursday 23 April 1936 - Tuesday 6 December 1988).
In 1986, when the 'neotraditional country' singers entered the Nashville music scene, with singers such Dwight Yoakam and Randy Travis pushing Larry Gatlin and other country/pop-styled vocalists off the Billboard country music Top 10 list, Larry Gatlin's chart success declined greatly.
In June 1986, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band saw the release of 'Partners' (Columbia Records, 1986), which included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
'She Used To Be Somebody's Baby' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.2, 1986)
'Talkin' To The Moon' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.4, 1986)
'From Time To Time (It Feels Like Love Again)' (No.21, 1987) / this track was a duet with Janie Fricke
'Changin' Partners' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.16, 1987)
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band's 'Partners' (Columbia Records, 1986) also included the following tracks:
'Little White Lies'
'Texas (Is What Life's All About)'
'Being Alone'
'Got A Lot of Woman On His Hands'
'Give Me A Chance'
'Don't Blame Me For Colorado'
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band's 'Partners' (Columbia Records, 1986) reached No.13 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1986.
In June 1987, Tammy Wynette (Tuesday 5 May 1942 - Monday 6 April 1998) saw the release of 'Higher Ground' (Epic Records, 1987), which was produced by Steve Buckingham, and featured a special guest, or guests, on each track; the album included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
'Your Love' (written by Beckie Foster and Tommy Rocco) (No.12, 1987) / this track featured background harmony from Ricky Skaggs
'Talkin’ To Myself Again', which was written by Jamie O'Hara (Friday 18 August 1950 - Thursday 7 January 2021) (No.16, 1987) / this track featured background harmony from The O’Kanes (Kieran Kane & Jamie O'Hara)
'Beneath A Painted Sky' (written by Joe Chambers and Bucky Jones) (No.25, 1988) / this track featured background harmony from Emmylou Harris
Tammy Wynette's 'Higher Ground' (Epic Records, 1987) also included the following tracks:
'Tempted' (written by Al Turney) / this track featured background harmony from Gene Watson
'Some Things Will Never Change', which was written by Max D. Barnes (Friday 24 July 1936 - Sunday 11 January 2004) and Troy Seals / this track was a duet with Vern Gosdin (Sunday 5 August 1934 - Tuesday 28 April 2009)
'I Wasn’t Meant To Live My Life Alone' (written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz) / this track featured background harmony from Vince Gill
'Higher Ground' (written by Steve Buckingham) / this track featured background harmonies from Larry Gatlin, Steve Gatlin & Rudy Gatlin
'A Slow Burning Fire' (written by Jan Buckingham and Valerie Smith) / this track featured background harmonies from Dennis Wilson, Harry Stinson, John Wesley Ryles and Ricky Van Shelton
'There’s No Heart So Strong' (written by Don Schlitz and Paul Overstreet) / this track featured background harmony from Paul Overstreet
'All Through Throwing Good Love After Bad', which was written by Guy Clark (Thursday 6 November 1941 - Tuesday 17 May 2016) and Richard Leigh / this track featured background harmony from Rodney Crowell and Jeanne Smith
Additional personnel involved in the recording of Tammy Wynette's 'Higher Ground' (Epic Records, 1987) included the following:
Mark O'Connor (fiddle, mandolin, guitar)
Jerry Douglas (Dobro)
Mark Casstevens, Steve Gibson, Steve Buckingham and Zane Ashton (guitar)
Paul Franklin (steel guitar, Dobro)
Tom Robb (bass)
Roy Huskey Jr. (Monday 17 December 1956 - Saturday 6 September 1997) (upright bass)
Eddie Bayers (drums)
Randy McCormick (piano)
Jay Spell (accordian)
Tammy Wynette's 'Higher Ground' (Epic Records, 1987) reached No.43 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1987.
In December 1987, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band saw the release of 'Alive & Well...Livin' In The Land of Dreams' (Columbia Records, 1987), which included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
'Love of A Lifetime' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.4, 1988)
'Alive & Well' (No.34, 1988)
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band's 'Alive & Well...Livin' In The Land of Dreams' (Columbia Records, 1987) also included the following tracks:
'This Heart'
'Mannequin'
'Chop Wood & Carry Water'
'One That Got Away'
'Standing By'
'Not Just Another Pretty Face'
'Power of Love'
'God Knows (It Would Be You)'
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band's 'Alive & Well...Livin' In The Land of Dreams' (Columbia Records, 1987) reached No.46 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1987.
In late 1988, Larry Gatlin departed Columbia Records and signed a recording contract with Universal Records.
In February 1989, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band saw the release of 'Pure 'N' Simple' (Universal Records, 1989), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
'When She Holds Me' (No.54, 1989)
'I Might Be What You're Looking For' (No.37, 1989)
'No.1 Heartache Place' (No.51, 1989)
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band's 'Pure 'N' Simple' (Universal Records, 1989) also included the following tracks:
'If Love Won't Heal You, Lady'
'Your Door'
'Rain'
'Healin' Stream'
'Goin' Around In Circles'
'Go Or Stay'
'Needles To Say'
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band's 'Pure 'N' Simple' (Universal Records, 1989) reached No.49 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1989.
In 1989, Patrick Swayze (Monday 18 August 1952 - Monday 14 September 2009) and Larry Gatlin recorded 'Brothers' (written by Larry Gatlin); the track was included on the various artists original soundtrack of the movie, 'Next of Kin' (Columbia Records, 1989), which starred Patrick (Wayne) Swayze.
It was also in 1989 when Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers performed the National Anthem before game three of the 1989 World Series, which was played at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California.
In 1990, Larry Gatlin departed Universal Records, and signed a recording contract with Capitol Records.
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band saw the release of 'Cookin' Up A Storm' (Capitol Records, 1990), which included one track, which was a hit single on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
'Boogie & Beethoven' (No.65, 1990)
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band's 'Cookin' Up A Storm' (Capitol Records, 1990) also included the following tracks:
'Someone's No.1'
'Country Girl Heart'
'If This Isn't Love'
'Just Might Catch My Dreams'
'Big Time Again'
'Ain't Love A Kick In The Heart'
'Angel Loose In Houston'
'Gonna Have To Cross The Line'
'Prodigal Son'
In November 1990, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers saw the release of 'Christmas With The Gatlins' (Capitol Records, 1990), which included the following tracks:
'Joy To The World' (acappella)
'Winter Wonderland'
'White Christmas' / 'Christmas Song'
'Sweet Baby Jesus'
'Bring A Torch, Janette Isabella'
'Do You Hear What I Hear'
'O, Holy Night'
'Silver Bells'
'What Child Is This'
'Little Drummer Boy'
'Silent Night'
'Joy To The World'
'Christmas All Year Round'
In 1991, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers saw the release of 'Greatest Hits Encore' (Capitol Records, 1991), which included the following tracks:
'Night Time Magic' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.2, 1978)
'Statues Without Hearts' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.5, 1976)
'I Just Wish You Were Someone I Love' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.1 for one week in February 1978)
'I've Done Enough Dyin' Today' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.7, 1978) / this track was also recorded by Teea Goans, who included it on 'That's Just Me' (Crosswind Corporation, 2012)
'I Don't Wanna Cry' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.3, 1977)
'Love Is Just A Game' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.3, 1977)
'Broken Lady' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.5, 1975)
'Bitter They Are Harder They Fall' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.45, 1974) / this track was also recorded by Gene Watson, who included it on 'Because You Believed In Me' (Capitol Records, 1976)
'Houston (Means I'm One Day Closer To You)' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.1 for two weeks in December 1983 / January 1984)
'All The Gold In California' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.1 for two weeks in October / November 1979)
In 1991, Larry Gatlin underwent surgery on his vocal cords, following years of wear and tear on his voice. In concert, Larry Gatlin had begun to struggle with the high falsetto notes which were featured prominently in most of his songs. After recovery, Larry Gatlin worked briefly with an opera coach and his vocals took on a powerful operatic style in the early 1990s.
In April 1992, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers saw the release of 'Adios' (Capitol Records, 1992), which included the following tracks:
'Pretty Woman Have Mercy'
'Heartbreak Ridge & New Hope Road'
'Star Spangled Broken Heart'
'Just A Little To The Side of The Storm'
'Billy Jack Willis'
'Half Moon Motel'
'Already On Fire'
'What Are We Gonna Call It'
'Enough Arms To Go Around'
'Rock of Love'
'One Dream Per Customer'
'Adios'
In December 1992, after more than a decade of singing together, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers embarked on a farewell tour before retiring to their own theatre in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Larry Gatlin went on to star in the Broadway production of 'The Will Rogers Follies'.
In July 1993, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers saw the release of 'Moments To Remember' (Branson Records, 1993), which included the following tracks:
'Moments To Remember'
'Paper Doll'
'Sentimental Me'
'Sincerely'
'Cab Driver'
'(When Your Heart's On Fire) Smoke Gets In Your Eyes'
'Three Coins In The Fountain'
'Tumbling Tumbleweeds'
'You You You'
'No Not Much'
'Great Pretender'
'May You Always'
On Tuesday 31 May 1994, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers saw the release of 'Cool Water' (Intersound Records, 1994), which included the following tracks:
'Love Is A Many Splendored Thing' (written by Sammy Fain and Paul Francis Webster)
'Standing On The Corner' (written by Frank Loesser)
'It Only Hurts For A Little While' (written by Mack David and Fred Spielman)
'I Only Have Eyes For You' (written by Al Dubin and Harry Warren)
'Yellow Bird' (written by Alan Bergman, Michael Keith and Norman Luboff)
'Undecided' (written by Sydney Robin and Charlie Shavers)
'He' (written by Richard Mullen and Jack Richards)
'I'll Never Smile Again' (written by Ruth Lowe)
'Lazy River' (written by Sidney Arodin and Hoagy Carmichael)
'Something's Gotta Give' (written by Johnny Mercer)
'Melody of Love' (written by Hans Engelmann and Tom Glazer)
'Cool Water' (written by Bob Nolan)
In 1995, Larry Gatlin starred as himself in 'Big Dreams & Broken Hearts: The Dottie West Story', a television movie about Dottie West's life, which was made by CBS Television; Dottie West had died four years previously in a major car accident in Nashville on Wednesday 4 September 1991.
Bill D'Elia directed 'Big Dreams & Broken Hearts: The Dottie West Story', which was shot in Nashville between Monday 11 July 1994 and Thursday 4 August 1994. The original air date was Sunday 22 January 1995 on the CBS television network.
Actress Michele Lee, with the help of Dottie West's daughter, Shelly West, produced and starred in the made-for-television biopic 'Big Dreams & Broken Hearts: The Dottie West Story', which premiered on CBS. Michelle Lee starred with Kenny Rogers (Sunday 21 August 1938 - Friday 20 March 2020), wore all of Dottie West's original clothes, including her famed Bob Mackie outfits, and even sang Dottie West's hit songs for the movie. It proved to be one of the most successful television movies in the history of CBS Television.
The Cox Family recorded Larry Gatlin's 'Love of A Lifetime' and included the track on 'Just When We're Thinking It's Over' (Asylum Records, 1996).
In 1998, Larry Gatlin co-wrote, with celebrity biographer Jeff Lenburg, a memoir called 'All The Gold In California'.
In 1999, Larry Gatlin toured and entertained troops of the 1st CAV division in Bosnia.
On Tuesday 26 October 2004, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers saw the release of 'Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Sing Their Family Gospel Favourites' (Dualtone Records, 2004), which included the following tracks:
'Swing Down Chariot'
'Sweet Hour of Prayer'
'Love Lifted Me'
'Amazing Grace'
'Do Lord'
'Rock of Ages'
'It Is Well With My Soul'
'I'll Fly Away', which was written by Albert E. Brumley ()
'In The Garden'
'Just ACloser Walk With Thee' / 'What A Friend We Have In Jesus'
'Peace In The Valley' / 'Whispering Hope'
'Victory In Jesus' / 'Power In The Blood'
In 2006, Dualtone Records released 'Voice of The Spirit: The Gospel of The South' (Dualtone Records, 2006), a various artists compilation album, which celebrated the Gospel music from the south of the United States of America; the album was produced by John Carter Cash, and one of the featured tracks, 'Diamonds In The Rough', which was written by Alvin Pleasant (A.P.) Delaney Carter (15 December 1891 - Monday 7 November 1960), and was performed by Laura Lynn Cash and Larry Gatlin.
On Tuesday 15 September 2009, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers saw the release of 'The Pilgrimage' (Curb Records, 2009), which included six tracks, which were released as singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart:
'Johnny Cash Is Dead (& His House Burned Down)' / this track was released as a single in 2009, but it did not chart
'Sweet Becky Walker' (written by Larry Gatlin) / this track was released as a single in 2009, but it did not chart
'Penny Annie' / this track was released as a single in 2010, but it did not chart
'If I Ever See You Or Utah Again' / this track was released as a single in 2010, but it did not chart
'Black Gold' (written by Larry Gatlin and Leslie Satcher) / this track was released as a single in 2011, but it did not chart
'Americans, That's Who' (written by Larry Gatlin) / this track was released as a single in 2011, but it did not chart
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers's 'The Pilgrimage' (Curb Records, 2009) also included the following tracks:
Narrative: 'The Pilgrim: I Never Had A Brother'
'Penny Annie' (written by Larry Gatlin)
Narrative: 'The Pilgrim: My Own Personal Pilgrimage'
Since 2010, Larry Gatlin has contributed to Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network as a political and social commentator.
In the summer of 2010, Larry Gatlin acted as substitute host for Don Imus on 'Imus In The Morning', and 'Fox Across America With Spencer Hughes' on Wednesday 16 March 2011.
On Wednesday 24 August 2011, VP Records released 'Reggae's Gone Country' (VP Records / WEA Records, 2011), a various artists compilation, which featured reggae versions of country music songs; one of the featured tracks was 'All The Gold In California' (written by Larry Gatlin), which was performed by Romain Virgo.
Jamie O'Neal recorded Larry Gatlin's 'I've Done Enough Dyin' Today' and included the track on 'Eternal' (Shanachie Records, 2014).
Gene Watson recorded Larry Gatlin's 'Help Me' and included the track on 'Real.Country.Music' (Fourteen Carat Music, 2016), and on 'My Gospel Roots' (Fourteen Carat Music, 2017); this track was originally recorded by Larry Gatlin, who included it on 'Rain / Rainbow' (Monument Records, 1974).
Gene Watson re-recorded Larry Gatlin's 'Bitter They Are, Harder They Fall' and included the track on 'Real.Country.Music' (Fourteen Carat Music, 2016). Gene Watson originally recorded the track in 1976, and included it on 'Because You Believed In Me' (Capitol Records, 1976). The original version of this track was recorded by Larry Gatlin, who included it on 'The Pilgrim' (Monument Records, 1973); Larry Gatlin's version of the track reached No.45 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1974.
• Visit Larry Gatlin's official site at gatlinbrothers.com/larry-gatlin
'I Still Don't Love You Anymore'
'Help Yourself To Me'
'Straight To My Heart'
'Daytime Heroes'
'Songwriter's Trilogy'
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band's 'Help Yourself' (Columbia Records, 1980), reached No.11 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1980.
Billie Jo Spears (Friday 14 January 1938 - Wednesday 14 December 2011) recorded Larry Gatlin's 'Broken Lady' and included the track on 'Only The Hits' (Liberty Records, 1981).
Anne Murray recorded Larry Gatlin's 'Bitter They Are, Harder They Fall' and included the track on 'Where Do You Go When You Dream' (Capitol Records, 1981).
In September 1981, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band saw the release of 'Not Guilty' (Columbia Records, 1981), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
'What Are We Doin' Lonesome' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.4, 1981)
'In Love With Each Other' (No.15, 1982)
'She Used To Sing On Sunday' (No.19, 1982)
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band's 'Not Guilty' (Columbia Records, 1981) also included the following tracks:
'Can't Take It With You'
'Rain'
'Hard Workin' Hands'
'My Last Love Song'
'Someone Else's Day'
'Good Wilbur'
'You Wouldn't Know Love'
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band's 'Not Guilty' (Columbia Records, 1981) reached No.10 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1981.
In September 1982, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band saw the release of 'Sure Feels Like Love' (Columbia Records, 1982), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
'Sure Feels Like Love' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.5, 1982)
'Almost Called Her Baby By Mistake' (No.20, 1983)
'Easy On The Eye' (No.32, 1983)
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band's 'Sure Feels Like Love' (Columbia Records, 1982) also included the following tracks:
'Anything But Leaving'
'What A Wonderful Day To Die'
'Luau'
'Only Been Wounded'
'Whole World Stood Still'
'Something Like Each Other's Arms'
'Home Is Where The Healin' Is'
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band's 'Sure Feels Like Love' (Columbia Records, 1982) reached No.18 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1982.
Dottie West (Tuesday 11 October 1932 - Wednesday 4 September 1991) recorded Larry Gatlin's 'Bitter They Are, Harder They Fall' and included the track on 'Full Circle' (Liberty Records, 1982), which was produced by Larry Gatlin.
Dottie West (Tuesday 11 October 1932 - Wednesday 4 September 1991) recorded Larry Gatlin's 'Here In My Arms' and included the track on 'Full Circle' (Liberty Records, 1982), which was produced by Larry Gatlin.
Dottie West (Tuesday 11 October 1932 - Wednesday 4 September 1991) recorded Larry Gatlin's 'Try To Win A Friend' and included the track on 'Full Circle' (Liberty Records, 1982), which was produced by Larry Gatlin.
Dottie West (Tuesday 11 October 1932 - Wednesday 4 September 1991) recorded Larry Gatlin's 'The Dream That Got A Little Out of Hand' and included the track on 'Full Circle' (Liberty Records, 1982), which was produced by Larry Gatlin.
In November 1982, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band saw the release of an album of Christmas material, 'A Gatlin Family Christmas' (Columbia Records, 1982), which included the following tracks:
'Silent Night'
'Sweet Baby Jesus'
'Hark The Herald Angels Sing'
'What Child Is This'
'O, Come All Ye Faithful'
'Steps'
'Alleluia'
'O, Holy Night'
'Away In A Manger'
'First Noel'
'O, Little Town of Bethlehem'
'Angels We Have Heard On High'
'I Know That My Redeemer Liveth'
'Messiah'
'Alleluiah Chorus'
In October 1983, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brotheers Band saw the release of a second 'Greatest Hits' compilation, 'Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers' Greatest Hits, Volume 2' (Columbia Records, 1983), which included the following Billboard country music hit singles:
'All The Gold In California' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.1 for two weeks in October / November 1979)
'Almost Called Her Baby By Mistake' (No.20, 1983) / this track also reached No.16 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1983
'She Used To Sing On Sunday' (No.19, 1982)
'What Are We Doin' Lonesome' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.4, 1981)
'Sure Feels Like Love' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.5, 1982)
'Houston (Means I'm One Day Closer To You)' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.1 for two weeks in December 1983 / January 1984)
'Take Me To Your Lovin' Place' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.5, 1980)
'Taking Somebody With Me When I Fall' (No.12, 1980)
'We're Number One' (No.18, 1980)
'The Midnight Choir' (No.43, 1979)
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brotheers Band's second 'Greatest Hits' compilation, 'Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers' Greatest Hits, Volume 2' (Columbia Records, 1983), reached No.22 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1983.
In March 1984, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band saw the release of 'Houston To Denver' (Columbia Records, 1984), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
'Houston (Means I'm One Day Closer To You)' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.1 for two weeks in December 1983 / January 1984)
'Denver' (No.7, 1984)
'The Lady Takes The Cowboy Everytime' (No.3, 1984)
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band's 'Houston To Denver' (Columbia Records, 1984) also included the following tracks:
'Dream That Got A Little Out of Hand'
'Daylight Lovin' Time'
'It Takes One To Know One'
'When The Night Closes In'
'Not Tonight I've Got A Heartache'
'If You're Ever Down & Out'
'It's Me'
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band's 'Houston To Denver' (Columbia Records, 1984) reached No.9 on the tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1984.
On Saturday 19 January 1985, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band performed 'All The Gold In California' (No.1 for two weeks in October / November 1979) at the nationally-televised 50th Inaugural Gala, the day before the second inauguration of Ronald Reagan (Monday 6 February 1911 - Saturday 5 June 2004).
In November 1985, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band saw the release of 'Smile' (Columbia Records, 1985), which included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
'Runaway Go Home' (No.43, 1985)
'Nothing But Your Love Matters' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.12, 1986)
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band's 'Smile' (Columbia Records, 1985) also included the following tracks:
'One On One'
'Say'
'I Saved Your Place'
'Everytime Freedom Changed Hands'
'Can't Stay Away From Her Fire'
'Get Me Into This Love, Lord'
'I'd Throw It All Away'
'Indian Summer'
'Special People Place'
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band's 'Smile' (Columbia Records, 1985) reached No.35 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1985.
In December 1985, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers saw the release of a third 'Greatest Hits' compilation, 'Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers' 16 Greatest Hits' (Columbia Records, 1985), which included the following Billboard country music hit singles:
'Broken Lady' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.5, 1975)
'Night Time Magic' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.2, 1978)
'Sweet Becky Walker' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.40, 1974)
'I Just Wish You Were Someone I Love' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.1 for one week in February 1978)
'I Don't Wanna Cry' (No.3, 1977)
'Statues Without Hearts' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.5, 1976)
'Love Is Just A Game' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.3, 1977)
'Denver' (No.7, 1984)
'All The Gold In California' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.1 for two weeks in October / November 1979)
'Almost Called Her Baby By Mistake' (No.20, 1983)
'She Used To Sing On Sunday' (No.19, 1982)
'What Are We Doin' Lonesome' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.4, 1981)
'Sure Feels Like Love' (No.5, 1982)
'Houston (Means I'm One Day Closer To You)' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.1 for two weeks in December 1983 / January 1984)
'Take Me To Your Lovin' Place' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.5, 1980)
'Taking Somebody With Me When I Fall' (No.12, 1980)
It was also in 1985 when Larry Gatlin composed 'Indian Summer' with Barry Gibb (of The Bee Gees fame); The Gatlin Brothers and Barry Gibb recorded the track as a duet with Roy Orbison (Thursday 23 April 1936 - Tuesday 6 December 1988).
In 1986, when the 'neotraditional country' singers entered the Nashville music scene, with singers such Dwight Yoakam and Randy Travis pushing Larry Gatlin and other country/pop-styled vocalists off the Billboard country music Top 10 list, Larry Gatlin's chart success declined greatly.
In June 1986, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band saw the release of 'Partners' (Columbia Records, 1986), which included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
'She Used To Be Somebody's Baby' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.2, 1986)
'Talkin' To The Moon' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.4, 1986)
'From Time To Time (It Feels Like Love Again)' (No.21, 1987) / this track was a duet with Janie Fricke
'Changin' Partners' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.16, 1987)
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band's 'Partners' (Columbia Records, 1986) also included the following tracks:
'Little White Lies'
'Texas (Is What Life's All About)'
'Being Alone'
'Got A Lot of Woman On His Hands'
'Give Me A Chance'
'Don't Blame Me For Colorado'
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band's 'Partners' (Columbia Records, 1986) reached No.13 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1986.
In June 1987, Tammy Wynette (Tuesday 5 May 1942 - Monday 6 April 1998) saw the release of 'Higher Ground' (Epic Records, 1987), which was produced by Steve Buckingham, and featured a special guest, or guests, on each track; the album included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
'Your Love' (written by Beckie Foster and Tommy Rocco) (No.12, 1987) / this track featured background harmony from Ricky Skaggs
'Talkin’ To Myself Again', which was written by Jamie O'Hara (Friday 18 August 1950 - Thursday 7 January 2021) (No.16, 1987) / this track featured background harmony from The O’Kanes (Kieran Kane & Jamie O'Hara)
'Beneath A Painted Sky' (written by Joe Chambers and Bucky Jones) (No.25, 1988) / this track featured background harmony from Emmylou Harris
Tammy Wynette's 'Higher Ground' (Epic Records, 1987) also included the following tracks:
'Tempted' (written by Al Turney) / this track featured background harmony from Gene Watson
'Some Things Will Never Change', which was written by Max D. Barnes (Friday 24 July 1936 - Sunday 11 January 2004) and Troy Seals / this track was a duet with Vern Gosdin (Sunday 5 August 1934 - Tuesday 28 April 2009)
'I Wasn’t Meant To Live My Life Alone' (written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz) / this track featured background harmony from Vince Gill
'Higher Ground' (written by Steve Buckingham) / this track featured background harmonies from Larry Gatlin, Steve Gatlin & Rudy Gatlin
'A Slow Burning Fire' (written by Jan Buckingham and Valerie Smith) / this track featured background harmonies from Dennis Wilson, Harry Stinson, John Wesley Ryles and Ricky Van Shelton
'There’s No Heart So Strong' (written by Don Schlitz and Paul Overstreet) / this track featured background harmony from Paul Overstreet
'All Through Throwing Good Love After Bad', which was written by Guy Clark (Thursday 6 November 1941 - Tuesday 17 May 2016) and Richard Leigh / this track featured background harmony from Rodney Crowell and Jeanne Smith
Additional personnel involved in the recording of Tammy Wynette's 'Higher Ground' (Epic Records, 1987) included the following:
Mark O'Connor (fiddle, mandolin, guitar)
Jerry Douglas (Dobro)
Mark Casstevens, Steve Gibson, Steve Buckingham and Zane Ashton (guitar)
Paul Franklin (steel guitar, Dobro)
Tom Robb (bass)
Roy Huskey Jr. (Monday 17 December 1956 - Saturday 6 September 1997) (upright bass)
Eddie Bayers (drums)
Randy McCormick (piano)
Jay Spell (accordian)
Tammy Wynette's 'Higher Ground' (Epic Records, 1987) reached No.43 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1987.
In December 1987, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band saw the release of 'Alive & Well...Livin' In The Land of Dreams' (Columbia Records, 1987), which included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
'Love of A Lifetime' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.4, 1988)
'Alive & Well' (No.34, 1988)
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band's 'Alive & Well...Livin' In The Land of Dreams' (Columbia Records, 1987) also included the following tracks:
'This Heart'
'Mannequin'
'Chop Wood & Carry Water'
'One That Got Away'
'Standing By'
'Not Just Another Pretty Face'
'Power of Love'
'God Knows (It Would Be You)'
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band's 'Alive & Well...Livin' In The Land of Dreams' (Columbia Records, 1987) reached No.46 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1987.
In late 1988, Larry Gatlin departed Columbia Records and signed a recording contract with Universal Records.
In February 1989, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band saw the release of 'Pure 'N' Simple' (Universal Records, 1989), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
'When She Holds Me' (No.54, 1989)
'I Might Be What You're Looking For' (No.37, 1989)
'No.1 Heartache Place' (No.51, 1989)
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band's 'Pure 'N' Simple' (Universal Records, 1989) also included the following tracks:
'If Love Won't Heal You, Lady'
'Your Door'
'Rain'
'Healin' Stream'
'Goin' Around In Circles'
'Go Or Stay'
'Needles To Say'
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band's 'Pure 'N' Simple' (Universal Records, 1989) reached No.49 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1989.
In 1989, Patrick Swayze (Monday 18 August 1952 - Monday 14 September 2009) and Larry Gatlin recorded 'Brothers' (written by Larry Gatlin); the track was included on the various artists original soundtrack of the movie, 'Next of Kin' (Columbia Records, 1989), which starred Patrick (Wayne) Swayze.
It was also in 1989 when Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers performed the National Anthem before game three of the 1989 World Series, which was played at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California.
In 1990, Larry Gatlin departed Universal Records, and signed a recording contract with Capitol Records.
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band saw the release of 'Cookin' Up A Storm' (Capitol Records, 1990), which included one track, which was a hit single on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
'Boogie & Beethoven' (No.65, 1990)
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band's 'Cookin' Up A Storm' (Capitol Records, 1990) also included the following tracks:
'Someone's No.1'
'Country Girl Heart'
'If This Isn't Love'
'Just Might Catch My Dreams'
'Big Time Again'
'Ain't Love A Kick In The Heart'
'Angel Loose In Houston'
'Gonna Have To Cross The Line'
'Prodigal Son'
In November 1990, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers saw the release of 'Christmas With The Gatlins' (Capitol Records, 1990), which included the following tracks:
'Joy To The World' (acappella)
'Winter Wonderland'
'White Christmas' / 'Christmas Song'
'Sweet Baby Jesus'
'Bring A Torch, Janette Isabella'
'Do You Hear What I Hear'
'O, Holy Night'
'Silver Bells'
'What Child Is This'
'Little Drummer Boy'
'Silent Night'
'Joy To The World'
'Christmas All Year Round'
In 1991, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers saw the release of 'Greatest Hits Encore' (Capitol Records, 1991), which included the following tracks:
'Night Time Magic' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.2, 1978)
'Statues Without Hearts' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.5, 1976)
'I Just Wish You Were Someone I Love' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.1 for one week in February 1978)
'I've Done Enough Dyin' Today' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.7, 1978) / this track was also recorded by Teea Goans, who included it on 'That's Just Me' (Crosswind Corporation, 2012)
'I Don't Wanna Cry' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.3, 1977)
'Love Is Just A Game' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.3, 1977)
'Broken Lady' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.5, 1975)
'Bitter They Are Harder They Fall' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.45, 1974) / this track was also recorded by Gene Watson, who included it on 'Because You Believed In Me' (Capitol Records, 1976)
'Houston (Means I'm One Day Closer To You)' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.1 for two weeks in December 1983 / January 1984)
'All The Gold In California' (written by Larry Gatlin) (No.1 for two weeks in October / November 1979)
In 1991, Larry Gatlin underwent surgery on his vocal cords, following years of wear and tear on his voice. In concert, Larry Gatlin had begun to struggle with the high falsetto notes which were featured prominently in most of his songs. After recovery, Larry Gatlin worked briefly with an opera coach and his vocals took on a powerful operatic style in the early 1990s.
In April 1992, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers saw the release of 'Adios' (Capitol Records, 1992), which included the following tracks:
'Pretty Woman Have Mercy'
'Heartbreak Ridge & New Hope Road'
'Star Spangled Broken Heart'
'Just A Little To The Side of The Storm'
'Billy Jack Willis'
'Half Moon Motel'
'Already On Fire'
'What Are We Gonna Call It'
'Enough Arms To Go Around'
'Rock of Love'
'One Dream Per Customer'
'Adios'
In December 1992, after more than a decade of singing together, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers embarked on a farewell tour before retiring to their own theatre in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Larry Gatlin went on to star in the Broadway production of 'The Will Rogers Follies'.
In July 1993, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers saw the release of 'Moments To Remember' (Branson Records, 1993), which included the following tracks:
'Moments To Remember'
'Paper Doll'
'Sentimental Me'
'Sincerely'
'Cab Driver'
'(When Your Heart's On Fire) Smoke Gets In Your Eyes'
'Three Coins In The Fountain'
'Tumbling Tumbleweeds'
'You You You'
'No Not Much'
'Great Pretender'
'May You Always'
On Tuesday 31 May 1994, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers saw the release of 'Cool Water' (Intersound Records, 1994), which included the following tracks:
'Love Is A Many Splendored Thing' (written by Sammy Fain and Paul Francis Webster)
'Standing On The Corner' (written by Frank Loesser)
'It Only Hurts For A Little While' (written by Mack David and Fred Spielman)
'I Only Have Eyes For You' (written by Al Dubin and Harry Warren)
'Yellow Bird' (written by Alan Bergman, Michael Keith and Norman Luboff)
'Undecided' (written by Sydney Robin and Charlie Shavers)
'He' (written by Richard Mullen and Jack Richards)
'I'll Never Smile Again' (written by Ruth Lowe)
'Lazy River' (written by Sidney Arodin and Hoagy Carmichael)
'Something's Gotta Give' (written by Johnny Mercer)
'Melody of Love' (written by Hans Engelmann and Tom Glazer)
'Cool Water' (written by Bob Nolan)
In 1995, Larry Gatlin starred as himself in 'Big Dreams & Broken Hearts: The Dottie West Story', a television movie about Dottie West's life, which was made by CBS Television; Dottie West had died four years previously in a major car accident in Nashville on Wednesday 4 September 1991.
Bill D'Elia directed 'Big Dreams & Broken Hearts: The Dottie West Story', which was shot in Nashville between Monday 11 July 1994 and Thursday 4 August 1994. The original air date was Sunday 22 January 1995 on the CBS television network.
Actress Michele Lee, with the help of Dottie West's daughter, Shelly West, produced and starred in the made-for-television biopic 'Big Dreams & Broken Hearts: The Dottie West Story', which premiered on CBS. Michelle Lee starred with Kenny Rogers (Sunday 21 August 1938 - Friday 20 March 2020), wore all of Dottie West's original clothes, including her famed Bob Mackie outfits, and even sang Dottie West's hit songs for the movie. It proved to be one of the most successful television movies in the history of CBS Television.
The Cox Family recorded Larry Gatlin's 'Love of A Lifetime' and included the track on 'Just When We're Thinking It's Over' (Asylum Records, 1996).
In 1998, Larry Gatlin co-wrote, with celebrity biographer Jeff Lenburg, a memoir called 'All The Gold In California'.
In 1999, Larry Gatlin toured and entertained troops of the 1st CAV division in Bosnia.
On Tuesday 26 October 2004, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers saw the release of 'Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Sing Their Family Gospel Favourites' (Dualtone Records, 2004), which included the following tracks:
'Swing Down Chariot'
'Sweet Hour of Prayer'
'Love Lifted Me'
'Amazing Grace'
'Do Lord'
'Rock of Ages'
'It Is Well With My Soul'
'I'll Fly Away', which was written by Albert E. Brumley ()
'In The Garden'
'Just ACloser Walk With Thee' / 'What A Friend We Have In Jesus'
'Peace In The Valley' / 'Whispering Hope'
'Victory In Jesus' / 'Power In The Blood'
In 2006, Dualtone Records released 'Voice of The Spirit: The Gospel of The South' (Dualtone Records, 2006), a various artists compilation album, which celebrated the Gospel music from the south of the United States of America; the album was produced by John Carter Cash, and one of the featured tracks, 'Diamonds In The Rough', which was written by Alvin Pleasant (A.P.) Delaney Carter (15 December 1891 - Monday 7 November 1960), and was performed by Laura Lynn Cash and Larry Gatlin.
On Tuesday 15 September 2009, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers saw the release of 'The Pilgrimage' (Curb Records, 2009), which included six tracks, which were released as singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart:
'Johnny Cash Is Dead (& His House Burned Down)' / this track was released as a single in 2009, but it did not chart
'Sweet Becky Walker' (written by Larry Gatlin) / this track was released as a single in 2009, but it did not chart
'Penny Annie' / this track was released as a single in 2010, but it did not chart
'If I Ever See You Or Utah Again' / this track was released as a single in 2010, but it did not chart
'Black Gold' (written by Larry Gatlin and Leslie Satcher) / this track was released as a single in 2011, but it did not chart
'Americans, That's Who' (written by Larry Gatlin) / this track was released as a single in 2011, but it did not chart
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers's 'The Pilgrimage' (Curb Records, 2009) also included the following tracks:
Narrative: 'The Pilgrim: I Never Had A Brother'
'Penny Annie' (written by Larry Gatlin)
Narrative: 'The Pilgrim: My Own Personal Pilgrimage'
'Come Back To Texas' (written by Larry Gatlin and Leslie Satcher)
'Handsome Young Gringo' (written by Larry Gatlin)
Narrative: 'The Pilgrim: Country Music Will Never Be The Same'
'I've I've Done Enough Dyin' Today' (written by Larry Gatlin) / this track was also recorded by Teea Goans, who included it on 'That's Just Me' (Crosswind Corporation, 2012)
Narrative: 'The Pilgrim: Now It's Our Turn'
'Say, Nashville, Whadda Ya Say?' (written by Larry Gatlin)
Narrative: 'The Pilgrim: He Was There In Spirit'
'He Bought Her Back' (written by Larry Gatlin and Jon Randall)
'Fill Me' (written by Larry Gatlin)
Narrative: 'The Pilgrim: Little Tin Cup'
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers's 'The Pilgrimage' (Curb Records, 2009) also included a 'hidden' track.
'Handsome Young Gringo' (written by Larry Gatlin)
Narrative: 'The Pilgrim: Country Music Will Never Be The Same'
'I've I've Done Enough Dyin' Today' (written by Larry Gatlin) / this track was also recorded by Teea Goans, who included it on 'That's Just Me' (Crosswind Corporation, 2012)
Narrative: 'The Pilgrim: Now It's Our Turn'
'Say, Nashville, Whadda Ya Say?' (written by Larry Gatlin)
Narrative: 'The Pilgrim: He Was There In Spirit'
'He Bought Her Back' (written by Larry Gatlin and Jon Randall)
'Fill Me' (written by Larry Gatlin)
Narrative: 'The Pilgrim: Little Tin Cup'
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers's 'The Pilgrimage' (Curb Records, 2009) also included a 'hidden' track.
Since 2010, Larry Gatlin has contributed to Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network as a political and social commentator.
In the summer of 2010, Larry Gatlin acted as substitute host for Don Imus on 'Imus In The Morning', and 'Fox Across America With Spencer Hughes' on Wednesday 16 March 2011.
On Wednesday 24 August 2011, VP Records released 'Reggae's Gone Country' (VP Records / WEA Records, 2011), a various artists compilation, which featured reggae versions of country music songs; one of the featured tracks was 'All The Gold In California' (written by Larry Gatlin), which was performed by Romain Virgo.
Jamie O'Neal recorded Larry Gatlin's 'I've Done Enough Dyin' Today' and included the track on 'Eternal' (Shanachie Records, 2014).
Gene Watson recorded Larry Gatlin's 'Help Me' and included the track on 'Real.Country.Music' (Fourteen Carat Music, 2016), and on 'My Gospel Roots' (Fourteen Carat Music, 2017); this track was originally recorded by Larry Gatlin, who included it on 'Rain / Rainbow' (Monument Records, 1974).
Gene Watson re-recorded Larry Gatlin's 'Bitter They Are, Harder They Fall' and included the track on 'Real.Country.Music' (Fourteen Carat Music, 2016). Gene Watson originally recorded the track in 1976, and included it on 'Because You Believed In Me' (Capitol Records, 1976). The original version of this track was recorded by Larry Gatlin, who included it on 'The Pilgrim' (Monument Records, 1973); Larry Gatlin's version of the track reached No.45 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1974.
• Visit Larry Gatlin's official site at gatlinbrothers.com/larry-gatlin
