The Gatlin Brothers’ 70th Anniversary Tribute concert was held at the historic Ryman Auditorium on February 23rd.
Known for their incomparable family harmonies, Larry, Steve, and Rudy began singing at a very young age. WSM Opry host Bill Cody stated, "They got their start when they were in single digits: Larry was 6, Steve was 4, and Rudy was 2 1/2."
The milestone event featured performances of many of the Gatlin Brothers’ greatest hits, including “All the Gold in California,” “Houston (Means I’m One Day Closer to You),” and “Broken Lady,” with Sixwire serving as the backing band. Additional special appearances by Gary Sinise and Nancy Jones also highlighted the evening.
The Gatlin Brothers were celebrated by The Oak Ridge Boys, Big & Rich, The Frontmen, Mae Estes, Lee Greenwood, T. Graham Brown, David Phelps, John Berry, Lorrie Morgan, The Isaacs, Mark Wills, Red Steagall, Gaither Vocal Band, Billy Dean, Dailey & Vincent, Deborah Allen, John Carter Cash, Ana Cristina Cash, Carlene Carter, T.G. Sheppard, Kelly Lang, Riders in the Sky, Jason Crabb, Jamie O’Neal, Steven Curtis Chapman and Vince Gill.
Here is a recap of the evening:
The evening began with video congratulations from several who could not attend the event in person. Video tributes were offered by Steve Wariner, Bill Anderson, Lennon Sisters, Pam Tillis, Scotty McCreery, Josh Turner, Trace Atkins, Tracy Lawrence, Ray Stevens, Lainey Wilson, and Billy Bob Thornton, to name a few.
Then the newest version of the Gatlin Brothers, three young grandsons, delighted the crowd by singing the chorus of "All the Gold in California."
Grand Ole Opry's Opry Dan (Dan Rogers) reminded that not only were The Gatlin Brothers celebrating 70 Years together, but in December of 2026, they would celebrate an unprecedented 50 years as members of the Grand Ole Opry.
Besides having seven number one hits, The Gatlin Brothers had six Grammy nominations. "Broken Lady" was their number one hit to win a Grammy.
The evening kicked off with the energetic duo, Big & Rich, alongside Lee Greenwood, covering the smash hit "Houston," (One Step Closer To You).
Rhonda Vincent joined her brother, Darrin Vincent, and Jamie Dailey for the sentimental "I Just Wish You Were Someone I Love."
The heartbreaking hit, "I Don't Want to Cry," was performed by John Berry, Linda Davis, and Debbie Allen.
Originally, Elvis famously covered Larry Gatlin's "Bitter They Are, Harder They Fall." Husband and wife duo, TG Sheppard and Kelly Lang, provided a rousing rendition of the heartfelt single.
Mark Wills, John Berry, David Phelps, and Jason Crabb got the audience in the mood by singing, "Nighttime Magic."
Although the story of the song. "Sweet Becky Walker" was fictitious, I learned that Becky Walker was a real person who had her five minutes of fame once the song charted. The Frontmen, Larry Stewart, Tim Rushlow, and Richie McDonald covered the lyrical tune.
George Jones' wife, Nancy, attended the event. She spoke of George's love of the Gatlin Brothers. She explained, "He played 'All The Gold in California' so loud, she thought it was going to bust the speakers in the car. George screamed, 'This is what country music is about.'”
One of Larry Gatlin's favorite people, Red Steagall, monologued an original poem he wrote. Besides being an avid songwriter, Steagall is the Poet Laureate of Texas and a dear friend of the Gatlin Brothers.
Naturally, the Riders in the Sky covered the upbeat "The Lady Takes A Cowboy."
But it was Mae Estes' rendition of "Try To Win A Friend" that was the highlight of the evening. Originally recorded by Barbra Streisand in 1977, it remained unreleased until she included it on her 2012 compilation album, Release Me.
Larry Gatlin said that newcomer Mae Estes was country music's version of Barbra Streisand, and after hearing her version of the song, I would wholeheartedly agree.
The house band, Sixwire, performed "Love Is Just A Game" while Billy Dean and Jason Crabb covered " Statues Without Hearts."
Frank Sinatra wanted to work with Larry Gatlin, but passed before it could be arranged. In a letter Sinatra wrote, he called "I've Done Enough Dyin' Today" "as good a saloon song as I’ve heard in a long time."
T. Graham Brown joined Lorrie Morgan and Jamie O'Neal to cover the heartbreaking, but iconic single.
When classical pianist Van Cliburn heard the Gatlin Brothers at the Fort Worth Symphony, he invited them to dinner, and they teamed up for a project in 2012 shortly before Cliburn passed. This evening, the Gatlin Brothers joined The Frontmen for an electrifying performance of "Boogie and Beethoven." If that song doesn't make you want to dance, you must not have a pulse.
Actor Gary Sinise recognized veterans and then honored the Gatlin Brothers. He related the story of how Larry named his son Joshua Cash Gatlin after long-time pal, Johnny Cash.
Then John Carter Cash, Ana Cristina Cash, and Carlene Carter covered the famous tune, "Help Me."
The Isaacs sang "Healin' Stream," a song in their repertoire for years, and Sonya Isaacs shared that her son, Gatlyn Solomon Yeary, was named after the brothers.
The gospel songwriter of the century, Bill Gaither, asked Larry Gatlin how he was doing. Larry replied, "I'm greatly blessed, highly favored, imperfect but forgiven child of God. Gaither knew there was a song in that, but couldn't figure out a melody. He soon realized that the melody of "All The Gold in California" would work perfectly for the tune, and finally got Larry to let him cut "Greatly Blessed."
The Frontmen, The Issacs, and Steven Curtis Chapman joined the Gaither Band and brothers on the popular gospel tune.
The Oak Ridge Boys were recruited to cover the Grammy-winning breakthrough hit, "Broken Lady." However, tenor Ben James had the flu, so Rudy Gatlin filled in.
Vince Gill sang an acoustic version of the Gatlin Brothers' "The Heart," a song he had wished he had cut, while Larry Gatlin played guitar. Larry exclaimed, "Something's wrong when I play guitar, and Vince Gill doesn’t." Gill's cover was spellbinding.
Of course, during the finale, the country stars joined the Gatlin Brothers singing, "All The Gold In California," which quickly turned into "Greatly Blessed."
The evening ended with Larry Gatlin's original "Alleluia," a closing song for the Gatlin Brothers' road shows. The song, known for its a cappella performance, has often been used as a concert benediction.
WSM's Kelly Sutton stated that the Gatlin Brothers were "one of country music's most important acts. In an era where so many things come and go, they have proven beyond doubt their staying power.
At the conclusion of their Ryman Auditorium performance on February 23, Larry, Steve, and Rudy Gatlin announced they are embarking on a 70-date farewell tour.
Larry Gatlin expressed gratitude for the continued support surrounding the historic celebration.
“Brother Steve, Brother Rudy, and I are grateful to God for the 70 years we have had making music together,” he said. “We’re thankful for the friends and performers who are helping us celebrate this milestone, and for the fans who have supported us every step of the way. Keep the faith.”
After fulfilling current bookings and continued performances at the Grand Ole Opry, the brothers will add 70 "selected dates" over the next few years.
Click here to view photos and videos from the evening.
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Bethany Bowman is a freelance entertainment writer. Y