On the Thursday, May 4, edition of the Grand Ole Opry‘s Opry Country Classics, GRAMMY® Award-winning sing-songwriter Larry Gatlin gathered with friends and family to celebrate his 75th birthday. The Opry supplied a birthday cake to salute his milestone.
Gatlin, an Opry member since 1976 (along with brothers Steve and Rudy), celebrated backstage with his brothers, his wife and son, Janis and Josh Gatlin, Marty Raybon of Shenandoah, Don Schlitz, The Malpass Brothers, the Opry’s Kelly Sutton and more.
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member, and eldest of the Gatlin Brothers, turned 75 on Tuesday, May 2. It’s been more than 60 years since the brothers began singing together in Abilene, Texas at ages six (Larry), four (Steve) and two (Rudy). The trio continues touring today, making them the longest-tenured, still active, family band in country music history.
Photo ID L to R:Christopher Malpass, Don Schlitz, Steve Gatlin, Taylor Malpass, Marty Raybon, Larry Gatlin,
Janis Gatlin, Rudy Gatlin, Kelly Sutton, Josh Gatlin
Photo Courtesy of Absolute Publicity