THE GATLIN BROTHERS CELEBRATE 45 YEARS AS MEMBERS OF THE GRAND OLE OPRY

Steve Gatlin, Larry Gatlin, Rudy Gatlin, Gina Keltner (Grand Ole Opry)

Photo Credit: Chris Hollo

This Saturday, Christmas Day, legendary country group The Gatlin Brothers will hit a major career milestone: 45 years as members of the Grand Ole Opry. The GRAMMY® Award-winning brothers were officially inducted into the Opry family on Dec. 25, 1976.

"One of the very happiest days of our lives was 45 years ago, Christmas Day, when the folks at the Grand Ole Opry asked us to be members of their family," explains Larry. "We are grateful and honored every time we walk on that stage. God Bless you all and Merry Christmas!"

Last week, the brothers celebrated the occasion while performing on a special Christmas edition of the Opry's broadcast. Backstage, the Gatlins were presented with a cake and special Hatch Show Prints to commemorate their upcoming 45th anniversary as members of the historic institution.

LARRY, STEVE & RUDY: THE GATLIN BROTHERS CELEBRATE 40 YEARS OF BILLY BOB'S TEXAS

On April 1, 2021, the Legendary Brothers Performed to a Packed House on the 40th Anniversary of Their Debut Performance at "The World's Largest Honky Tonk," Located in Fort Worth, Texas

Billy Bob's Texas Originally Opened its Doors on April 1, 1981 with

Headliners: The Gatlin Brothers

Photo ID L to R:  Marty Travis (General Manager, Billy Bob's Texas), Steve Gatlin, Larry Gatlin, 

Rudy Gatlin, Robert Gallagher (Entertainment Director, Billy Bob's Texas)

Photo Credit: Terran Flusche 

Last Thursday, April 1, 2021, Larry, Steve & Rudy: The Gatlin Brothers made their triumphant return to the road to help celebrate 40 years of the Billy Bob's Texas, "The World's Largest Honky Tonk."

Forty years ago on April 1, 1981, Billy Bob's Texas opened its doors in Fort Worth, Texas. The evening featured a live concert performance by the Gatlin Brothers. It was only appropriate the venue bring back the brothers to commemorate the anniversary.

"A great time was had by all," says Larry. "It brought back a lot of wonderful memories, and I think we made some new ones on Thursday night. God Bless Texas!"

The house was packed during Thursday night's anniversary concert. The Gatlins performed hit after hit including "All the Gold in California," "Houston (Means I'm One Day Closer to You)," "Broken Lady," "Statues Without Hearts," "Night Time Magic," and more.

Billy Bob's Texas presented the brothers with celebratory plaques to cement the anniversary.

*Note: Concerts at Billy Bob's Texas adhere to all local Covid-19 guidelines

LARRY, STEVE & RUDY: THE GATLIN BROTHERS RELEASE NEW SNEAKERS TO AID FAMILIES OF AMERICA'S FALLEN MILITARY HEROES

Legendary Trio Unveils Special Edition 'TAPS x Gatlin' Shoe with a Portion of Proceeds Benefiting the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)

Sneakers Sell Out Within Three Minutes Following National Television Appearance; Pre-Orders for Next Round of Product Available HERE

Larry, Steve & Rudy: The Gatlin Brothers are in full sprint to help aid all those grieving a military loss. The legendary country trio has announced the release of a new running/walking shoe that will be sold to help benefit the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). The national non-profit organization provides peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, seminars, camps for kids, casework assistance and a 24/7 helpline. All resources and services are provided at no cost to military survivors.

Designed by Boulder, Colorado-based Newton Running, the TAPS x Gatlin shoe is decked out in red, white and blue, and embedded with the Gatlin Brothers and TAPS logos.

"For 25 years, TAPS has provided support for more than 85,000 loved ones and care givers whose families have made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we all enjoy," explains Bonnie Carroll, TAPS Founder and President. "We have enjoyed a long friendship with the Gatlin Brothers who have always given generously of their time and talent to our families. And, we are so excited that we can now welcome Newton Running to the TAPS Family."

"At Newton Running, we are delighted to be partnering with the Gatlin Brothers on this special edition running/walking shoe to benefit TAPS," adds Newton Running Co-Founder Jerry Lee. "We believe that every great cause begins with movement. This project holds a special place in our hearts as we deeply value all those who have served our country and their families."

On Saturday morning's edition of Fox & Friends, Larry Gatlin unveiled the new shoe. Following his appearance, the sneakers were sold out within three minutes. Newton Running has since ordered its manufacturing team to step up production to accommodate the groundswell of public demand. Pre-orders are available at newtonrunning.com.

The shoe retails for $150.00 with $50.00 of each purchase going to TAPS.

"Great shoes, great people, great cause," says Larry. "Buy 'em. I do!"