Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers harmoniously united individuals of ranging generations with the universal power of music this past Thursday at the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center.

The trio, with the help of their witty humor and catchy songs, serenaded their way to not just one, but two standing ovations.

“I love your town. It’s very beautiful,” Larry said of Shippensburg, attempting to warm up the crowd as he stepped on stage. Born in the small town of Abilene, Texas, it is no shock that from time to time the brothers step away from the far more glamorous gigs in order to play for relatively low-key events that make them feel at home.

The band began the evening by urging all veterans to stand and be recognized for their honorable services, which was then followed by the singing of the National Anthem. The band’s solemn and patriotic tone transitioned into a more upbeat atmosphere with the playing of its first hit song of the night, “Night Time Magic.”

With four different guitars resting up on stage for Larry’s use, the crowd was in for an array of pleasing music.

With the switch of his guitars between songs, the sound quickly changed from country to gospel and even to what sounded like mellow rock.

Each song played throughout the night provided all present with a firsthand glimpse into the life of the Gatlin Brothers, as each song possessed its own original story that was further brought to life through the lyrics.

Larry confided to the crowd that “Help Me,” a hit from their 1974 album “Rain Rainbow,” was a song that June

Carter Cash, the wife of his dear and late friend Johnny Cash, requested to be sung by the Gatlin Brothers at her funeral. To this day, Larry and his brothers sing the song “Help Me” at every show that they perform as a tribute to their deceased friends June and Johnny Cash.

Succeeding the sentimental “Help Me,” was fan favorite, “All The Gold In California.” The energy in the theater skyrocketed as the crowd clapped and sang along and gave the Gatlin Brothers with their first standing ovation of the concert.

The Gatlin Brothers reciprocated with encore song, “An American With a Remington,” which interconnected and complimented the patriotic beginning of the show. Following the playing of the last note of their final song for the night, the Gatlin Brothers joined arms for a bow and yet another standing ovation.

While a show of hands confirmed at the beginning of the show that only roughly one dozen individuals in the crowd have been to a Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers concert before, the trio’s brotherly love and harmonious voices surely made a lasting impression on the audience. 

Share