Larry Gatlin Announces 60th Anniversary Tour Dates

Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers are set to head out on tour to celebrate 60 years of playing in front of audiences.

The trio has been performing since 1955, when Larry Gatlin was only 6 years old; his brothers, Steve and Rudy, were four and two, respectively.

"We’re not calling it a farewell or a final tour. We’re calling it the 60th Anniversary Celebration," Larry Gatlin says. "By no means are we retiring, but after this tour, we are going to slow down a little bit. The promoters are going to have to want us about three times more than they want us right now.

"There are other priorities in life," he adds. "I have two granddaughters. Brother Steve has seven grandchildren, and Rudy has two kids. We still love the fans and the road, and we still love to sing, but we want to spend more quality time with our families."

The trio was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1976. They have also been nominated for awards from the Country Music Association, the Academy of Country Music and the Music City News.

"We're not cutting back because we can't draw a crowd or that we can't sing anymore," Gatliin says. "Today, we sound just like we did 40 years ago ... pretty dad-burn good. We're not being run out of the business. We're not going broke. We're not down to bread and milk money. We just think it's time to do some other things, slow down a little bit and do it with class and dignity -- on our own terms.

"We are grateful to God for our fabulous run," he adds, "and we can't wait to see what else He has in store."

The brothers are also set to release a new gospel album on Curb Records, 'Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers 60th Anniversary Celebration.'

Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers, 60th Anniversary Tour Dates:

2/6 -- Harrington, Del. -- Harrington Raceway and Casino
3/10-11 -- Surprise, Ariz. -- Happy Trails Resort
3/13 -- Bremen, Ga. -- Mill Town Music Hall
3/14 -- Weirsdale, Fla. -- Orange Blossom Opry
4/11 -- Rainbow City, Ala. -- Alabama Chocolate Festival
4/24 -- Springfield, Ohio -- Clark State Performing Arts Center
5/16 -- Prestonburg, Ky. -- Mountain Arts Center
5/23 -- Watseka, Ill. -- Watseka Theatre
5/28 -- Farmers Branch, Texas -- Independent Bankers Bank
8/8 -- Potosi, Mo. -- Washington County Fair
8/22 -- Greeneville, Tenn. -- Niswonger Performing Arts Center
8/29 -- Dumas, Texas -- Window on the Plains Museum
9/5 -- Millersport, Ohio -- Sweet Corn Festival
9/11-12 -- Gstaad, Switzerland -- Gstaad Festival
9/19 -- Denton, N.C. -- Dailey and Vincent Fest
9/20 -- Alexandria, Va. -- The Birchmere
9/26 -- Robinson, Ill. -- Lincoln College County Theater
10/16-17 -- Branson, Mo. -- Starlite Theatre
10/23-25 -- Las Vegas, Nev. -- South Point Hotel & Casino
11/5-8 -- Branson, Mo. -- Starlite Theatre
11/14 -- Highland Springs, Va. -- Henrico Theatre