Country singer Larry Gatlin to open national convention

Country singer-songwriter Larry Gatlin will serve as the master of ceremonies for The American Legion’s 98th National Convention in Cincinnati. The son of a World War II U.S. Marine, Gatlin will open the convention on Aug. 30.

Gatlin’s music career began 61 years ago with his brothers, Steve and Rudy, singing in their local church. The brother’s formed the band Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers and achieved success in the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s with several hit songs, including “All the Gold in California,” “She Used to Be Somebody’s Baby” and “Broken Lady.” The trio was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tenn., in 1976. Gatlin also ventured out as a solo artist and won a Grammy Award in 1977 for his hit "Broken Lady."

The American Legion spoke with Gatlin during his performance at the Veterans Patriotic Concert at Wateska (Ill.) Theatre on July 9. The concert paid tribute to veterans and provided time for them to share their military stories.

“It’s important for veterans to get together because they know things that we don’t. There are certain things that they need to talk to amongst themselves that those of us who weren’t getting shot at, we’re just not going to understand it,” Gatlin said. “I think (the concert) is great for (veterans), and it’s great for those of us who want to honor them and sit in on their stories. Just to honor and pay tribute to those great men and women.”

Throughout their successful music career, which Gatlin credits to singer-songwriter mentors Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson, the three brothers entertained U.S. troops all over the world. It’s “our way of serving,” Gatlin said. “My life is shaped because I wouldn’t have had the freedom to do any of that without those men and women who have worn the uniform of our wonderful country.” As part of their entertainment, the brothers performed their two songs dedicated to veterans and servicemembers - “Stand Up and Thank Them Now” and “Americans, That’s Who.”

In 2014, the band joined Grammy Award-winning artists The Oak Ridge Boys for “The American Legion Christmas Special,” which was televised nationally to help the Legion raise awareness about the mental health needs of today’s returning veterans and the services and support the Legion provides. Gatlin is appreciative of The American Legion to once again extend an invitation for him to support veterans, and he’s looking forward to entertaining national convention attendees.

“Anytime I’m asked to do something with our veterans, for wounded warriors, anything like that, it’s my great honor,” he said. “We’re going to laugh a little bit, giggle a little bit and sing some song – just have fun."