Country music stars who largely made their name in the 1970s and ‘80s, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers will come to Texarkana on Feb. 14 to celebrate Valentine’s Day with their fans.

Larry, Steve and Rudy will perform at 7:30 p.m. at the Perot Theatre.

Saying he hasn’t been to Texarkana in a while, Larry Gatlin said he’s looking forward to coming back and playing Gatlin hits like “All the Gold in California” and “Houston (Means I’m One Day Closer to You).”

“We’re going to go in there and sing Gatlin Brothers hits,” said Larry, noting the band’s mission is to entertain, uplift and make a little money.

“We’ll have a good time and invite the audience into it, probably sing some gospel songs,” Gatlin said. He said they’re blessed to be able to perform for their fans.

The three Abilene-raised brothers retired from the road and the Nashville scene in 1992 and didn’t play any road dates for 10 years. Then five or six years ago, Larry said, they returned to the stage for a few live performances. Since then, they’ve been encouraged to take another shot at it.

They have a new record deal with Curb Records, Gatlin said, and the album, which may come out in February or March, will be the first one he’s written for the Gatlin Brothers in 17 years.

“The CD itself will be called ‘The Pilgrimage,’” said Larry, noting that making the album was a wonderful journey for the group.

He said they plan on seeing old friends and making new ones while touring.

Gatlin said working with Curb was the right fit for the group.

“They treated us with respect and dignity, and they honored the work that we had done before,” said Larry.

What makes touring and doing shows enjoyable for him after so many years in the business?

“People,” he said about playing live.

He related a story about golfer Ben Hogan, who, Gatlin said, told a friend when he’d never hit golf balls again.

“If you can’t see where the ball lands it’s not any fun,” said Gatlin, relating that Hogan quote. Gatlin doesn’t feel he’s reached that point, though.

“Our songs land out there in the audience,” he said.

For Valentine’s Day, the Gatlins will perform their typical show and a new song, “The Heart.”

“We are looking forward to coming to Texarkana.”



(Tickets: $43 to $6. Group and half-price student discounts are available. Information and tickets: www.trahc.org or 903-792-4992.)