Net Worth Ranker
What Is Larry Gatlin’s Net Worth?
Larry Gatlin, an American country music singer, songwriter, and musician, has accumulated a net worth of $10 million. Gatlin’s financial standing is primarily attributed to his successful career in the music industry, spanning several decades. His income streams include music royalties, earnings from live performances, and revenue generated from his extensive songwriting catalog.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in Seminole, Texas, in May 1948, Larry Gatlin’s musical journey began in his childhood. He performed alongside his brothers, Steve and Rudy, in their local church and on various local radio stations. These early performances laid the foundation for their future success as Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers. Gatlin attended Odessa High School and later enrolled at the University of Houston. During this time, he briefly joined the gospel group The Imperials and performed in Jimmy Dean’s Las Vegas revue. A pivotal moment occurred when he met Dottie West, who recognized his songwriting talent and helped him relocate to Nashville. This relocation proved instrumental in establishing his net worth.
In 1973, Gatlin secured a solo recording contract with Monument Records, marking the official start of his professional music career. He released his debut album, “The Pilgrim,” which, while not initially charting, contained songs that would later gain recognition. One such song, “Bitter They Are, Harder They Fall,” was recorded by Elvis Presley, contributing to Gatlin’s rising profile in the music industry. His first major hit came with “Broken Lady,” which reached the fifth spot on the hot country songs chart, earning him a Grammy Award for Best Country Song in 1977. This award significantly boosted his career and solidified his position in country music.
Rise to Fame and Musical Achievements
In 1976, Larry’s brothers, Steve and Rudy, officially joined him, forming Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers. This collaboration marked a significant turning point in their careers. In 1979, they signed with Columbia Records and released their album “Straight Ahead,” which featured their biggest hit, “All the Gold in California.” The album reached the Top 10 on both the US and Canadian Country charts and was certified Platinum in the United States. That year, Larry was also honored with the Top Male Vocalist of the Year award by the Academy of Country Music. Throughout the 1980s, the band continued to release hit songs, including “Denver,” “Sure Feels Like Love,” and “Houston (Means I’m One Day Closer to You),” further enhancing their popularity and financial success.
Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers released 22 studio albums throughout their career. Some notable albums include “Straight Ahead” (1979), which was certified Platinum, and “Houston to Denver” (1984), which reached the Top 10 on the US Country charts. The Gatlin Brothers were among the first country groups to create music videos, with “The Lady Takes the Cowboy Everytime” released in June 1984. Larry Gatlin has written songs recorded by numerous legendary artists such as Elvis Presley, Barbra Streisand, Johnny Cash, and Glen Campbell. Gatlin’s career has also included unforgettable performances at prestigious venues, from the GRAMMYs and Carnegie Hall to the White House.
Other Ventures and Current Activities
Beyond his music career, Larry Gatlin has engaged in various other ventures. He wrote a memoir titled “All the Gold in California” and appeared in the film “Big Dreams and Broken Hearts: The Dottie West Story.” Since 2011, he has served as a commentator and contributor for Fox News and the Fox Business Network, adding another dimension to his public persona and potentially contributing to his income. In recent years, Larry Gatlin has remained active in the music industry, continuing to perform with his brothers and engaging in solo projects. The Gatlin Brothers have also embraced digital platforms, releasing new music and connecting with fans through social media.
Real Estate and Investments
While specific details about Larry Gatlin’s real estate holdings and investment portfolio are not widely publicized, it is noted that he has invested in real estate and other ventures over the years. In 2015, Gatlin Development Company, founded by Frank Gatlin, sold a nine-property retail portfolio to Angelo Gordon Real Estate, Inc. and Citivest Commercial for $183.25 million. While this transaction does not directly reflect Larry Gatlin’s personal real estate assets, it indicates the Gatlin family’s involvement in significant real estate ventures. It’s also known that Larry Gatlin resides in Nashville, Tennessee, although the specific details of his residence are not publicly available.
In September 2023, Concord acquired the music catalog of Mojo Music & Media, adding more than 30,000 songs to its publishing portfolio. This acquisition included songs written by Larry Gatlin, such as “All The Gold In California,” indicating that Gatlin continues to benefit from his songwriting royalties. Hipgnosis Song Fund, a UK-based song-investment fund, has also invested in country and gospel genres, of which Larry Gatlin is a long-time asset, further solidifying Gatlin’s financial stability through his music catalog.
Awards, Recognition, and Philanthropy
Larry Gatlin’s career is marked by numerous awards and accolades. He won a Grammy Award for Best Country Song in 1977 for “Broken Lady” and was named Top Male Vocalist of the Year by the Academy of Country Music in 1979. Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers have accumulated seven #1 singles, 32 Top 40 records, 22 studio albums, and five BMI “Million-Air” Awards. Larry Gatlin ranks 4th as a solo writer with the most self-penned top 40 Billboard hits. In 2011, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers were honored with the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award from the Academy of Country Music. In 2019, Larry was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Beyond his musical achievements, Larry Gatlin has been deeply involved in philanthropic activities, supporting causes such as children’s education, disaster relief, and veteran organizations. He has performed at numerous benefit concerts and raised funds for disaster-stricken areas, reflecting his commitment to giving back to his community. He has supported organizations such as the Wounded Warrior Project and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In recognition of their contributions to music and society, the Gatlin Brothers were inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006.
