This week Jim Adams has prompted us with choosing song titles starting with a “M” or a “A” for this week’s Song Lyric Sunday. This week I chose “All the Gold in California” by Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers.
Before you judge too hard on Larry Gatlin’s voice from when he was young until just a couple of years ago, you should know that he had cancer and underwent surgery to remove cysts from his vocal cords in June, 1991. In the second video, you may recognize members of the Oak Ridge Boys performing with him and his younger brothers, Steve and Rudy. The trio of Larry, Steve & Rudy made up Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers.
The Gatlin’s are from Texas. Larry was born in Seminole in Gaines County, Texas near the New Mexico border. His father was an oilfield worker and his family moved all over west Texas. He grew up listening to country and Southern gospel music. Larry, Steve and Rudy have been performing together since they were youngsters. They often sang in church with their sister, LaDonna.
“All the Gold in California was written by Larry Gatlin , released in August, 1979 and reached #1 on the US Hot Country Songs and #2 on the Canadian RPM Country tracks. Larry wrote this song while stuck in a traffic jam in Los Angeles. The premise of the song is that all the gold in the state of California is in a bank in the middle of Beverly Hills in someone else’s name. It further tells the listener that if you think you are going to California to strike it rich, you might be disappointed.
Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers performed “All The Gold in California” on January 18, 1985 for the nationally televised star studded 50th Presidential Inaugural Gala, a day before Ronald Reagan was inaugurated for his second term. Wiki states that it was January 19th and my memory won’t allow me to remember the exact date. The above video is almost 2 hours long. If you have time to watch it, it is worth it. It is when our democracy was making great strides in equality. It is filled with humor and wonderful performances.
Larry and his brothers will be performing at the Grand Ole Opry on January 22, January 30 and February 12, 2021. See other tour dates here. I’ve never seen them in concert and would love to check that off my bucket list. They are coming to Florida in December so maybe covid will be under control and I can attend that concert.
All the gold in California Is in a bank in the middle of Beverly Hills In somebody else's name So if you're dreamin' about California It don't matter at all where you've played before California's a brand-new game Tryin' to be a hero, winding up a zero Can scar a man forever right down to your soul Living on the spotlight can kill a man outright 'Cause everything that glitters is not gold And all the gold in California Is in a bank in the middle of Beverly Hills In somebody else's name So if you're dreamin' about California It don't matter at all where you've played before California's a brand-new game All the gold in California Is in a bank in the middle of Beverly Hills In somebody else's name So if you're dreamin' about California It don't matter at all where you've played before California's a brand-new game A brand-new game Source: LyricFind Songwriters: Larry Gatlin All the Gold In California lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Thanks for the memory, Lisa. Larry’s got a great set of pipes. His comeback from throat surgery was amazing.
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I want to go see them in December if covid gets under control by them. I’ve always loved their harmonies. 🙂
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I remember these guys they are great 😊
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They are awesome! Hope I get a chance to go see them in December. 🙂
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Fingers crossed that you can 💜💜
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🙂
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Nice song Lisa. I voted for Ronald Reagan.
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I did too! He is the first president I ever voted for. I turned 18 in 1983 so I was able to vote for the first time in 1984. 🙂
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Wonderful to meet you and discover your blog. I look forward to following further.
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It’s nice to meet you as well. I’m so busy with my business but will try to follow along on your hikes. I loved your Sunday Stills you posted today. 🙂
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Love ballads like this 🙂
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Their harmonies have always melted my heart with every song they did. 🙂
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They were a staple in country music when I was growing up. And their songs just stuck in your head. 😀
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Totally agree! I was singing “Houston” yesterday. Under my breath of course because I can’t carry a tune! LOL! 🙂
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Nice harmonies 🙂
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Always liked this song. The Gatlin Brothers were inducted here in Lubbock into the West Texas Walk (wall) of Fame in 1990. 🙂
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That is pretty cool trivia! As well they should be. I have always loved them and their harmonies. 🙂
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I had not heard this song in forever and all the words came right back like it was yesterday. Good choice!
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Yes that is the kind of song that it is. Thanks! I wrote it last week thinking we are on MA. Got my weeks mixed up so I had double duty last week and skated along this week. LOL! Unfortunately, the song stuck in my head all week. 🙂
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Always loved that song!
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Me too! Since I was a kid. 🙂
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