TheBakersfieldCalifornian.com

With his handsome mug, radio-friendly hits and heavenly tenor voice -- made even more sublime by the harmonies of his two younger brothers -- Larry Gatlin was about the biggest thing in country music in the 1970s and '80s, the "countrypolitan" era that blurred the lines between country and pop and was perfectly suited for Gatlin crossovers like "Broken Lady," "I Don't Wanna Cry" and "Houston (Means That I'm One Day Closer to You)."

But it was another of Gatlin's hits -- which he and brothers Steve and Rudy will perform Wednesday at Buck Owens' Crystal Palace -- that would come to define the "Urban Cowboy" years and transform this son of a Texas oil worker into a superstar.

"'All the Gold in California' is our biggest hit," said Gatlin, 64, via email earlier this week. "It solidified our career and made us household names. I'd love to have another one just like it. Singing it on 'The Tonight Show' and having Johnny Carson sing along -- that's heady."

But, like any genre, country music is cyclical and what is regarded as cool country-pop one day is derided as an affront to tradition the next. Which is pretty much what happened to the Gatlin Brothers and other hit-makers of the '80s, when neotraditionalists like George Strait and Dwight Yoakam stormed the charts, armed with their fiddles, twang and steel guitars.

But, as Gatlin discovered, there's more than one spotlight in show business, and he seems to have located most of them.

The performer turned to acting, playing himself in a movie about the life of Dottie West, who gave Gatlin a series of breaks early in his career, and landed the plum role of American humorist Will Rogers in "The Will Rogers Follies" on Broadway.

Nowadays, Gatlin, a staunch conservative and outspoken Christian, is a regular contributor to Fox News. The married father of two grown children enjoys the same pastimes as many men his age: playing golf and doting on his grandchildren. In fact, he was with granddaughter Campbell when he fielded our questions:

As you know, you're coming to the land of Buck and Merle. How well did you know our Bakersfield Sound icons?

"I didn't know either one very well. Obviously, I am a very big fan of both. They were pioneers, they are icons and, boy, could they entertain an audience. Old Hag is still at it. Way to go, Merle! Keep it up!"

I see you and your brothers are playing several dates in Vegas. How extensively are you touring these days?

"The bad news is that we didn't take very good care of the millions of dollars we made, so we have to work. The GREAT news is that we love our job. The man (or woman) who loves his (her) job is always on vacation."

Describe what folks can expect at your concert: The hits? New stuff? Gospel songs?

"We sing the hits. People want to hear the songs that made them our fans. We laugh and giggle and pick on people, good-naturedly of course. And we pick on ourselves too. It's entertainment, not church or school. Having said that, we will do some gospel and a couple of HEAVY songs."

What I find interesting is that during your commercial peak, your music was labeled "countrypolitan," the implication being that it was country-lite. But if you listen to those hits, they sound way more country that what's being played on the radio today.

"We did it our way, and I bless everybody who does it their way. For those who criticize the 'young guns' in country music today, I would offer that, while it doesn't sound like Buck or Merle, Buck and Merle didn't sound like Roy Acuff, and Roy Acuff didn't sound like Ernest Tubb. People need to get over the 'what is country music' crapola and cheer for the old guard and the new guard. That's my deal."

How is the country music industry different today than it was in the 1980s?

"There is almost no 'record business.' Only the top eight to 10 acts sell product. We must use social network/Internet stuff in order to get our music to the masses. If the Gatlin Brothers can once again get our music to the masses, they wil love us. We still sing GREAT. Thank you, God, and the songs have stood the test of time. I'm not bragging -- I'm being grateful."

Who impresses you in country music today?

"John Rich has 'it.' The thing you cannot overdub or 'fix in the mix.' He is ALMOST a young version of another JR, as in JR Cash!"

Much of your more recent material, like "Americans, That's Who" and "Live Free or Die" has a bit of an edge to it. Plus, you're outspoken politically. Do you take a risk as an artist by being so vocal?

"We do not do politics on stage. Fans don't come for that. ... I believe that fans are discerning enough to separate my Fox News work from Gatlin music. Miss Streisand and I see the world differently, but I would go to hear her tonight if I could."

What troubles you about the country right now?

The thing that troubles me the most is that the politicians want to RULE me instead of GOVERN me. I will not be ruled. Also, they are trying to turn people who have less than I do against me. They are trying to make me a bad guy for working my way up from a lower middle-class son of an oilfield worker to a 1 percenter. I have never made anyone poorer by earning a good wage. Ask my band and my employees who is the fairest person they have ever known."

Worst advice you ever got:

"It will last forever."

Best advice:

"It won't."

Favorite song you ever wrote:

"Done Enough Dyin' Today."

Favorite way to pass the time:

"Entertaining people. That's a lie. My favorite thing is being with my granddaughters. Campbell is in tumbling class right now, so I'm thru. Thanks, LG."