Eunice Campbell Morrison was a talented alto singer as a teenager traveling and singing with her father and brothers in the Campbell family through the oft-remembered singing convention period of the 1930’s. John and Eunice met at a gospel singing convention in Splendora, Texas in 1940. Eunice’s father, Carroll Campbell, immediately put John in the family quartet with Eunice to sing lead. They continued to sing together for over five decades and their talented children, Kent and Saundra, developed a great appreciation for Southern Gospel Music. In 1964, John opened the The East Texas Jamboree at Johnny Morrison’s Haybarn in Shepherd, Texas. This was a stage show for family entertainment that featured famous Bluegrass and Country artists from that era such as Ernest Tubb, Bill Monroe, Loretta Lynn, Barbara Mandrell and Bob Wills.
Following the Gospel Concert at Will Rogers Auditorium in 1997 when Larry Gatlin was inducted into the Hall of Fame, the TGMM&HF Board knew that there would come a time when it would be appropriate to induct the rest of the Gatlin family. That time came in 2003 at the first annual Calvin Wills Memorial Concert in Arlington. Steve, Rudy and LaDonna were added to the list of honored Texans. Rudy, the youngest brother, was not only a featured artist at that event, but has continued his support of the TGMM&HF by joining the board of directors. The parents who started it all, Curly and Billie Gatlin also live in Dallas, and Rudy certainly represents the family well. His energy and enthusiasm for the arts and all things TEXAS is a great asset to the organization.