William Lee Golden: From Cotton Fields to Stardom, A Life Laid Bare in “Behind the Beard”
William Lee Golden, a towering figure in country music and an enduring member of the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Oak Ridge Boys, has lived a life of extraordinary highs and profound challenges. His incredible journey, marked by both musical superstardom and a spiritual crisis that led him to temporarily step away from it all, is candidly revealed in his autobiography, “Behind the Beard.”
Golden, known for his distinctive beard and powerful baritone, recently discussed his memoir, co-authored by Scotty England, emphasizing its raw honesty. “Scotty England’s one that talked me into writing this book, and he told me that I had a story to tell,” Golden shared. The writing process involved deep dives into his past, including visits to his childhood farm where he met with England, recording conversations for months during the pandemic.
One of the most striking aspects of the book, Golden admitted, was allowing England to speak with anyone from his past, including ex-wives. “My first wife told things that I really would not have gotten into,” he revealed, referencing how she shed light on a period of his life that even inspired the Oak Ridge Boys’ song “Trying to Love Two Women.” Golden’s unwavering honesty about his mistakes and past choices—without attempting to glorify them—is a refreshing change from typical autobiographies. “I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but you know, all in having a good time, I thought,” he reflected, adding, “beautiful women was my… it was something that I enjoyed their company.”
The Enduring Spirit of a Country Legend
At 83 years old, Golden’s vigor is astonishing. He recounted doing 250 sit-ups on the day of the interview, a testament to his remarkable physical discipline. Beyond his personal life, the book also delves into his foundational role in The Oak Ridge Boys. Golden was the first of the current lineup to join the band in 1965, subsequently helping to recruit Duane Allen, Richard Sterban, and the late Joe Bonsall. Their decades-long camaraderie and passion for performing remain undimmed.
“We still love to sing,” Golden declared, illustrating this by sharing plans to head to Hilltop Studios after the show to record a new song with Alabama, a Bill Gaither track titled “Somewhere Between Jesus and John Wayne.” This collaboration marks a significant milestone, as The Oak Ridge Boys, despite having recorded with legends like Ray Charles and George Jones, had never recorded with Alabama before.
During the pandemic, a time when many artists paused, Golden was remarkably prolific. He completed five major projects, including three albums: one with his sons and grandchildren, and another with The Oak Ridge Boys. He even brought a copy of the 34 songs he cut with his family to the interview.
William Lee Golden’s “Behind the Beard” is more than just a memoir; it’s a testament to resilience, passion, and the enduring power of music. As he continues to perform and create, Golden embodies a force of nature, inspiring fans and fellow musicians alike. For those eager to delve deeper into his fascinating life story and keep up with his journey, information about his book and The Oak Ridge Boys can be found via huckabee.tv.