Introduction
**Rusty Golden, Son of Oak Ridge Boys’ William Lee Golden, Passes Away at 65**
Rusty Golden, the son of William Lee Golden of the **Oak Ridge Boys**, has died at the age of 65, according to a heartfelt statement released by his father. Born on January 3rd, 1959, in Alabama, Rusty began his musical journey as a drummer for a band called The Rambos at the young age of 13. By 17, he had penned his first song, setting a poem written by his grandmother to music. His musical path was significantly inspired after attending an Elton John concert in 1972, which led him to learn how to play the piano. He subsequently accepted a touring gig with Larry Gatlin as a keyboardist, showcasing his burgeoning talent.
Rusty contributed his keyboard skills to several studio albums, including Larry Gatlin’s “Love Is Just a Game,” demonstrating his versatility as a musician. Tragically, Rusty was found deceased at his home in Hendersonville, Tennessee, on July 1st. The news was conveyed through a statement released by The Band, with his father, the legendary country singer William Lee Golden, sharing the heartbreaking announcement. In his statement, William Lee Golden expressed the profound grief of a parent, saying, “This is the hardest thing ever for a father to have to face.”
The **Oak Ridge Boys** also released a statement acknowledging the loss: “Country Music Hall of Fame member and The **Oak Ridge Boys** member William Lee Golden’s son, William Rusty Golden, passed away July 1, 2024, at the age of 65 at his home in Hendersonville, Tennessee. This is the hardest thing ever as a father to have to face. I love my family more than anything. Rusty was a great musician, a talented songwriter, and a wonderful son. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers for the days ahead. I love you, son, William Lee Golden.”
Born William Lee Golden Jr. on January 3rd, 1959, in Alabama, Rusty was the eldest son of William and Frine Gold Golden. While named after his father, his family affectionately began calling him Rusty shortly after his birth. Music permeated the Golden household, as both of Rusty’s parents hailed from musical families where singing and playing instruments were actively encouraged. It was no surprise that Rusty displayed his musical aptitude at a young age. By the time he was in sixth grade, around the age of 12, he was already proficiently playing the drums. At 13, he embarked on his professional musical career as a drummer for The Rambos, a band featuring the renowned songwriter Dottie Rambo. Rusty’s songwriting career was notably influenced by his grandmother and great-grandfather’s appreciation for poetry. His paternal grandmother was a prolific poet, with her work frequently published in the local newspaper. Growing up, Rusty understood the intrinsic connection between words and music. As a youngster, he composed his first song by setting his grandmother’s poetry to melody. His musical trajectory took a significant turn after attending an Elton John concert in 1972. Following the show, Rusty transitioned from the drumsticks to the piano keys, dedicating himself to learning the instrument. By 17, he began touring as a keyboardist with Larry Gatlin, a testament to his rapid progress. He eventually contributed his keyboard talents to several studio recordings, including Gatlin’s “Love Is Just a Game,” Marty Stuart’s “Pilgrim,” and countless others, showcasing his versatility across different musical styles. By the age of 20, he was recording at Quadrophonic Studios in Nashville for ABC Records, further solidifying his presence in the music industry. Shortly thereafter, he played a key role in forming the band Boys. Within two years, the group was recording their debut album for Elektra Records at Caribou Ranch in Nederland, Colorado. The album produced the single “Runner,” which holds the distinction of being the first music video produced in Nashville for MTV in 1982, and “Please Don’t Stop Me Baby,” which charted on Billboard’s Hot 100. However, the group disbanded in 1984.
In 1984, Rusty received an RIAA gold record for his songwriting contributions to The **Oak Ridge Boys**’ “Bobby Sue” album, as well as recognition for his work with the legendary Barry White. This acknowledgment spurred Rusty to begin writing songs with Mark Speer in 1985. Together, Rusty and Mark Speer founded the group Golden Speer, which included Rusty’s brother Chris Golden on lead vocals. Although their album was never released under the name Golden Speer due to label changes in 1986, Rusty and Chris continued to record as a newly formed duo under the name The Goldens. They moved to Capitol SPK Records and released the album “Rush for Gold” in 1990. This critically acclaimed album produced three charting singles and accompanying videos: “Take Me Back to the Country,” “Keep the Faith,” and “Long Gone.” Following a quadruple bypass, Rusty experienced a profound change of heart and redirected his songwriting focus back to his gospel roots. This shift garnered him several number one southern gospel songs and two Song of the Year Awards for “What Salvation’s Done for Me” by The Booth Brothers and “I Want to Thank You” by Karen Peck and New River. In March 2020, Rusty and Chris, along with William Lee, embarked on a vision for a family band called William Lee Golden and The Goldens. They recorded and released 34 songs from 2020 to 2021 and were joined by brother Craig, nieces Elizabeth and Rebecca, and nephew Elijah, creating a true three-generation family band. They toured the country, performing songs from their most recent three albums: “Vintage Country Classics,” “Old Country Church Gospel,” and “Southern Accents Pop and Country Rock.” The family performed together several times on the world-famous Grand Ole Opry. In 2023, Rusty stepped onto the Opry stage solo to be recognized for his individual gifts as a musician when he was awarded Keyboard Player of the Year by the Josie Music Awards. In addition to his extensive list of accolades as a songwriter and musician, Rusty Golden will be remembered as a charismatic entertainer who could captivate an audience with his energetic live performances. Throughout his life, he maintained a tremendous connection with audiences, whether on the Opry stage or in recent years performing regular gigs at Bahrain, where he earned a reputation as a riveting performer whose talents transcended any borders. But most of all, Rusty will be remembered as one of those Nashville musicians everyone wanted to collaborate with, co-write a song with, or simply spend time with. Rusty could always be counted on to elevate any experience with his talent, wit, and charm.
Rusty is preceded in death by his mother, Frine Norman, and grandparents, Luke and Rutha May Golden and Elliot and Estelle Norman. He is survived by his father, William Lee Golden, and brothers, Craig Golden, Chris Golden, and Solomon Golden, along with numerous nieces, nephews, other extended family members, close friends, and fans. We extend our deepest thoughts and prayers to the Golden family during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, Rusty.