RUSTY GOLDEN, SON OF THE OAK RIDGE BOYS' WILLIAM LEE GOLDEN, DIES AT 65: 'A WONDERFUL SON'
The country-gospel singer-songwriter died on Monday, July 1, at his home in Hendersonville, Tennessee
- William “Rusty” Golden has died at age 65
- "Rusty was a great musician, a talented songwriter, and a wonderful son," said his father, the Oak Ridge Boys member William Lee Golden
- The musician was still touring with his family band this year and writing new songs before his death
William “Rusty” Golden, son of Country Music Hall of Famer and the Oak Ridge Boys member William Lee Golden, has died. He was 65.
According to a press release shared with PEOPLE, the musician died on Monday, July 1, at his home in Hendersonville, Tenn. His cause of death was not disclosed.
Rusty’s father, William, issued a statement addressing the sad news of his son's death, saying, “This is the hardest thing ever for 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.”
Rusty is survived by his father, William, brothers Craig Golden, Chris Golden and Solomon Golden, along with many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Born the eldest son of William and Frogene Golden in Brewton, Alabama, on Jan. 3, 1959, Rusty grew up constantly surrounded by music, according to the press release. His given name was William Lee Golden, Jr., like his father, but he earned the nickname "Rusty" from his family shortly after his birth.
Coming from musically inclined parents, it took no time for Rusty to begin showing his own talents at a young age, per the press release. He was already proficient at playing drums by age 12, which led to him playing professionally for the ‘60s Southern gospel group The Rambos the following year.
Around the same time, Rusty explored songwriting as a career pursuit as well, influenced by his grandmother and great-grandfather's love of poetry, detailed the release. Realizing the strong connection between words and music, he used that knowledge to compose his first song as a youngster, setting his grandmother's poetic work to music.
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In 1972, Rusty switched gears musically after attending an Elton John concert, trading in his drumsticks to learn to play the piano, per the release. By age 17, he was touring with country singer-songwriter Larry Gatlin and went on to play on several studio recordings, including Gatlin’s “Love Is Just a Game,” Marty Stuart’s “Pilgrim” and others. He then started recording at Nashville’s Quadraphonic Studios for ABC Records when he was 20, which further encouraged his career in music.
In the ‘80s, Rusty co-founded country-rock group The Boys Band, which released their self-titled debut album in 1982. Two years later, the group disbanded. However, in 1984, Rusty still thrived by earning a certified gold record for his songwriting contributions to his father’s country-gospel quartet, the Oak Ridge Boys’ Bobbie Sue album, and for working with legendary soul singer Barry White. This led him to start writing songs with Marc Speer, part of the well-known gospel group The Speer Family.
In 1985, the musician co-founded the country group Golden Speer, with his brother, Chris, on lead vocals. The following year, the sibling duo started recording under a new name, The Goldens, and released their critically acclaimed 1990 album, Rush for Gold, which produced three charting singles: “Take Me Back to the Country,” “Keep the Faith” and “Long Gone.”
After some time, Rusty had a “change of heart” and returned to his gospel roots, earning several No. 1 Southern gospel songs and two song of the year awards for The Booth Brothers’ “What Salvation’s Done for Me” and Karen Peck and New River’s “I Want to Thank You.”
In March 2020, Rusty, his brother and his father formed a new family band called William Lee Golden and The Goldens and released 34 songs from then through 2021. They — joined by Craig, nieces Elizabeth and Rebekah and nephew Elijah — toured the country together and performed several times on the world-famous Grand Ole Opry stage.
In 2023, Rusty was recognized for his individual musical talents when he earned keyboard player of the year at the Josie Music Awards. According to his website bio, the musician was still touring with his family band this year and writing new songs before his death.
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2024-07-03T16:30:36Z dg43tfdfdgfd