Country singer-songwriter William “Rusty” Golden, son of William Lee Golden from The Oak Ridge Boys, passed away at the age of 65 on July 1, 2024, in his Hendersonville, Tennessee home. The Golden family made the announcement via a statement on social media.
Rusty was born on January 3, 1959 in Brewton, Alabama as William Lee Golden Jr., the eldest son of William Lee Golden and Frogene Golden. His nickname “Rusty” was given to him early in life. Raised in a musical environment, Rusty started to play drums at a young age, and by 13 he was a professional performer with gospel group The Rambos, led by Dottie Rambo. At the age of 17, he had also learned to play the piano and joined Larry Gatlin’s band as a keyboard player.
In the 1980s, Rusty co-created The Boys Band, a country-rock band that released its self-titled debut album in 1982. The album included the single “Don’t Stop Me Baby (I’m on Fire),” which made it to the Billboard Hot 100. Even though the band broke up two years later, Rusty found significant success as a songwriter, earning a certified gold record for his work on The Oak Ridge Boys’ “Bobbie Sue” album.
Rusty’s career continued to evolve as he formed Golden Speer with Marc Speer, and later included his brother Chris. Rusty and Chris subsequently formed The Goldens, a duo that produced several hits such as “Put Us Together Again” and “Sorry Girls.” Their 1990 album, “Rush for Gold,” received critical acclaim and produced three charting singles: “Take Me Back to the Country,” “Keep the Faith,” and “Long Gone.”
In 2020, Rusty, Chris, and their father William Lee Golden established a family band, William Lee Golden and The Goldens. The group incorporated three generations, including Rusty’s brother Craig, two nieces, and a nephew. The family band released three albums: “Country Roads: Vintage Country Classics,” “Old Country Church Gospel,” and “Southern Accents: Pop & Country Rock.”
William Lee Golden, aged 85, shared his sorrow over his son’s death in a statement to Entertainment Weekly, stating that a son’s loss was the hardest thing a father could endure, and that he loved Rusty and his family more than anything.
Throughout his career, Rusty Golden was renowned for his versatility and talent in various genres, ranging from country to gospel music. His contributions to the music industry were widely acknowledged, and he was esteemed by his peers for his songwriting and live performances.
In the latter stage of his life, Rusty dealt with health issues, including a quadruple bypass surgery, which led him to concentrate more on gospel music. Despite these hurdles, he continued to write, perform, and record music, showcasing his enduring passion for his craft.
Rusty is survived by his father, William Lee Golden, and his brothers Craig Golden, Chris Golden, and Solomon Golden, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family members. The Golden family has requested privacy during this challenging time, as they grieve the loss of a beloved family member and celebrate his legacy.
Beyond his immediate family, Rusty’s influence on the music community was considerable. He was known for his warm personality and his ability to connect with audiences, whether through his performances or through his songwriting.
