William “Rusty” Golden, a talented country singer-songwriter, and son of William Lee Golden of The Oak Ridge Boys, died at 65, at his home in Hendersonville, Tennessee on July 1. The news was announced by the Golden family through a statement shared on social media.
Born on January 3, 1959, in Brewton, Alabama, Rusty was the eldest son of William Lee Golden and Frogene Golden. Named William Lee Golden Jr. at birth, he was given the nickname “Rusty” early on. Growing up in a musical family, Rusty began playing drums at a young age and was performing professionally with The Rambos, a gospel group led by Dottie Rambo, by the age of 13. By the time he was 17, he had also mastered the piano and joined Larry Gatlin’s band as a keyboard player.
In the 1980s, Rusty co-founded The Boys Band, a country-rock group that released its self-titled debut album in 1982. The album featured the single “Don’t Stop Me Baby (I’m on Fire),” which charted on the Billboard Hot 100. Although the group disbanded two years later, Rusty achieved significant success as a songwriter, earning a certified gold record for his contributions to The Oak Ridge Boys’ “Bobbie Sue” album.
Rusty’s career continued to evolve as he formed Golden Speer with Marc Speer, later bringing his brother Chris into the group. Rusty and Chris then formed The Goldens, a duo that released several hits including “Put Us Together Again” and “Sorry Girls.” Their 1990 album, “Rush for Gold,” was critically acclaimed 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 formed a family band, William Lee Golden and The Goldens. This group spanned three generations, including Rusty’s brother Craig, and two nieces and a nephew joining the group. The family band released a trio of albums: “Country Roads: Vintage Country Classics,” “Old Country Church Gospel,” and “Southern Accents: Pop & Country Rock.”
William Lee Golden, 85, reflecting on his son’s passing, shared his grief in a statement to Entertainment Weekly, saying that a son’s loss was the hardest thing a father could face, and that he loved Rusty and his family more than anything.
Throughout his career, Rusty Golden was known for his versatility and talent in various genres, from country to gospel music. His contributions to the music industry were widely recognized, and he was respected by his peers for his songwriting and live performances.
In the later years of his life, Rusty faced health challenges, including a quadruple bypass surgery, which led him to focus more on gospel music. Despite these challenges, he continued to write, perform, and record music, demonstrating 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 many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. The Golden family has requested privacy during this difficult time, as they mourn the loss of a beloved family member and celebrate his legacy.
Rusty’s impact on the music community extended beyond his immediate family. He was known for his warm personality and ability to connect with audiences, whether through his performances or his songwriting.