Son of legendary country and gospel star dies at 65

The son of Oak Ridge Boys band member William Lee Golden – William “Rusty” Golden – died on Monday. He was 65 years old.

William “Rusty” Golden died at his home in Hendersonville, just outside Nashville, Tennessee, according to a press release. The cause of death was not disclosed.

“This is the hardest thing a father can ever go through,” Golden, 85, said in a statement. “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 in the days ahead. I love you, son.”

A tribute to Golden’s son was also posted on the Oak Ridge Boys’ official Facebook account.

“Rusty and I having one of our many conversations,” read the caption next to a photo of Golden and band member Duane Allen. “I told Rusty that the first album I recorded with the Oak Ridge Boys was in this studio in 1966. Rusty was like another son to me. I loved him like one of my own. Rusty was one of the nicest people I ever met. He had an electric personality that lit up a room when he walked in. He left us far too soon.”

The fans quickly showed their support.

“The Oaks lifted my spirits and got me singing more blues and was like a balm for the loss,” commented one fan. “I hope faith and music bring some comfort to all of you as you go through this time of so much grief. Prayers for all family and friends.”

Golden was born on January 3, 1969, in Brewton, Alabama, the eldest son of William and Frogene Golden, who nicknamed him “Rusty” shortly after his birth. Growing up in a musical family, Golden began playing drums at a young age and was playing with the Rambos by the age of 13.

At age 17, he began playing keyboards with Larry Gatlin of the Gatlin Brothers. He performed on several sessions in Nashville, including Gatlin’s “Love is Just a Game” and Marty Stuart’s “Pilgrim.” Rusty also worked with the Boys Band, Golden Speer, and the Goldens, and was known as a songwriter for the Oak Ridge Boys’ 1982 album “Bobbie Sue.”

Golden focused more on performing gospel music, landing many No. 1 hits with Southern Gospel songs and winning 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 & New River.

In 2020, Golden formed a band with his father and brother called William Lee Golden and the Goldens, which also included his other brother Craig, his nieces Elizabeth and Rebekah, and his nephew Elijah.

More music coverage

You can reach Saleah Blancaflor at [email protected]Follow her on Twitter at @saleyley And Instagram.