Rusty Golden, esteemed country singer-songwriter and son of William Lee Golden of The Oak Ridge Boys, passed away at the age of 65. His death was announced by the Golden family through a statement on social media. Rusty died at his residence in Hendersonville, Tennessee.
Rusty, born as William Lee Golden Jr. on January 3, 1959, in Brewton, Alabama, was the oldest son of William Lee Golden and Frogene Golden. His nickname “Rusty” was given to him early in his life. He started playing drums as a child, owing to his musical upbringing. At just 13, he was already performing professionally with The Rambos, a gospel group led by Dottie Rambo. By 17, he had become adept at the piano and became a keyboard player for Larry Gatlin’s band.
In the 1980s, Rusty co-founded a country-rock group named The Boys Band. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1982, included the single “Don’t Stop Me Baby (I’m on Fire),” which made it to the Billboard Hot 100. Despite the band’s dissolution after two years, Rusty continued to thrive as a songwriter, garnering a certified gold record for his work on The Oak Ridge Boys’ “Bobbie Sue” album.
Rusty’s musical career saw another turning point when he and Marc Speer formed Golden Speer. Later, his brother Chris also joined the band. Rusty and Chris eventually formed The Goldens, releasing several hits like “Put Us Together Again” and “Sorry Girls.” Their 1990 album, “Rush for Gold,” was well received and featured three charting singles: “Take Me Back to the Country,” “Keep the Faith,” and “Long Gone.”
In 2020, a family band named William Lee Golden and The Goldens was formed by Rusty, Chris, and their father William Lee Golden. The band encompassed three generations, with Rusty’s brother Craig and two nieces and a nephew joining the ensemble. The family band released three albums: “Country Roads: Vintage Country Classics,” “Old Country Church Gospel,” and “Southern Accents: Pop & Country Rock.”
William Lee Golden, 85, expressed his sorrow over his son’s death in a statement to Entertainment Weekly. He stated that losing a son was the hardest thing a father could endure, and he loved Rusty and his family more than anything.
Rusty Golden was recognized for his versatility and talent across genres, from country to gospel music. His contributions to the music industry were highly regarded, and his songwriting and live performances earned him respect from his peers.
In his later years, Rusty faced health issues, including quadruple bypass surgery. This led him to shift his focus more towards gospel music. Nevertheless, he continued to write, perform, and record music, showcasing his undying passion for his craft.
Rusty is survived by his father, William Lee Golden, and his brothers Craig Golden, Chris Golden, and Solomon Golden, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Beyond his immediate family, Rusty’s influence on the music community was far-reaching. He was known for his affable personality and his ability to connect with audiences, whether through his performances or his songwriting.