“The hardest thing a father ever has to go through”

William Lee Golden of the Oak Ridge Boys mourns the death of his eldest son and namesake.

William Lee Golden Jr., known as “Rusty,” died on July 1 at the age of 65 at his home in Hendersonville, Tennessee, a spokesman for the Oak Ridge Boys confirmed on Tuesday. Like his father, Rusty Golden was a singer and songwriter and was from Brewton, Alabama.

“This is the hardest thing a father can ever go through,” William Lee Golden said in a press release. “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.”

The cause of death was not disclosed, but Rusty Golden suffered from heart problems and underwent quadruple bypass surgery in 2002, according to his website. In his 2015 solo album, Sober, he revealed his past struggles with substance abuse and detailed the power of faith in his journey to healing.

Rusty Golden had forged his own music career but also performed with his 85-year-old father in a family band called William Lee Golden and the Goldens. The group released albums such as 2021’s “Country Roads: Vintage Country Classics,” which featured the Hank Williams classic “Jambalaya (On the Bayou).”

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved @RustyGolden last night,” William Lee Golden and the Goldens said via social media on Tuesday. “We thank you all for your love and support of Rusty over the years and respectfully ask that our family maintain privacy during this difficult time.”

In a June 16 Facebook post, Rusty Golden paid tribute to his father, saying, “Happy Father’s Day to arguably the coolest dad in the world. Thank you dad for not giving up on me even though I gave you so many reasons to. You have always been my hero and mentor. The fact that you are my dad is the icing on a delicious cake full of great memories and other unforgettable ‘ingredients.'”

Funeral and memorial service information is pending, according to the Oak Ridge Boys’ press agent, and will be available on the Goldens’ website and Facebook page.

Rusty’s Golden’s life and career were detailed in Tuesday’s press release, which stated:

“Rusty was born on January 3, 1959, in Brewton, Alabama, the eldest son of William and Frogene Golden. His first name was William Lee Golden, Jr., named after his father, but his family began calling him “Rusty” shortly after his birth.

“Music was ever-present in the Golden household, as both of Rusty’s parents came from musical families that encouraged singing and playing music. Not surprisingly, Rusty showed his musical talent at an early age. By the time he was in 6th grade, around age 12, he was already playing drums proficiently. At 13, he began playing drums professionally for The Rambos, which included legendary songwriter Dottie Rambo.

“Rusty’s career as a songwriter was influenced by his grandmother and great-grandfather’s love of poetry. His paternal grandmother was a prolific poet whose work was often published in the town newspaper. Growing up, Rusty understood the connection between words and music. As a teenager, he composed his first song by setting his grandmother’s poems to music.

“His entire musical life took a turn when he attended an Elton John concert in 1972. After that show, Rusty handed the drumsticks over to his brother Chris and began learning to play the piano. At 17, he began touring with Larry Gatlin and playing keyboards. He eventually played on several studio recordings, including Larry Gatlin’s ‘Love Is Just A Game,’ Marty Stuart’s ‘Pilgrim,’ and countless others.

“At age 20, he was recording for ABC Records at Quadraphonic Studios in Nashville. Shortly thereafter, he helped form the Boys Band. Within two years, the group recorded their debut album for Elektra/Asylum Records at the CARIBOU RANCH in Nederland, Colorado. The album spawned the single “Runner,” the first music video for MTV produced in Nashville in 1982, and “Please Don’t Stop Me Baby,” which charted on the Billboard Hot 100. The group disbanded in 1984.

“In 1984, Rusty received a Gold Record from the RIAA for his songwriting contributions to the album “Bobbie Sue” by the Oak Ridge Boys and the legendary Barry White. This recognition encouraged Rusty to write songs with Marc Speer.

“In 1985, Rusty and Marc Speer formed the group Golden Speer, with Rusty’s brother Chris Golden as lead singer. Although their album was never released under Golden Speer, the label changed direction in 1986, prompting Rusty and Chris to record under the name The Goldens and release two singles as a newly formed duo. They moved to Capitol/SBK Records and released the album Rush for Gold in 1990. This critically acclaimed album spawned three chart singles and videos: ‘Take Me Back to The Country’, ‘Keep The Faith’ and ‘Long Gone’.

“Rusty had a change of heart after a quadruple bypass and returned to his gospel roots in his writing. This shift brought him several No. 1 Southern Gospel songs and 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 March 2020, Rusty and Chris, along with William Lee, began working on a vision for a family band called William Lee Golden and The Goldens. They recorded and released 34 songs from 2020-2021. Their brother Craig, nieces Elizabeth and Rebekah, and nephew Elijah joined them, making the group a true three-generation family band. They traveled the country performing songs from their last three albums – ‘Country Roads: Vintage Country Classics,’ ‘Old Country Church Gospel,’ and ‘Southern Accents: Pop & Country Rock.’ The family performed together several times at the world famous Grand Ole Opry. In 2023, Rusty took the Opry stage solo to be recognized for his individual talents as a musician when he was named Keyboardist of the Year at the Josie Music Awards.

“In addition to his long list of accolades as a songwriter and musician, Rusty Golden will be remembered as a charismatic entertainer who could captivate audiences with his high-energy live performances. Throughout his life, he always had a tremendous connection with audiences, whether he was on the Opry stage or, in recent years, performing regularly in Bahrain, where he earned a reputation as a captivating artist whose talent transcended all boundaries. But most of all, Rusty will be remembered as one of those guys from Nashville that everyone wanted to make music with, co-write a song with, or just hang out with. You could always count on Rusty to elevate any experience with his talent, wit and charm.

“Rusty Golden’s mother Frogene Normand, his grandparents Luke & Rutha Mae Golden and Elliot & Estelle Normand predeceased him. He is survived by his father William Lee Golden (Simone) and his brothers Craig Golden, Chris Golden (Marie) and Solomon Golden, as well as many nieces, nephews, other extended family members, close friends and fans.”