Rusty Golden Dies: Country Musician & Songwriter, Son Of Oak Ridge Boys’ William Lee Golden Was 65

Rusty Golden, the son of The Oak Ridge Boys‘ William Lee Golden who went on to his own successful career as a country and gospel music songwriter and instrumentalist, died July 1, at his home in Hendersonville, Tennessee. He was 65.

A cause of death was not disclosed.

“This is the hardest thing ever for a father to have to face,” said William Lee Golden in a statement announcing his son’s death. “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 for the days ahead. I love you, son.” 

Born William Lee Golden, Jr., on January 3, 1959, in Brewton, Alabama, Golden was called Rusty while still a baby, and the name stuck. By age 12 he was already a proficient drummer and at 13 began professionally as a member of The Rambos, featuring the songwriter Dottie Rambo.

His music-making took a big turn when he attended an Elton John concert in 1972: Gone were the drums in favor of John’s chosen instrument, the piano. By 17 he was touring with country hit-maker Larry Gatlin, playing piano on Gatlin’s 1977 studio album Love Is Just A Game. Other session credits include Marty Stuart’s 1999 concept album The Pilgrim, among many others.

In the early 1980s Golden co-founded The Boys Band, whose 1982 debut album including the Top 40 single “Runner.” In 1984 Golden received an RIAA Gold Record for his songwriting contributions on The Oak Ridge Boys’ Bobbie Sue album. A year later he began writing songs and recording with Marc Speer; their 1990 album Rush for Gold produced three charting singles and videos: “Take Me Back to The Country,” “Keep The Faith,” and “Long Gone.”

Following a quadruple bypass, Golden returned to his gospel roots, writing, among other songs, “What Salvation’s Done for Me” for The Booth Brothers and “I Want to Thank You” for Karen Peck & New River.  

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In 2020-2021, Golden, brother Chris and father William Lee recorded and released 34 songs under the band name The Goldens, performing several times at the Grand Ole Opry. In 2023, Golden stepped on the Opry stage to accept Keyboard Player of The Year by the Josie Music Awards.

Golden is survived by his father William Lee Golden and stepmother Simone, brothers Craig, Chris and Solomon Golden, and other extended family members. He was preceded in death by mother Frogene Normand, and grandparents Luke & Rutha Mae Golden and Elliot & Estelle Normand.