Christian Songwriter Rusty Golden, Son of Oak Ridge Boys’ William Lee Golden, Dies

Son of William Lee Golden of The Oak Ridge Boys, William ‘Rusty’ Golden, passed away at 65 on July 1, 2024, at his home in Hendersonville, Tennessee.

Rusty was born on January 3, 1959, to William Lee Golden and Frogene Golden in Brewton, Alabama, as their first son. He was named after his father, William Lee Golden Jr., but his family called him Rusty shortly after his birth.

Rusty Golden, Son of Oak Ridge Boys William Lee Golden, Dies at 65

According to The Christian Post, William Lee Golden, 85 years old, announced the death of his son, Rusty Golden, on his official X account, thanking fans for their support and requesting privacy.

In William Golden’s words,

“This is the hardest thing ever for a father to have to face. 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.” 

Rusty Golden grew up in a musical household and was a great songwriter and musician. Both of his parents also had solid musical backgrounds. Rusty started his musical career early. He started playing drums by twelve. By age thirteen, he played drums professionally for The Rambos. Rusty began learning to play the piano after attending a John Elton concert in 1972. By age seventeen, he played the piano during tours with Larry Gatlin.

Rusty’s songwriting career was greatly influenced by his paternal grandmother, who was a poet. Rusty quickly learned the relationship between words and music. He composed his first song by putting music to his grandmother’s poetry. Rusty contributed to songwriting at The Oak Ridge Boys, and in 1984, he received a RIAA Gold Record for the ‘Bobbie Sue’ album.

Rusty co-founded the group ‘Golden Speer’ with Marc Speer and his brother, Chris. He also co-founded The Boys Band and wrote gospel songs for other artists, including “I want to thank you” and “What salvation’s done for me.” In 2020, Rusty, his brother Chris and his father, William Golden, worked on a band called William Golden Lee and the Goldens. Along with other family members, they released thirty-four songs between 2020 to 2021. The family band traveled far and wide while performing several songs from their albums.

“Until the Lord calls me away from this world to the next, I want to make it clear that I believe in Jesus Christ as the true Lord and Savior. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God, was sacrificed on the cross, died for our sins, and rose again. He loves us.” – Rusty Golden

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