William “Rusty” Golden, musician, songwriter and son of The Oak Ridge Boys member William Lee Golden, died on July 1, 2024 at his home in Hendersonville, Tennessee. It was 65.
Golden was born on January 3, 1959 in Brewton, Alabama, the oldest son of William and Frozen Golden. At 13, he was playing drums for the band The Rambos, which featured songwriter Dottie Rambo. He wrote his first song by setting one of his grandmother's poems to music. After being inspired by an Elton John concert in 1972, Golden began learning the piano and by age 17, was touring with Larry Gatlin as keyboardist, before playing on studio recordings, including Gatlin's 1977 album. Love is just a gameMarty Stuart's concept project in 1999 Pilgrim and more.
A few years later, he moved more into the limelight, forming The Boys Band, with the group recording their debut album which included the 1982 song “Runner” (the song's video was the first made in Nashville for MTV) and “Don't Stop Me Baby (I'm on Fire),” which entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The band broke up in 1984.
That same year, Golden earned an RIAA gold record as a songwriter for The Oak Ridge Boys Bobby Soo album, which encouraged Golden to begin writing songs with Marc Speer. In 1985, Golden and Speer released Golden Speer, which featured Golden's brother Chris Golden on lead vocals. By the following year, the label had changed directions, with Rusty and Chris recording as the duo The Goldens and releasing the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts “Put Us Together Again” and “Sorry Girls”.
They moved to Capitol/SBK Records and released the 1990 album Rush For Gold, which included the songs “Take Me Back (To the Country),” “Keep the Faith” and “Long Gone.” Rusty then returned to his gospel music roots, writing songs such as the 2008 hits “What Salvation's Done For Me” by the Booth Brothers and “I Want to Thank You” by Karen Peck & New River. He also released solo albums Sober and Angels.
In 2020, Rusty and Chris teamed up with William Lee Golden for the family band William Lee Golden and the Goldens. They were joined by brother Craig, nieces Elizabeth and Rebecca and nephew Elajah to create a three-generation family unit. The team released a trio of projects—Country Roads: Vintage Country Classics, Gospel of the old country church and Southern Accents: Pop & Country Rock. Last year, Rusty was honored for his musicianship when he was named keyboard player of the year at the Josie Music Awards.
William Lee Golden said in a statement: “This is the hardest thing a father has to deal with. I love family more than anything. Rusty was a great musician, talented songwriter and a wonderful son. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers for the next few days. I love you son.”
Rusty Golden is preceded in death by his mother Frozen Normand, grandparents Luke and Rutha Mae Golden and Elliott and Estelle Normand. He is survived by his father William Lee Golden (Simone) and brothers Craig Golden, Chris Golden (Marie) and Solomon Golden, as well as many nieces, nephews, other extended family.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/country/country-singer-songwriter-rusty-golden-dies-65-1235723976/
