Remembering Rusty Golden


William Lee Golden & The Goldens embody the beauty of family, faith, and timeless music. This multi-generational band, led by the iconic William Lee Golden, is a celebration of harmony, heritage, and heart.


Since joining The Oak Ridge Boys in 1965, Golden has become a living legend, earning his place in theGrand Ole Opry and the Country and Gospel Music Halls of Fame. With 5 Grammy Awards, 23 Grammy nominations, the ACM Pioneer Award, and numerous CMA, ACM, and Dove Awards to his name, Golden’s legacy in music is unparalleled, and his artistry continues to inspire audiences worldwide.


Few things are as potent as family harmony, and William Lee Golden & The Goldens exemplify this beautifully. Joined by his sons Rusty, Chris, and Craig, grandchildren Elizabeth, Chai, and Elijah, and longtime friend Aaron McCune, Golden has crafted something truly extraordinary. Their acclaimed 3- album collection—Country Roads: Vintage Country Classics, Southern Accents: Pop & Country Rock, and Old Country Church Gospel—is a heartfelt tribute to their roots. These projects produced the #1 gospel single “Come And Dine” and earned the band AGM’s Roots Album of the Year.


Chris Golden, a founding member of The Goldens and a gifted vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, brings a rich depth of experience to the group. With 17 years as a member of The Oak Ridge Boys, stints with Alabama and Restless Heart, nine #1 Gospel singles, and accolades including ICMA’s Entertainer of the Year, Chris’s celebrated solo career and ability to captivate audiences enhance the band’s legacy. Elizabeth Golden released her first album at just 15, with its accompanying video landing in the CMT Top 10 Countdown.

Showcasing her exceptional vocal range and fiddle talent, she continues to captivate
audiences with her latest solo project, And We Sang, and standout performances in musicals such as Bright Star and Les Misérables. Her Grand Ole Opry debut in 2023 was a defining moment in her flourishing career.


Elijah Golden began recording music at the tender age of nine. Now a senior at Brown University, he continues to share his storytelling and musical passion, debuting on the Grand Ole Opry in 2024 and working on his third studio project.


The Goldens debuted as a family band at the Grand Ole Opry in June 2022 and have since returned multiple times, sharing their harmonious blend of voices and deep family bond. Their performances on national platforms like Huckabee and Larry’s Country Diner, along with features in Billboard, Cowboys & Indians, Forbes, and Taste of Country, have solidified their reputation as torchbearers of country music history.


In July 2024, the family suffered the unexpected loss of Rusty Golden. A talented musician and songwriter, Rusty’s contributions were pivotal in shaping the group’s sound. He was honored with a heartfelt standing ovation at the Grand Ole Opry, a moment that underscored his lasting impact on the world of music and the hearts of fans.

William Lee Golden reflects, “These recordings and performances with my family feel like my greatest legacy in music. They are a gift of hope and comfort, and they’ve brought us closer together as a family.”


Part family reunion, part jam session, part revival—William Lee Golden & The Goldens deliver three generations of harmony, heart, and history in a way you won’t want to miss.

THE GOLDENS:
William Lee Golden - patriarch, lead vocals
Chris Golden - acoustic guitar, mandolin, vocals
Elizabeth Golden - fiddle, vocals
Elijah Golden - vocals, percussion

BAND MEMBERS:
Ric McClure - drums (Trisha Yearwood, Lorrie Morgan, Connie Smith, Nashville session musician)
Eugene Moles - lead guitar (Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, Nashville Sessions musician)
Larry Marrs - bass guitar (Marty Stuart, George Jones, Emmylou Harris)
Steve Hinson - pedal steel, lap steel (Randy Travis, Marshall Tucker Band, Nashville session musician)
Tim Duncan - bass vocals (Gaither Homecoming artist, Ernie Hasse & Signature Sound)
Michael Sykes - piano (Gaither Vocal Band, Oak Ridge Boys, Dove award winner, Grammy nominee)
John Rich - pedal steel (Elvis Presley, Tanya Tucker, Oak Ridge Boys)