William Lee Golden and the Goldens
Come out to Marion Cultural and Civic Center on March 24, 2024, for a night of music with William Lee Golden and the Goldens at 7 p.m.
William Lee Golden is a shining example of a life well lived. A true American original, the longtime Oak Ridge Boy is also a solo recording artist, painter, and photographer. He is a member of both the Country and Gospel Music Halls of Fame, as well as a member of the legendary Grand Ole Opry. These days, the 82-year-old icon enjoys the contentment that comes from a balanced life. He’s won nearly every possible award for music, as well as the love of a good woman, and revels in sharing life in his historic Tennessee home with his wife, Simone.
When many people were pressing the pause button during the pandemic, Golden was at his most creative, writing his biography Behind the Beard with Scot England, recording a new album with The Oak Ridge Boys, and Front Porch Singin’, and recording three new albums with his family. Golden gathered his sons Rusty, Craig, and Chris, his grandchildren Elizabeth, Rebekah, and Elijah, and his friend Aaron McCune to record Country Roads: Vintage Country Classics, Old Country Church Gospel, and Southern Accents: Pop & Country Rock.
In January 1965, William landed his dream job when he became a member of The Oak Ridge Boys. Golden’s rich baritone not only helped define the group’s distinctive sound, but he was also a savvy leader who recruited Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, and Richard Sterban, the current members who have now been with the group for decades. Golden was also instrumental in shepherding the Oaks’ transition from a successful gospel quartet to one of the most award-winning groups in country music.
Golden has been moving forward every day for more than eight decades and shows no sign of slowing down. After all, how many octogenarians record four albums and write a book during a pandemic? That’s William Lee Golden—always on the move, always creating, and always turning visions into reality.
