William “Rusty” Golden, a musician, songwriter and son of The Oak Ridge Boys member William Lee Golden, died July 1, 2024 at his home in Hendersonville, Tennessee. He was 65.

Golden was born Jan. 3, 1959 in Brewton, Alabama and was the eldest son of William and Frogene Golden. By age 13, he was playing drums for the band The Rambos, featuring songwriter Dottie Rambo. He wrote his 1st tune by atmosphere 1 of his grandmother’s poems to songs. Just just after at the moment getting impressed by an Elton John reside functionality in 1972, Golden started understanding to play piano and by 17, he was touring with Larry Gatlin as a keyboard participant, ahead of taking aspect in on studio recordings such as Gatlin’s 1977 album Like Is Just a Activity, Marty Stuart’s 1999 concept challenge Pilgrim and a lot additional.

A handful of a extended time later on, he moved additional into the spotlight, forming The Boys Band, with the group recording their debut album which integrated the 1982 track “Runner” (the song’s video was the to start off with created in Nashville for MTV) and “Don’t Cease Me Newborn (I’m on Fireplace),” which entered the Billboard Incredibly hot 100 chart. The group disbanded in 1984.

That identical 12 months, Golden attained an RIAA Gold record as a songwriter for The Oak Ridge Boys’ Bobbie Sue album, which inspired Golden to start off off writing music with Marc Speer. In 1985, Golden and Speer launched Golden Speer, which incorporated Golden’s brother Chris Golden on direct vocals. By the following 12 months, the label skilled shifted directions, with Rusty and Chris recording as the duo The Goldens and releasing the Billboard Sizzling Place Songs chart entries “Put Us Collectively Again” and “Sorry Women.”

They moved to Capitol/SBK Records and issued the 1990 album Hurry For Gold, which incorporated the tunes “Take Me Again (To the Place),” “Keep the Faith” and “Long Long gone.” Rusty then returned to his gospel audio roots, composing tracks which contain the 2008 tracks “What Salvation’s Finished For Me” from The Booth Brothers, and Karen Peck & New River’s “I Want to Thank You.” He also unveiled the solo albums Sober and Angels.

In 2020, Rusty and Chris teamed with William Lee Golden for the loved ones members band William Lee Golden and the Goldens. They have been getting joined by brother Craig, nieces Elizabeth and Rebekah and nephew Elijah to create a 3-era relatives band. The group introduced a trio of projects—State Streets: Vintage Region Classics, Outdated State Church Gospel and Southern Accents: Pop & State Rock. Very final calendar year, Rusty was honored for his musicianship when he was named keyboard player of the year at the Josie Songs Awards.

William Lee Golden stated in a statement, “This is the hardest point ever for a father to have to facial area. I enjoy family members a lot more than anything at all. Rusty was a terrific musician, a gifted songwriter and a fantastic son. We appreciate your views and prayers for the times in advance. I really like you, son.”

Rusty Golden is preceded in demise by his mom Frogene Normand, grandparents Luke & Rutha Mae Golden, and Elliot & Estelle Normand. He is survived by his father William Lee Golden (Simone), and brothers Craig Golden, Chris Golden (Marie), and Solomon Golden, as extremely nicely as a lot of nieces, nephews, other prolonged spouse and youngsters members.