Biography
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Born
12 January 1939 (age 86)
Perhaps best known as the outstanding baritone voice of the legendary Oak Ridge Boys, William Lee Golden's impressive talents range broadly. His music is recognized the world over. His contributions to history and Native American understanding have earned noteworthy awards and continuing appreciation. And, in recent years, he is making a distinctive mark in publishing and in fine art, rendering paintings of beauty and uniqueness. Visible with his long beard and flowing hair, he is one of the most recognized personalities in Country and Gospel music - the renowned "Mountain Man of Music."
The Oak Ridge Boys are known wherever music is appreciated. Gold and platinum recordings abound - 37 hits! Add to that: five Grammy Awards, one American Music Award, four Country Music Association Awards, four Academy of Country Music Awards, eight Dove Awards, and induction in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame along with numerous international acknowledge- ments. Among their memorable recordings are: "Thank God for Kids," "American Made," "Ozark Mountain Jubilee," and the one everyone hums, the celebrated, "Elvira."
The music developed early in William Lee Golden. In the small town of Brewton, Alabama, this farmer's son was performing at age seven on his grandfather's weekly radio show along with his sister, Lanette, Increasingly, he was being asked to sing on stage. It was clear early on what he wanted to do - he wanted to entertain. And, has he ever! In 1997, he was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame and presented with their "Lifework Award for Performing Achievement." Reared in the arts, his love and respect for culture continues and grows to this day. His mother, Ruth, is a recognized poet, with two published volumes of inspiring poems.
William Lee Golden has always seen God's handwriting in the world. "Traveling over 160 days each year, "he says, "I get to see the beauty and majesty of our Country. My camera is always clicking. In recent years, I have taken a brush and easel along, and try to capture the splendorous vistas as I see them." As a student and collector, Golden has had a life-long appreciation for art. Critics and collectors commend his exceptional vision and distinctive approach to color and light. "His paintings are joyful and uplifting," says a collector. An example is the Maine coast, which he has captured in several renderings of Walker's Point, the home of former First Lady, Barbara, and President George H.W. Bush in Kennebunkport. William Lee, wife, Brenda, and "the Oaks" are frequent visitors of the Bush family, inspiring Golden to paint "Walker's Point Vista," which hangs proudly at the Bush compound. He has recently painted "Bush Garden," which portrays Barbara Bush's colorful flowers. In April of 2007, the prestigious Gilcrease Museum of Art in Tulsa, Oklahoma presented his autumnal landscape, "Ozark Mountain Jubilee."
Golden's fascination with and knowledge of the Native-American way of life has earned him great respect and recognition from American Indians, notably the Cherokee Tribe and the Mountain Man Association. In 1994, he was named "Celebrity of the Year" by the Indian Exposition of Anadarko, Oklahoma, which is comprised of 15 tribes across the Nation.
William Lee, Brenda, and son, Solomon, live in Hendersonville, Tennessee in a historic home, The "Golden Era Plantation," built in 1786. Over the years his older sons Rusty, Craig and Chris, his six grandchildren and many friends have enjoyed this "peaceful home," which Golden feels, "encourages relaxation and creativity."
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