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 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 has also written a book. In May 2008, New Leaf Press released Noah, Didn't It Rain, a children's book based on the Biblical story of Noah’s ark. The book features illustrations of the bearded singer as Noah. Included is an audio CD of William Lee narrating the story—as well as the Oak Ridge Boys recording of the song, Didn't It Rain.
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.” William Lee's first full exhibition was in August of 2008 at the Nashville International Airport. The airport's curator and art council selected six pieces to display in the airport's newly renovated Concourse C. The showing was held over for an unprecedented length of 10 months. Over 10 million people were exposed to his memorable landscapes.
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.”
For further information about William Lee Golden, including his new line of merchandise and art contact: www.williamleegolden.com.
