William Lee Golden

These days, William Lee Golden is all about balance. Balancing his work with The Oak Ridge Boys and his life at home with wife Simone, the love of his life, as he enters the middle part of his fifth decade with the iconic group.

Golden’s story began as the son of a farmer in rural south Alabama. Surrounded by music, he started singing at the age of seven and began performing regularly on his grandfather’s weekly radio show along with his sister, Lanette. It was there that his love of harmony came alive and by his teenage years, Golden grew to appreciate the country Gospel, doo-wop, and pop quartets. And, sure enough, it wasn’t long before he was joining up with The Oak Ridge Boys.

Nobody back home in Brewton, Alabama could’ve imagined all that Golden would accomplish with The Oak Ridge Boys since joining the band in 1965 or during his successful period as a solo artist, while on a break from the quartet.

But for as much success as he’s had as a recording artist, Golden’s no one-dimensional artist. He’s found considerable success with his paintings, and he’s finding even more success with his new visual medium, photography, where he often focuses on landscape portraits and scenes. Many of his favorite shots can be found on his official Facebook and Instagram pages.

Family has long held a special meaning to Golden. In addition to his wife Simone, Golden has four sons in Rusty, Chris, Craig, and Solomon. He also has six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Also, through his marriage to Simone, he has step-daughter Megan and another grandchild.

Golden recently released his new autobiography titled “Behind the Beard,” an honest memoir which shares stories from his childhood, through marriage and personal life, to details about being an Oak Ridge Boys member. He even answers the burning questions about his famous beard!

Golden and his sons ‘The Goldens” have released their long-awaited three albums, Old Country Church, Country Roads, and Southern Accents.’ The group came together to record over thirty classic songs spread amongst several genres—all having impacted their lives throughout the years. Each family member brings their own distinct flair to their favorite tunes on the “Golden Classics.”